EP 24: Understanding Digital Marketing in 2026 (feat. Ely Waves)

In this episode, Dylan brings on Ely Waves to help delve into the strategic world of music marketing, focusing on digital advertising and understanding the Spotify algorithms. Ely runs Waves Music Marketing, a digital ad company that helps artists reach new ears, the right way. These two share insights on effective growth tactics, the importance of authentic content, and how to aim for long-term success. 00:59 Ely Waves' Background and Experience 02:19 The Role of Digital Ads in Music Marketing 04:17 The Right and Wrong Ways to Use Ads 05:52 Avoiding Sketchy Spotify Stream Buying 13:29 The Evolution of Spotify's Algorithm and How to Adapt 19:07 The Role of Ads in Long-Term Growth 25:54 The Importance of Consistent Release Strategies 32:17 The Impact of Quality Visuals and Branding 43:59 Building Genuine Relationships and Trust 01:09:06 The Mindset of Betting on Your Music 01:24:59 The Long Game: Patience and Self-Belief Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.