Composed: Scientific Wellness, Purpose & Direction for Those in the New Music Industry Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/composed-scientific-wellness-purpose-direction-for-those-in-the-new-music-industry Hosted by Janet L. van den Bergh, former product manager at Universal Music and wellness practitioner specializing in nervous-system-aligned branding and career development, and Jayson John Evans, bestselling author and music industry researcher whose work spans psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science, Composed explores the intersection of industry experience, scientific research, and internal wellbeing—providing music artists with a grounded, evidence-informed perspective on the challenges of the new music industry. Composed is here to bring rational clarity and a sense of calm to navigating one of the most complex and fast-moving industries in the world. © 2026 ListenPath 1a5bac95-922d-5642-b1a3-d0d1cbd03288 yes en Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:00:11 +1100 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:01:44 +1100 https://img.transistorcdn.com/S4frQRl3p_kT6MJAUuYkIrfIcxAWk0jaxCDjK3K3QXc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMmZm/MmY3NTJlOGFlOGNh/NWM2NTc4MjE0OTll/NDhiMy5wbmc.jpg Composed: Scientific Wellness, Purpose & Direction for Those in the New Music Industry episodic ListenPath Hosted by Janet L. van den Bergh, former product manager at Universal Music and wellness practitioner specializing in nervous-system-aligned branding and career development, and Jayson John Evans, bestselling author and music industry researcher whose work spans psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science, Composed explores the intersection of industry experience, scientific research, and internal wellbeing—providing music artists with a grounded, evidence-informed perspective on the challenges of the new music industry. Composed is here to bring rational clarity and a sense of calm to navigating one of the most complex and fast-moving industries in the world. Hosted by Janet L. music industry, music marketing, music business Jayson John Evans No No Is success in the music industry just a matter of luck? 9 9 Is success in the music industry just a matter of luck? full 4285e7f3-d23b-4f7a-b570-4a65190b8342 https://share.transistor.fm/s/961cd8a5 Many music artists think the whole industry runs on luck. Today, we dive into why that mindset holds careers back, tackling listener questions on luck versus connections, unpredictable releases, and whether to drip-feed singles or release an album whole. We talk about how to build a career that doesn’t depend on one song going viral, and challenge the idea that your success is out of your control.

Questions answered this episode:

Why is marketing music all about luck? I’ve seen incredible songs get no attention but the most random songs will blow up. I feel like nobody actually knows what is going on, which makes this all feel like luck.

It might sound depressing or whatever, but I believe the music industry is about who you know. You can have the best release strategy, but another artist knows someone who gives them some crazy opportunity. Prove me wrong!

My biggest songs have almost never been the songs I expected to do well. Sometimes an older track suddenly starts gaining traction months after release. And other times the single I put all my money behind goes nowhere. Why should we put so much importance on our releases if we can’t predict what’s going to happen?

I’m releasing an album soon and everyone keeps telling me I’m making a mistake because I should drip-feed every track as singles to maximise streams and opportunities to promote. But I want people to experience it as a cohesive body of work and I think that’ll ruin that experience. What do you think? Don’t tell me I have to release it as singles or I’ll unsubscribe. Lol.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Many music artists think the whole industry runs on luck. Today, we dive into why that mindset holds careers back, tackling listener questions on luck versus connections, unpredictable releases, and whether to drip-feed singles or release an album whole. We talk about how to build a career that doesn’t depend on one song going viral, and challenge the idea that your success is out of your control.

Questions answered this episode:

Why is marketing music all about luck? I’ve seen incredible songs get no attention but the most random songs will blow up. I feel like nobody actually knows what is going on, which makes this all feel like luck.

It might sound depressing or whatever, but I believe the music industry is about who you know. You can have the best release strategy, but another artist knows someone who gives them some crazy opportunity. Prove me wrong!

My biggest songs have almost never been the songs I expected to do well. Sometimes an older track suddenly starts gaining traction months after release. And other times the single I put all my money behind goes nowhere. Why should we put so much importance on our releases if we can’t predict what’s going to happen?

I’m releasing an album soon and everyone keeps telling me I’m making a mistake because I should drip-feed every track as singles to maximise streams and opportunities to promote. But I want people to experience it as a cohesive body of work and I think that’ll ruin that experience. What do you think? Don’t tell me I have to release it as singles or I’ll unsubscribe. Lol.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +1100 ListenPath ListenPath 3896 Many music artists think the whole industry runs on luck. Today, we dive into why that mindset holds careers back, tackling listener questions on luck versus connections, unpredictable releases, and whether to drip-feed singles or release an album whole. We talk about how to build a career that doesn’t depend on one song going viral, and challenge the idea that your success is out of your control.

Questions answered this episode:

Why is marketing music all about luck? I’ve seen incredible songs get no attention but the most random songs will blow up. I feel like nobody actually knows what is going on, which makes this all feel like luck.

It might sound depressing or whatever, but I believe the music industry is about who you know. You can have the best release strategy, but another artist knows someone who gives them some crazy opportunity. Prove me wrong!

My biggest songs have almost never been the songs I expected to do well. Sometimes an older track suddenly starts gaining traction months after release. And other times the single I put all my money behind goes nowhere. Why should we put so much importance on our releases if we can’t predict what’s going to happen?

I’m releasing an album soon and everyone keeps telling me I’m making a mistake because I should drip-feed every track as singles to maximise streams and opportunities to promote. But I want people to experience it as a cohesive body of work and I think that’ll ruin that experience. What do you think? Don’t tell me I have to release it as singles or I’ll unsubscribe. Lol.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No Why does getting exposure scare me so much? 8 8 Why does getting exposure scare me so much? full 9cc52c65-f472-4a38-9fa0-66fad16593e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/263d1fa8 Many music artists want exposure more than anything, then freeze the moment it actually arrives. Today, we dive into the fears that show up when your music starts to work, from fear of success and stage anxiety to the worry of being judged or cancelled online. We talk about why imposter syndrome never fully disappears but can be trained, and challenge the idea that you have to choose between the career you want and feeling safe in it.

Questions answered this episode:

"I really want more people to hear my music. I post so much because I want them to be seen, but whenever one of my posts starts picking up traction, I feel scared and exposed and just want to disappear. Do other artists feel this way? How can I want exposure this badly then be terrified when I actually get it?"

"I always assumed my biggest fear was that music wouldn’t work out. Recently I’ve realised I’m almost equally frightened that it will. If things genuinely took off, I’d potentially lose privacy, have people constantly evaluating me, feel pressure to keep succeeding and have much more to lose. And I think it’s making me sabotage opportunities that would help me. Is this a real thing or am I just weird?"

"I love writing and recording music, but I hate performing live. I get so anxious beforehand that I spend days dreading the show, and when I’m actually on stage I feel like I’m just waiting for it to be over. Does that mean live music is not for me? Or will that feeling eventually go away?"

"I overthink everything I post because I’m scared I’ll accidentally offend people and get cancelled or something. And the more followers I get, the more careful I get. How are you supposed to be visible online when visibility also means the potential to be judged like this?"

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Many music artists want exposure more than anything, then freeze the moment it actually arrives. Today, we dive into the fears that show up when your music starts to work, from fear of success and stage anxiety to the worry of being judged or cancelled online. We talk about why imposter syndrome never fully disappears but can be trained, and challenge the idea that you have to choose between the career you want and feeling safe in it.

Questions answered this episode:

"I really want more people to hear my music. I post so much because I want them to be seen, but whenever one of my posts starts picking up traction, I feel scared and exposed and just want to disappear. Do other artists feel this way? How can I want exposure this badly then be terrified when I actually get it?"

"I always assumed my biggest fear was that music wouldn’t work out. Recently I’ve realised I’m almost equally frightened that it will. If things genuinely took off, I’d potentially lose privacy, have people constantly evaluating me, feel pressure to keep succeeding and have much more to lose. And I think it’s making me sabotage opportunities that would help me. Is this a real thing or am I just weird?"

"I love writing and recording music, but I hate performing live. I get so anxious beforehand that I spend days dreading the show, and when I’m actually on stage I feel like I’m just waiting for it to be over. Does that mean live music is not for me? Or will that feeling eventually go away?"

"I overthink everything I post because I’m scared I’ll accidentally offend people and get cancelled or something. And the more followers I get, the more careful I get. How are you supposed to be visible online when visibility also means the potential to be judged like this?"

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +1100 ListenPath ListenPath 3459 Many music artists want exposure more than anything, then freeze the moment it actually arrives. Today, we dive into the fears that show up when your music starts to work, from fear of success and stage anxiety to the worry of being judged or cancelled online. We talk about why imposter syndrome never fully disappears but can be trained, and challenge the idea that you have to choose between the career you want and feeling safe in it.

Questions answered this episode:

"I really want more people to hear my music. I post so much because I want them to be seen, but whenever one of my posts starts picking up traction, I feel scared and exposed and just want to disappear. Do other artists feel this way? How can I want exposure this badly then be terrified when I actually get it?"

"I always assumed my biggest fear was that music wouldn’t work out. Recently I’ve realised I’m almost equally frightened that it will. If things genuinely took off, I’d potentially lose privacy, have people constantly evaluating me, feel pressure to keep succeeding and have much more to lose. And I think it’s making me sabotage opportunities that would help me. Is this a real thing or am I just weird?"

"I love writing and recording music, but I hate performing live. I get so anxious beforehand that I spend days dreading the show, and when I’m actually on stage I feel like I’m just waiting for it to be over. Does that mean live music is not for me? Or will that feeling eventually go away?"

"I overthink everything I post because I’m scared I’ll accidentally offend people and get cancelled or something. And the more followers I get, the more careful I get. How are you supposed to be visible online when visibility also means the potential to be judged like this?"

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No Is manifesting pesudoscience… Or can it help me reach my dreams? 7 7 Is manifesting pesudoscience… Or can it help me reach my dreams? full 8cf1f3d4-953d-49f8-b5a2-95f4c5f466ad https://share.transistor.fm/s/4870d425 Manifestation gets dismissed as pseudoscience or treated as magic, but is either extreme actually right? Today, we dive into what’s really happening when visualization works, answering listener questions on goal-setting without burnout, the difference between picturing success and actually moving toward it, and why an unexpected breakthrough can shift your whole sense of what’s possible. We talk about the real science behind the reticular activating system and subconscious belief, and challenge the idea that thinking about your dream career is the same as building it.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Manifestation gets dismissed as pseudoscience or treated as magic, but is either extreme actually right? Today, we dive into what’s really happening when visualization works, answering listener questions on goal-setting without burnout, the difference between picturing success and actually moving toward it, and why an unexpected breakthrough can shift your whole sense of what’s possible. We talk about the real science behind the reticular activating system and subconscious belief, and challenge the idea that thinking about your dream career is the same as building it.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +1100 ListenPath ListenPath 3928 Manifestation gets dismissed as pseudoscience or treated as magic, but is either extreme actually right? Today, we dive into what’s really happening when visualization works, answering listener questions on goal-setting without burnout, the difference between picturing success and actually moving toward it, and why an unexpected breakthrough can shift your whole sense of what’s possible. We talk about the real science behind the reticular activating system and subconscious belief, and challenge the idea that thinking about your dream career is the same as building it.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No Our secrets for... getting things done 6 6 Our secrets for... getting things done full 79aac919-5073-4720-bc84-3e22c4c9c475 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f0e3d903 Everyone's chasing more output, but what if the real secret to getting things done is knowing when to stop? Today, we dive into our personal productivity systems, sharing what's actually been working behind the scenes, from managing energy rather than time to a few controversial takes on why doing nothing can be the most productive move you make. Jayson also breaks down his interactive journaling system in full, the exact structure that's helped him stay accountable and get more done than ever before. We talk about redefining what productivity even means for a music artist, and challenge the idea that busier always means better.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Everyone's chasing more output, but what if the real secret to getting things done is knowing when to stop? Today, we dive into our personal productivity systems, sharing what's actually been working behind the scenes, from managing energy rather than time to a few controversial takes on why doing nothing can be the most productive move you make. Jayson also breaks down his interactive journaling system in full, the exact structure that's helped him stay accountable and get more done than ever before. We talk about redefining what productivity even means for a music artist, and challenge the idea that busier always means better.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 4730 Everyone's chasing more output, but what if the real secret to getting things done is knowing when to stop? Today, we dive into our personal productivity systems, sharing what's actually been working behind the scenes, from managing energy rather than time to a few controversial takes on why doing nothing can be the most productive move you make. Jayson also breaks down his interactive journaling system in full, the exact structure that's helped him stay accountable and get more done than ever before. We talk about redefining what productivity even means for a music artist, and challenge the idea that busier always means better.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No How can I truly connect with my target audience? 5 5 How can I truly connect with my target audience? full 9af0d118-3ed4-4995-a66a-ab5a5a1dc7c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e4f9c74 A small, dedicated crowd of true fans versus the constant chase for new listeners: where should artists actually be spending their energy? Today, we dive into what it really takes to turn casual streams into genuine fans, tackling listener questions on niching down without losing your audience, what "providing value" actually means for a musician (without feeling like an influencer), and how to balance nurturing your Cult listeners with growing your reach. We also talk about why losing followers can be a sign of progress, which is something you won't want to miss.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> A small, dedicated crowd of true fans versus the constant chase for new listeners: where should artists actually be spending their energy? Today, we dive into what it really takes to turn casual streams into genuine fans, tackling listener questions on niching down without losing your audience, what "providing value" actually means for a musician (without feeling like an influencer), and how to balance nurturing your Cult listeners with growing your reach. We also talk about why losing followers can be a sign of progress, which is something you won't want to miss.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 3869 A small, dedicated crowd of true fans versus the constant chase for new listeners: where should artists actually be spending their energy? Today, we dive into what it really takes to turn casual streams into genuine fans, tackling listener questions on niching down without losing your audience, what "providing value" actually means for a musician (without feeling like an influencer), and how to balance nurturing your Cult listeners with growing your reach. We also talk about why losing followers can be a sign of progress, which is something you won't want to miss.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No What if the problem is me? 4 4 What if the problem is me? full 7608e872-79da-468a-8102-64d09901c778 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d1b6234 Perfectionism, procrastination, and promotion anxiety hold back countless independent artists, but are these really separate problems or just one issue in disguise? Today, we dive into the internal blocks that stop music artists from finishing projects, putting themselves out there, and following through on their own strategies. We talk about the difference between healthy striving and self-protective perfectionism, why marketing fatigue often has more to do with mindset than method, and challenge the idea that a better strategy is ever the real fix when the real work is internal.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Perfectionism, procrastination, and promotion anxiety hold back countless independent artists, but are these really separate problems or just one issue in disguise? Today, we dive into the internal blocks that stop music artists from finishing projects, putting themselves out there, and following through on their own strategies. We talk about the difference between healthy striving and self-protective perfectionism, why marketing fatigue often has more to do with mindset than method, and challenge the idea that a better strategy is ever the real fix when the real work is internal.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 4168 Perfectionism, procrastination, and promotion anxiety hold back countless independent artists, but are these really separate problems or just one issue in disguise? Today, we dive into the internal blocks that stop music artists from finishing projects, putting themselves out there, and following through on their own strategies. We talk about the difference between healthy striving and self-protective perfectionism, why marketing fatigue often has more to do with mindset than method, and challenge the idea that a better strategy is ever the real fix when the real work is internal.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No What even is the "new music industry"? 3 3 What even is the "new music industry"? full 8eac7c7d-645a-4e01-ab4d-8d1acf711930 https://share.transistor.fm/s/103abb1a The industry keeps pushing artists to move faster, release more, and chase bigger numbers, but is that actually the path to a sustainable career? Today, we dive into what "making it" really means in the new music industry, tackling listener questions on the shift away from streaming as the only measure of success, authenticity versus audience alignment, the vinyl and physical media resurgence, and what actually separates a growing career from one that's just accumulating empty attention. We talk about why slowing down often leads to better decisions, and challenge the idea that more content, more releases, and more followers automatically add up to more impact.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> The industry keeps pushing artists to move faster, release more, and chase bigger numbers, but is that actually the path to a sustainable career? Today, we dive into what "making it" really means in the new music industry, tackling listener questions on the shift away from streaming as the only measure of success, authenticity versus audience alignment, the vinyl and physical media resurgence, and what actually separates a growing career from one that's just accumulating empty attention. We talk about why slowing down often leads to better decisions, and challenge the idea that more content, more releases, and more followers automatically add up to more impact.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 4565 The industry keeps pushing artists to move faster, release more, and chase bigger numbers, but is that actually the path to a sustainable career? Today, we dive into what "making it" really means in the new music industry, tackling listener questions on the shift away from streaming as the only measure of success, authenticity versus audience alignment, the vinyl and physical media resurgence, and what actually separates a growing career from one that's just accumulating empty attention. We talk about why slowing down often leads to better decisions, and challenge the idea that more content, more releases, and more followers automatically add up to more impact.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No Is A.I. really that bad for the music industry? 2 2 Is A.I. really that bad for the music industry? full ea717db0-6fe6-4403-bb57-c2fe6a888289 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1433e1b6 Many music artists are terrified that AI is coming for their careers, but is that fear actually justified? Today, we dive into the psychology and research behind AI in music, tackling listener questions on authenticity, discovery, admin and marketing use, and what it really means to compete with AI-generated artists. We talk about why human connection remains something AI can't replicate, and challenge the idea that more AI music in the world has to mean less opportunity for real artists.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Many music artists are terrified that AI is coming for their careers, but is that fear actually justified? Today, we dive into the psychology and research behind AI in music, tackling listener questions on authenticity, discovery, admin and marketing use, and what it really means to compete with AI-generated artists. We talk about why human connection remains something AI can't replicate, and challenge the idea that more AI music in the world has to mean less opportunity for real artists.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 3659 Many music artists are terrified that AI is coming for their careers, but is that fear actually justified? Today, we dive into the psychology and research behind AI in music, tackling listener questions on authenticity, discovery, admin and marketing use, and what it really means to compete with AI-generated artists. We talk about why human connection remains something AI can't replicate, and challenge the idea that more AI music in the world has to mean less opportunity for real artists.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No Is a blue checkmark really worth it? 1 1 Is a blue checkmark really worth it? full 31fd4ab2-dd7b-4cdc-927d-f86d6d0f9a6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef42ed4d Many music artists obsess over getting a blue checkmark, but is it worth it? Today, we dive into the psychology behind social proof and why a verification badge alone rarely moves the needle for real growth. We talk about what actually makes listeners stick around, from cohesive branding to genuine emotional connection, and challenge the idea that shortcuts like checkmarks or follower counts can replace building a real audience.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Many music artists obsess over getting a blue checkmark, but is it worth it? Today, we dive into the psychology behind social proof and why a verification badge alone rarely moves the needle for real growth. We talk about what actually makes listeners stick around, from cohesive branding to genuine emotional connection, and challenge the idea that shortcuts like checkmarks or follower counts can replace building a real audience.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000 ListenPath ListenPath 2503 Many music artists obsess over getting a blue checkmark, but is it worth it? Today, we dive into the psychology behind social proof and why a verification badge alone rarely moves the needle for real growth. We talk about what actually makes listeners stick around, from cohesive branding to genuine emotional connection, and challenge the idea that shortcuts like checkmarks or follower counts can replace building a real audience.

Get in touch:
 @composed_podcast
 @soulart_janet
 @jaysonjohnevans

]]> music industry, music marketing, music business No