Join Charlotte and Jasmin (p.k.a TĀLĀ) of Ellevate as they conduct a vital temperature check on the world's biggest streaming giant. In the wake of the annual Spotify Wrapped hype, it’s easy to get swept up in the data—but what is the true cost of our current consumption habits?

In this episode, Charlotte and Jasmin strip back the glossy interface to discuss how Spotify has fundamentally rewired the music industry. They ask the hard questions: Has the platform actually democratized music, or has it created a "flattened" and dulled-down version of the industry where everything sounds the same to please the algorithm?

They also step into a fascinating "What If?" scenario. In an alternative universe where streaming services were never introduced and piracy continued to run rampant and unchecked, would artists be better off? Would we still be facing the same crisis of discoverability and the same battles over fair pay, or would a lack of central gatekeepers have forced a more resilient, community-led industry?

Listen now to explore:

• The Spotify Wrapped effect: Why we love the data, but what it masks about the reality of being a working artist.
• Democratization vs. Homogenization: Whether Spotify opened doors for everyone or just created a "factory floor" for background music.
• The Alternative Timeline: A deep dive into whether a world of unchecked piracy would have resulted in the same payout and discovery issues we face in 2025.
• The "Flattening" of Taste: How the shift from active searching to passive algorithmic listening is changing the way we value art.

Find out more about ellevate: https://ellevate.studio/ ellevate TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellevate.studios ellevate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellevate.studios

Jasmin's Socials https://www.tiktok.com/@talatheduchesshttps://www.instagram.com/tala_official/?hl=en Find her on all streaming platforms by searching TĀLĀ

Charlotte's Socials https://www.instagram.com/charli_caleb/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-caleb/