#8 - Spotify, AI and SUMO

In this episode, I dive into Spotify’s latest AI-driven features and the introduction of their new internal system, Sumo. I unpack what these changes mean for independent artists like myself. Throughout the episode, I share my own experiences and frustrations with the platform: the lack of meaningful financial returns, the push for artists to pay for reach, and the ever-increasing reliance on algorithms. I also reflect on why so many of us stay, what motivates us, and why the dream of “making it” still keeps us uploading despite the odds. Ultimately, this is part of a much wider conversation about the future of music and the urgent need for more equitable systems. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasheeran.substack.com/subscribe