The Waveform

London Beck
The Waveform

Music isn’t just sound—it’s a movement, a business, and a battleground for authenticity. Hosted by London Beck, The Waveform dives into the forces shaping the music industry, from the power struggles of gatekeepers to the unstoppable rise of independent artists. Each episode unpacks the artistry, culture, and economics of music, blending history with the pulse of what’s next. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just fascinated by the industry’s evolution, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and hidden stories behind the music we love.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    “Gatekeeper” – Power Dynamics within the Music Industry

    In today's music industry, who decides which artists succeed and which remain unheard? We explore how traditional power structures – from major labels to radio programmers – have controlled access to audiences for decades, and how these gatekeeping mechanisms continue to evolve in the digital age. Despite the promise of democratization through streaming and social media, new forms of gatekeeping have emerged through playlist curators, algorithms, and financial barriers. Join us as we examine...

    27 min

  2. APR 9

    “We Are the Streets” - The Power of Local Music Scenes

    Before sold-out arenas and platinum records, every musical revolution begins in local communities. In "We Are the Streets," we look at how underground scenes and regional sounds shape the music industry from the ground up. From the rainy garages of Seattle grunge to the block parties that birthed hip-hop in the Bronx, discover how specific places and communities create distinctive musical identities. This episode dives into the essential infrastructure that nurtures emerging talent – the sacr...

    21 min

  3. APR 2

    “All Eyes on Me” - The Evolution of Fan Engagement

    In today's digital landscape, musicians face unprecedented pressure to maintain constant visibility while fighting through saturated markets. "All Eyes on Me" explores how artists reimagine fan engagement beyond traditional social media, from creating intimate Discord communities to hosting groundbreaking virtual concerts on gaming platforms. Join us as we examine the evolution of artist-fan relationships, spotlights innovators like Childish Gambino and Charli XCX, and shares personal insight...

    21 min

  4. MAR 19

    “Walk Unafraid” – The Authenticity Dilemma

    In this episode, we dive deep into the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success in the digital age. With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, artists today face the challenge of balancing their creative vision with industry expectations. We explore how platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence music production, and how the pressure to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape often leads to an illusion of authenticity. We’ll also examine the real cost...

    29 min

  5. MAR 12

    “The Times They Are A-Changin’” - How the Music Industry is Shifting Today

    The music industry is changing at a pace we’ve never seen before. From the decline of traditional record sales to the rise of AI-generated tracks, social media-driven virality, and new ways for artists to make money, today’s landscape looks nothing like it did even a decade ago. In this episode, we discuss how streaming, TikTok, and algorithmic discovery have reshaped how we find and consume music—and what that means for artists trying to build a lasting career. But discovery is only part of...

    33 min

  6. MAR 5

    “A Song for You” - The Therapeutic Power of Sound

    In a world that rarely slows down, music has the power to ground us, heal us, and help us process emotions we can’t always put into words. In this episode of The Waveform, we shift from music as a protest to music as self-care, exploring how sound can be a tool for restoration and reflection. We’ll dive into the emotional weight and healing presence of albums like A Seat at the Table by Solange, which became a soundtrack of resilience during the Black Lives Matter movement, and reflect on the...

    31 min

  7. FEB 26

    “What’s Going On?” - Music as Protest and Zeitgeist

    In this inaugural episode, we explore the powerful role of music in times of social and political unrest. We delve into how iconic artists like Mahalia Jackson, U2, and Googoosh used their music to amplify the voices of the oppressed and spark change. Through songs like Demi Lovato’s “Swine” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” we also analyze how protest music has evolved as a vital tool for activism in today’s digital age.

    27 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Music isn’t just sound—it’s a movement, a business, and a battleground for authenticity. Hosted by London Beck, The Waveform dives into the forces shaping the music industry, from the power struggles of gatekeepers to the unstoppable rise of independent artists. Each episode unpacks the artistry, culture, and economics of music, blending history with the pulse of what’s next. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just fascinated by the industry’s evolution, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the highs, lows, and hidden stories behind the music we love.

Information

  • Creator
    London Beck
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Renivere Recording. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Waveform

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