Navigating the New Internet as a Human and an Artist with Zack Telander

Listen to the full podcast: https://bit.ly/SKMPTELANDER

In this episode, Zack Telander joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about art, music, discipline, and staying human in an algorithmic world. Zack breaks down what it really takes to build a creative career without selling out from playing empty rooms to opening for packed theaters1 and why impostor syndrome never fully disappears, even when you’re doing everything right. Along the way, Zack performs original songs live, breaks down his songwriting process, talks fatherhood, discipline, and why art must be fought for not optimized.

Follow Zack:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zack_telander/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zacktelander

00:00 Introduction

00:44 The Reality of Being a Musician

02:21 Passion vs. Paying the Bills

04:27 How the Music Industry Actually Works

06:38 Fame, Attention, and Staying Real

09:40 Social Media’s Grip on Creativity

17:24 AI, Algorithms, and What’s Coming Next

30:52 Connecting With Fans

31:51 Juggling Content and Music

32:19 Building Real Fans, Not Just Views

35:35 How the Songs Come Together

51:37 Music Theory (Without the Boring Parts)

57:10 Art, Emotion, and the Audience

01:05:03 The Myth of “Going All In”

01:10:07 Why Effort Shows in Art

01:12:01 Consistency Beats Motivation

01:16:02 Sponsors, Money, and Staying Honest

01:27:10 How Algorithms Shape Behavior

01:30:57 Conclusion

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