This year marks 25 years since Drowned in Sound launched, and rather than obsessing about the past, we will be gazing into the future, trying to work out what music will be like in 2050.

In this prologue episode, Sean Adams, the founder of Drowned in Sound, reflects a little bit on his 25-year journey and examines the current challenges facing music, from economic barriers to the impact of technology and AI. He discusses the importance of grassroots venues, the role of music in our lives, and the potential for both dystopian and utopian futures. Along the way, he plans on speaking with industry experts, musicians, and pioneers to uncover insights and envision solutions for a sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem. Join this open research project to explore how we can shape a better future for music.

This was an unscripted ramble, so you can read a little more in our recent newsletter. 00:00 Introduction: The Big Question for 2025 00:35 Reflecting on 25 Years of Drowned in Sound 02:07 Challenges Facing the Music Industry 04:22 Exploring Solutions and Innovations 06:53 The Future of Music: Utopia or Dystopia? 08:36 Join the Journey: Open Research Project

In part two of this Q&A experiment, Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams delves into various topics, including the process of discovering new music, the complexities of the music industry, and nostalgic reflections on MySpace and defunct London music venues.

He also touches on the importance of human connection in music curation, potential improvements for music streaming platforms, and the socio-political challenges affecting the UK's music industry post-Brexit. Additionally, Sean reflects on memorable interviews.

Thank you to everyone for your questions, please submit any for the next edition to sean@drownedinsound.org and be sure to subscribe to the newsletter at drownedinsound.org

To mark Drowned in Sound's 24th anniversary and before we begin a new season of the podcast, Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams answers your questions.

Here are some links related to topics covered in the Q&A in case you'd like more context.

• Listen to: Choose a Bright Morning by Jeniferever on Bandcamp
• Read: Wendy Roby's brilliant review of Plastic Beach by Gorillaz
• Listen to: Mystery Jets featuring Laura Marling
• Read: Mike Diver's 2005 interview with Saul Williams
• Read: DiScover Santigold

Questions for this episode submitted by our social media followers and over on the Drowned in Sound forums:

Sweetsonix on Twitter: A nice easy one. How do we return respect to, and appreciation of, the arts?

Anthony Gibbons who wrote for DiS in the early days: I've had my fair share of interviewing gaffes in my time, so what is the most cringeworthy question you've asked an interviewee and what was their response?

Body in the Thames: If you had to do it all over again, what one thing would you change?

My Yada on DiS forums: What was the first review on the site?

Drastic Measures: Were you aware that Drowned rhymed with Sound when you came up with the name, or was it just a happy coincidence?

Icarus Smicarus: If you could be a DiS album review, which DiS album review would you be?

Jamie Cameron: What happened to Jeniferever?

Rose Wiles: Favourite gig at Verdis?!

Karl Hamilton: Why weren't Microdisney massive?

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