Sean Adams

About

I launched a music newsletter in 1998 that evolved into the pioneering online magazine Drowned in Sound in 2000. Over the years, DiS has grown from a simple blog into a cornerstone of the music scene. With a penchant for ambient drone records, bombastic pop, and a knack for predicting the next big thing, I’ve led DiS to not only spotlight emerging talents online and through my record label but also push online publishing forward. Our podcast, launched in 2005 when the medium was still in its infancy, set the tone for thoughtful musical discourse. Similarly, our curated playlists made waves when Spotify was just a beta. My role has expanded to include artist management and strategic consulting. In recent years, working with artists like Charlotte Church and The Anchoress, I’ve focused on empowering artists to take control of their careers. My consultancy work leverages an extensive network and deep understanding of the music and tech industries to craft strategies that resonate culturally and commercially. Whether it’s steering a viral election campaign that helped 1.5 million voters cast their votes tactically, or advising startups on how to break into the music scene, I bring a strategic eye and a creative heart to every project. At conferences and in classrooms, I delve into the intersection of music and technology, advocating for a fairer, more inclusive, and purpose-filled music industry.