Drowned in Sound

Sean Adams
  • 4.5 (4)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Drowned in Sound

Sean Adams hosts conversations on the future of music. From inclusion in the industry to the sustainability of music journalism, the founder of the pioneering music blog Drowned in Sound (est. 2000) explores the importance of justice, truth, possibilities, and the joy of music.

  1. Can You Hear Earth Singing? Meet Musicians Using Sound to Protect the Planet

    APR 12

    Can You Hear Earth Singing? Meet Musicians Using Sound to Protect the Planet

    What does a melting glacier sound like? Can a rainforest sing? And what happens when the last bird of its species hears a recording and tries to reply? In this special live edition of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, recorded at Tallinn Music Week, host Sean Adams moderates a powerful conversation on music, ecology, and collective action. Joined by artists and innovators from the EarthSonic project, the panel explores how field recordings, plant biofeedback, and immersive sound can shift our understanding of the planet — and why that emotional shift matters. From Brazil’s disappearing biodiversity to sound fossils in the Swiss Alps, this episode weaves together music, activism, and indigenous wisdom in an urgent yet hopeful conversation about art’s role in averting climate collapse. Plus Ruth from In Place of War reveals their new project with Bicep in Greenland that launches in summer 2025. Featured Guests & Projects: ⁠Natural Symphony (Joey Dean)⁠⁠Ludwig Berger⁠⁠In Place of War / EarthSonic (Ruth Daniel)⁠⁠Martyn Ware (Heaven 17 / Human League)⁠ Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 03:00 – Ruth Daniel on the origins of In Place of War and EarthSonic06:00 – Ludwig Berger: Listening to melting glaciers through hydrophones11:00 – Martyn Ware (Heaven 17/The Human League) on sonifying endangered species and synthetic forests17:00 – Natural Symphony: Collaborating with plants and reforesting the Amazon27:00 – The power of sound to bridge disconnection and inspire action33:00 – Building cultural change through art and emotional resonance39:00 – Sound healing, deep listening, and making the unseen audible45:00 – What capitalism doesn’t want us to feel — and why art matters52:00 – Indigenous wisdom, urban detachment, and finding your own tree58:00 – Hopeful projects, collective agency, and calling in the music industry Mentioned in the Episode: "The Last Scream" new releaseCrying Glacier movieEarthSonic panel replay via the TMW.EE website Join the Conversation: Drowned in Sound CommunityEmail Sean → sean@drownedinsound.orgFollow Sean on BlueskySubscribe to the DiS Newsletter

    1h 5m
  2. Synths, Sound & Music's Future with Martyn Ware (The Human League / Heaven 17 / BEF / Electronically Yours podcast)

    APR 12

    Synths, Sound & Music's Future with Martyn Ware (The Human League / Heaven 17 / BEF / Electronically Yours podcast)

    What did the future sound like when the synthesizer first arrived? What does it feel like now, with AI looming and immersive audio spaces on the rise? In this special episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, recorded at Tallinn Music Week, Sean Adams speaks with Martyn Ware — founder of The Human League and Heaven 17, producer for acts ranging from Tina Turner to Erasure, and creator of some of the UK’s most ambitious sound installations. This is a conversation about optimism and dystopia, about punk and purpose, and about how DIY culture in Sheffield shaped a career that’s still future-facing today. Martyn also reflects on his podcast Electronically Yours, the legacy of sound, and how creative freedom can reshape confidence, community, and cultural memory. Timestamps & Topics: 01:32 – Synths, Sheffield, and starting out07:00 – Curiosity and creative confidence10:00 – From charts to immersive installations14:30 – Podcasting and preserving legacy20:00 – What would a Martyn Ware bar sound like?25:00 – Optimism, memory, and what comes next Further Listening & Resources: 🎙️ Electronically Yours podcast🔊 Illustrious Company (immersive audio)🧠 Sounds of Our Shores installation Stay Connected: 🗣 Drowned in Sound Community📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org🔵 Follow Sean on Bluesky📰 Subscribe to the DiS Newsletter About the Guest: Martyn Ware is a pioneering British musician, producer, and sound artist. As a founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17, and co-founder of British Electric Foundation, he helped define the sound of synth-pop while pushing boundaries in spatial audio, immersive installations, and political music-making. He also hosts the acclaimed podcast Electronically Yours. About the Host: Sean Adams turned his passion for music into Drowned in Sound, a UK-based music platform that launched in 2000. He also manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, and works across strategic communications in the music and creative sectors.

    31 min
  3. Offline Joy: The Do-It-Together Spirit Fueling Stealing Sheep’s New Era

    MAR 30

    Offline Joy: The Do-It-Together Spirit Fueling Stealing Sheep’s New Era

    What's it like to be an artist right now? And what does the future of music look like? Will it be AI-generated slop or a joyful return to community and creativity? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks to Becky Hawley from the art-pop trio Stealing Sheep. From the launch of their new label G-IRL (Girl In Real Life) to their reflections on DIY culture, Liverpool’s music scene, and 15 years of creative evolution, this episode is full of inspiring insights about building something real in a digital world. Expect discussion of Daft Punk, community over algorithms, mechanical bulls, offline joy, and what it really means to be a band in 2025. 📌 Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & New Album Campaign01:56 – What Will Music Be Like in 2050?04:54 – Joy, Fears, and Creative Challenges07:19 – The Sound of Stealing Sheep: Riding the Bull of Tech10:37 – G-IRL: Launching Their Own Record Label20:33 – Liverpool as Inspiration & Music City25:23 – Album Campaign Concepts & Offline Joy29:18 – Let’s Go! New Single & Album Themes30:59 – Artistic Identity, Collaborations & Creative Growth33:50 – Lessons Learned from 15 Years in Music38:05 – Building Community, Offline Spaces, & Human Connection42:57 – Supporting Grassroots Scenes49:01 – AI, Future Tech & Music’s Utopian Possibilities52:21 – Final Reflections: What Artists Need to Unlearn Links New Single “Let’s Go”Watch the Music VideoTatty Devine CollabGuerrilla Girls Join the Conversation: 🗣 Drowned in Sound Community📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org🔵 Follow on Bluesky About the Guest: Becky Hawley is one-third of Stealing Sheep, a Liverpool-based band known for their innovative, genre-defying sound. The trio recently launched their own record label, G-IRL (Girl In Real Life), to support their own work and that of other boundary-pushing creatives. About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, a pioneering music webzine launched in 2000. He also manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, and works across campaigns that support independent and ethical approaches to music and media.

    59 min
  4. A Goth Walked Into Nature To Make a Radio Show. A Zine Walked Out.

    MAR 23

    A Goth Walked Into Nature To Make a Radio Show. A Zine Walked Out.

    A conversation about Fresh Hell, subcultures in nature, and shifting the climate narrative through creativity. In this episode of the podcast that maps what music will be like in 2050 by meeting cultural changemakers and pioneers, Sean Adams explores how the Fresh Hell zine - a collaboration between creatives from the agency Iris and Purpose Disruptors (download it here) - reframes our relationship with nature through goth culture, beauty, and imagination. Featuring clips from Freya Beer’s special Gothic Disco radio broadcast recorded at Walthamstow Wetlands (listen to it on Mixcloud here), featuring reflections from Lira Valencia and Chris Packham, which inspired the zine, we explore what happens when goth culture meets the natural world. This conversation with Purpose Disruptors who run the Agency for Nature & the creators of Fresh Hell zine, examines how creativity can help us move from awe of the natural world to cultural transformation—and what musicians, media, and fans can do to help shift the climate crisis narrative. Aimee Brewerton – Comms & Engagement Manager at Purpose Disruptors, working across climate-focused storytelling, brand strategy, and cultural transformation. Nicole Vanner – Designer at Iris, co-creator of Fresh Hell, blending gothic subculture with natural aesthetics in visual communication. Andrew Hadley – Copywriter at Iris, co-author of Fresh Hell, exploring language that rewilds desire and reframes our connection to nature. Purpose Disruptors – A UK-based network of 5,000+ creative professionals transforming the advertising industry to align with climate goals and societal well-being. Iris – A global creative agency known for working with progressive brands and championing purpose-driven campaigns. Agency for Nature – A project platform by Purpose Disruptors that reimagines communications through a regenerative, nature-first lens — including campaigns like Fresh Hell. Episode Summary & Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Change the Climate Conversation?00:31 Exploring the Goths in Nature Project01:23 Meeting the Change Makers04:20 Chris Packham's Punk and Nature Connection06:52 The Future of Our Planet in 205011:27 Purpose Disruptors: Changing the Advertising Narrative14:17 Creating the Goths in Nature Magazine25:09 The Role of Nature in Mental Health30:01 Spotting the Moor Hen30:52 Goth Music and Personal Favorites31:20 From Radio Show to Zine32:44 Chris Packham's Contribution35:04 Celebrating Nature and Subculture38:49 Nature as a Client40:00 Collaborative Efforts and Creative Freedom48:01 Impact and Mindset Shift58:39 Future Hopes and Accountability01:08:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Featured Links & Resources: Fresh Hell ZinePurpose DisruptorsFreya Beer’s Gothic DiscoLira Valencia (Instagram)Bird Nerdeem (Instagram)Freya Beer (Instagram)Agency for NatureWalthamstow WetlandsLawyers for NatureEarth PercentCreatives for ClimateGood Life 2030 short film Songs Mentioned: Something to Remember Me By – The HorrorsThis Corrosion – Sisters of MercySoundtrack to previous episodes by Sound Mirror now available on Bandcamp Join the Conversation: Drowned in Sound CommunityEmail: sean@drownedinsound.orgFollow on Bluesky Upgrade to support my work: Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound newsletter

    1h 13m
  5. Are Cover Bands Killing Music Scenes? (Q&A Episode)

    MAR 20 · BONUS

    Are Cover Bands Killing Music Scenes? (Q&A Episode)

    Drowned in Sound founder and DiS podcast host, Sean Adams answers your questions. Send Qs for future episodes to sean@drownedinsound.org. Links mentioned in this episode Article: Cafe Oto at Oscars - The GuardianArtist Recommendation: Nina VersypArtist Recommendation: TTSSFUArtist Recommendation: Maella Video: Apple on Dolby AtmosTicket App: DiceLink: Tim Burgess listening partyArticle: Bjork immersive album Bowers + Wilkins Drink: Icelandic drink Black DeathVenue Recommendation: Trades Club in Hebden Bridge Music by Sound Mirror, available on Bandcamp here: https://sound-mirror.bandcamp.com/album/lake-wind-water-mountain Your Questions: Alex Lee Thompson: Are ”scenes” over? Unpack that question as you like Simon Marshall: After the excellent live bands to look out for article, sponsored by Seetickets, I would be interested in your views on the ticket selling part of the music industry - as a music consumer the DICE app was and is a revelation, what is your experience, and what is the best place to buy to support artists and venues?  Ear Protect Req: What three bands or artists should we be checking out live? Soundmirrorworld: Will the Atmos, immersive audio bubble burst? Or keep going ’til we’re full frontal? Alex Botten: What do you think about the hoards of zombie cover bands eating up local venues. Are they helping or hurting the scene? (I believe profoundly hurting) Eric Weiner: Would love to hear your thoughts on the listening party. Are they ever any good? What’s the perfect album release party? Grimes quote in full: Honestly the thing I like most about k pop is its an actual scene - reminds me Canadian punk scenes or the indie scene  back in the day where like if your integrated enough there's like a constant feed of beauty with sort of known rituals, built in community, and like a collective excitement that is contagious and life affirming. I see how music scenes function effectively as a quasi religious institutions in a secular society. The extreme corporatization of music followed by Covid was very culturally harmful imo cuz a healthy modern music scene is actually a functional religious replacement - if one assumes the mind is better served by access to a healthy community that produces art, has events, shared morality and values, messiahs haha etc. Techno and emo rap similarly ensnared me over the last decade to an extent but they seem less "all ages"

    25 min

  6. MAR 16

    The Report That Shook the Music Industry & Exposed Inequality

    Why does gender bias still dominate radio airplay? And how did one data report force the industry to face its inequalities? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams talks to Linda Coogan Byrne, activist and music consultant behind the Why Not Her? campaign. Her reports have exposed gender and racial disparities in radio airplay, driving real industry change. This conversation reveals how data is power or as Linda puts it,  “the data validates lived experiences.” 00:00 – Introduction: How One Report Changed Music01:45 – Meet Linda Coogan Byrne & Her Data Reports04:30 – The Shocking Gender Disparity in Radio07:00 – Industry Reactions: Denial, Excuses & Pushback11:00 – Thin Lizzy, Protest Billboards & Music Activism15:30 – Has the Industry Improved or Is It Lip Service?21:00 – Can Music Ever Be Equal?30:00 – Why Not Everyone Can Be an Activist38:00 – What Needs to Change for Lasting Equality?45:00 – How Data Holds Power to Account50:00 – Final Thoughts & Actionable Takeaways Links Why Not Her? Reports → https://whynother.eu/data-reportsGender Bias in UK Radio – The Guardian → https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/21/female-british-artists-underrepresented-on-uk-radio-survey-finds Book More Women (Festival Representation) → https://www.instagram.com/bookmorewomen/Activist Recommendations: Mona Eltahawy → https://www.instagram.com/monaeltahawyEmma Dabiri - Don’t Touch My Hair → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9780141986289Mary Beard - Women & Power → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781788160612Ijeoma Oluo - Mediocre → https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14603/9781529353839Check My Ads (Ad Funding & Misinformation) → https://checkmyads.org/ 🗣 Discuss this episode over on the Drowned in Sound Community → https://community.drownedinsound.com/📩 Email Sean → sean@drownedinsound.org🔵 Follow on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/drownedinsound.bsky.social📩 Get the DiS Newsletter → https://drownedinsound.org ABOUT THE GUEST Linda Coogan Byrne is a music industry consultant, publicist, and activist known for her gender & racial disparity data reports. She is the CEO of Good Seed PR and founder of Why Not Her?, a campaign pushing for cultural change in music. Her work has influenced radio airplay, festival bookings, and policy decisions. She has been named among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Ireland, inducted into the Music Week Hall of Honour, and recognized by IMPALA as a Top 20 Woman in Music Activism. ABOUT THE HOST Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, a pioneering music webzine launched in 2000. Beyond editorial work, he manages artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic music industry and political advocacy projects. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists worldwide.

    1h 9m
  7. How Do We Save Our Music Scenes? Meet Sound Diplomacy’s Shain Shapiro

    MAR 2

    How Do We Save Our Music Scenes? Meet Sound Diplomacy’s Shain Shapiro

    What makes a great music city? How do governments, venues, and fans keep local music scenes alive? And why is music still not treated as an essential part of a city’s economy? In this episode of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Shain Shapiro, founder of Sound Diplomacy and a leading advocate for integrating music into urban policy. Shain has advised cities and governments worldwide on how to invest in music, build better infrastructure, and ensure that artists and venues don’t just survive but thrive. The future of music scenes isn’t just about artists - it’s about infrastructure, investment, and policy. Without real change, we risk losing the cultural spaces that make music thrive. Topics Covered: The future of music cities: Why local scenes are vital and how they can be protected Music as an economic and public good: Why governments should treat music like any other essential sector Emerging music markets: Where the global music hotspots of the future might be Live Nation: How monopolies shape local music ecosystems The importance of local media and community spaces in sustaining music scenes How cities can future-proof music amid climate, economic, and technological shifts Shain Shapiro explains: “We don’t make data-driven decisions about music the way we do about transit, healthcare, or housing, yet music is an essential part of a city’s fabric.” Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Can We Save Our Music Scenes? 01:04 – The Future of Music: What Will 2050 Sound Like? 02:33 – The Big Challenges Facing the Music Industry 04:44 – Music as an Economic & Public Good: Why Governments Should Care 09:11 – Shain’s Journey: From Record Shops to Global Music Policy 14:08 – Music Cities: How Governments Can Invest in Local Scenes 19:51 – Global Music Growth: Why Africa & Southeast Asia Are the Future 28:25 – Community & Local Government’s Role in Music Sustainability 35:50 – The Live Nation Monopoly, Local Media, & How Cities Can Push Back 40:00 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Change & What Fans Can Do Further Reading & Resources: Sound Diplomacy – Leading global consultancy on music and city planning Making Places Better Newsletter – Shain Shapiro’s insights on improving urban spaces through music and culture Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots venues Cardiff Music Strategy – A model for city-led music investment Fonds de la Musique Canada – Canada’s funding model for music exports Live DMA – European network for live music venues Join the discussion on the Drowned in Sound Community, message me on Bluesky, or email me at sean@drownedinsound.org. Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music. About the Host: Sean Adams is the founder of Drowned in Sound, established in 2000 as a pioneering music webzine. Beyond his editorial work, Sean manages artists such as Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, operates the DiS independent record label, and contributes to strategic communications for music initiatives like Music Venue Trust. His passion lies in championing diverse music scenes and supporting artists across genres. About the Guest: Shain Shapiro, PhD is the founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy, the leading global consultancy on music and city planning. He also serves as the executive director of the not-for-profit Center for Music Ecosystems. Shain has authored This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, exploring the intersection of music and urban development. His work has influenced over 130 cities worldwide to invest in music and culture, redefining the value of music in urban settings.

    40 min
  8. Festivals For Future: Frances Fox on Music’s Role in Climate Justice

    FEB 23

    Festivals For Future: Frances Fox on Music’s Role in Climate Justice

    Music has long been a force for change but as extreme weather disrupts events and the industry grapples with its own environmental footprint, can music be a meaningful part of the climate justice movement? In episode 2 of season 3 of the Drowned in Sound Podcast, Sean Adams speaks with Frances Fox, founder of Climate Live and a leader in the UK’s youth climate strikes. Frances shares her journey from music fan to activist, why festivals are powerful spaces for engagement, and how the music industry can move beyond greenwashing to drive real action. This episode explores: Why festivals are at risk from the climate crisis How music fans can help shape the climate conversation The role of artists, venues & labels in pushing for a sustainable future The reality of music’s carbon footprint and what needs to change The Solar-Powered Pink Bus—and why Climate Live is taking a message of climate justice straight to festival crowds whilst applying glitter and temporary tattoos From touring impacts to activism strategies, this episode breaks down the intersection of music and climate justice, offering real insights into what fans, artists, and the industry can do next. “Engaging the unengaged is my jam—when you meet people where they're at, like at a festival, it's very chill.” – Frances Fox Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction: Can Music Be a Force for Climate Justice?05:00 – Frances Fox’s Journey: From Festival-Goer to Climate Activist09:20 – Festivals & Climate Change: How Extreme Weather Is Reshaping Live Music15:40 – Touring, Vinyl & Streaming: The Hidden Environmental Cost of Music22:00 – The Solar-Powered Pink Bus: Taking Climate Conversations to Festivals30:00 – Roles in the Resistance: How Fans & Artists Can Push for Industry Change40:00 – Call to Action: What’s Next & How Listeners Can Get Involved Further Reading & Resources: Climate Live – Join the movement and apply to perform Fridays for Future – Global climate strike movement Choked Up – Campaigning for air quality in marginalized communities Disha Ravi – Indian climate activist's Wiki Roles in the Resistance Poster – Find your place in climate activism Julie's Bicycle – Sustainability in the creative arts Tori Tsui – Climate activist and author of It's Not Just You Dominique Palmer – Climate activist and speaker Music Declares Emergency – Musicians demanding climate action Music Venue Trust – Protecting grassroots music venues Safe Gigs for Women – Creating safer environments for women at gigs Teach The Future - teachthefuture.uk Rozzi - Artist who wrote a song about LA fires Stop Rosebank – Campaign against new oil fields Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Ending fossil fuel expansion EarthPercent – Brian Eno’s initiative for climate funding Make My Money Matter – How your bank funds fossil fuels Rainforest Foundation UK – Protecting the Congo Basin Reverb – Eco-friendly music tours Massive Attack's Climate Initiatives – Band's efforts for sustainable festivals 📩 Get More Music Insights – Subscribe to the Drowned in Sound Newsletter for deep dives into the future of music: http://drownedinsound.org 🎵 Music by SoundMirror Why This Matters: Festivals are already being disrupted—Boardmasters, Standon Calling, and others have faced cancellations due to extreme weather, and independent festivals may not survive rising insurance costs. The music industry still relies on fossil fuels—From plastic-heavy vinyl production to major labels backed by oil & gas investments, there’s a deeper connection than many realise. Musicians & fans have power—From sustainable touring to rethinking sponsorships, music can lead the way—but only if more people demand change.

    1h 6m
See All (38)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Sean Adams hosts conversations on the future of music. From inclusion in the industry to the sustainability of music journalism, the founder of the pioneering music blog Drowned in Sound (est. 2000) explores the importance of justice, truth, possibilities, and the joy of music.

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Adams
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sean Adams
  • Show Website
    Drowned in Sound

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada