The modern consumer is no longer willing to sit in “listen only” mode. Instead they desire to participate in a way that allows them to connect, collaborate, and feel a sense of ownership in brands they trust. Going forward, brands that have the ability to leverage physical and digital space simultaneously to create connections amongst their consumer base will have a competitive advantage. We're on a journey to explore this new landscape for music by building Phlote into a first-of-its-kind music brand that offers the millions of musicians who are outside the music industry looking in, the ability to participate in a brand new way.

In today's world, it's incredible to see how technology is shaped by its early users. Whether it's the device you're using to read this or the software displaying it, the internet platforms thrive on contributions from an early community of users who are passionate about the product.

In a world where music's value has long been extracted by platforms to the detriment of creators, a new era is dawning—one where artists seize control of the value they create. Welcome to the ownership era of music.

This cold December morning is easing along and as I get up to stretch and get some fresh air Central Cee’s “One Up” feels like my stretch. I switch to my airpods and smother my body in a long peacoat. The feeling to move, run, walk, jog, matches this song instantly. I take a normal stroll that used to be a jog when it was warmer. Watching my breath in the crisp air gives a nice pause to the morning. The song, now walking beside me in my airpods, its keeping pace wonderfully. Central Cee’s accent hits pockets on the beat that give life to each one of my steps.

Louis Culture has had a successful year, with a sold-out headlining show that was as energetic as his music. His sound is a fusion of garage, 2-step, and hip-hop, giving it a distinctly British flavor. Louis is a member of the South London ElevationMeditation collective and his latest project, "When Life Presents Obstacles," is definitely worth checking out.

The first guitars of Khruangbin’s “People Everywhere” hit like a Bee Gees disco classic. A recipe of toe tapping and head nodding while multitasking and just as your getting into the song, it's over. Shorter than desired but an almost perfect song to answer emails to. This record is a great introduction to this band and hits at just the right pace to keep your morning going.

I walked into a smoke filled room with the words “free” dancing throughout the air. The sounds touched my soul as I walked up another set of stairs into the A studio. Aundrey was working alongside the legendary Anthony Kilhoffer.

Atlanta rapper Destroy Lonely has had a successful year in the music industry, with the release of his studio album NO STYLIST and touring alongside Ken Carson on the "The X\_Man Tour." Destroy Lonely comes from a musical background, with his father being I-20 of Ludacris' Disturbing the Peace label. His style is influenced by the dark aesthetic popularized by Playboi Carti, but he has managed to create a sound that is uniquely his own.

"So Icy Boyz: The Finale", Gucci Mane's latest release, is a massive four-disc compilation produced by Zaytoven that features 80 tracks. At over three hours in length, it might be the first long form album in recent history.