This is a solo episode! I break down four topics I keep thinking about:

1. Saudi Arabia investing in music
2. The “Song of the Summer” is no more
3. Pop star decline: winners, losers, and trends
4. Spotify’s podcast strategy and the creator economy

[00:03:50] Saudi investors exploring entertainment and tech, except music.

[00:07:18] Music festivals present opportunity for strategic investment.

[00:08:15] Investment activity in acquiring back catalog.

[00:12:40] Songs of summer: fragmented, subjective, lost meaning.

[00:15:20] Song anticipates spring/summer, dominates airwaves, summer-themed video.

[00:22:50] Pop star decline: articles highlight big changes.

[00:26:48] Limited inventory shifted to infinite digital options.

[00:30:41] Music industry shifts in less than a decade.

[00:34:33] Valuable data for advertisers and podcasters.

[00:36:55] ConvertKit founder rejects Spotify acquisition attempt; insights on equity sharing for bootstrap businesses. Podcasters’ success rate low but valuable. Creator economy companies seek capital for growth.

[00:39:56] Unicorn-like success stories, underestimated expectations.

[00:42:13] Personalized services to artists, potentially disrupting the traditional role of major record labels.

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