Algorithmic gaze: Would you still be creating if no one was watching? (Champagne Whispers 43)

We see you, with the fake followers and fake love…Was Amelia Dimoldenberg an overnight success? Did Sabrina Carpenter reach viral fame with her debut single? Absolutely not! With many ‘sudden’ success story, there are years of trials, failures, and endurance to keep going with your passion.This week, we discuss the messiness of creating, including constant rebrands and the ‘cringe’ of posting into the void. Is it sellout behaviour to chase trends in place of making art that feels natural to you? We consider the avenues of growing an audience in an authentic and sustainable way, and whether we can truly survive in an industry that thrives upon the ‘algorithmic gaze’.With increasing pressure to ‘make it’, embarrassment in failing publicly, and the unpredictability of the online sphere, we unpack the myths of podcasting and content creation. Whether this reaches a million people, or just our parents, this one is for you. Lots of love,Lilyemma & Eliz xxx