Playlists Won’t Build Your Career — This Will...

Описание: Most artists think playlists are the secret to growing their career.
But today’s guest proves there’s a better way.

🎧 Steve Cardigan — founder of Put You On and AM Radio — has built over 500,000 playlist followers without running a single ad.
He’s redefining what music journalism looks like, coining the term “Stutter House,” and creating a new kind of club culture through his early-day house events that feel more like community than nightlife.

In this conversation, we break down:

How Steve built 500K followers organically

The truth about playlists (and why they don’t build real fans)

How content is changing the music industry in 2025

The future of artist growth through branding and storytelling

If you’re an independent artist trying to build a fanbase in today’s music world — this is one you don’t want to miss.

Steve's links:

music club: https://www.putyouon.club/music-club

the putyouon playbook (newsletter) https://stevecardigan.substack.com/

curator guide: https://www.putyouon.club/curators

playlists: https://www.putyouon.club/

🎙️ About Modern Headliner
I’m Zack Gray — artist, producer, and founder of Modern Headliner.
Over 100M streams, festival performances, top-label releases, and collaborations across the EDM world.
Now, my mission is simple: help artists turn great music into real fanbases through clarity, content, and brand.

Are you an EDM producer and are ready to take your career to the next level? If you’re serious about growing as an artist and want to work directly with me, Zack Gray, and 30+ other super-talented and motivated artists, apply for the Modern Headliner: PULSR - Inner Circle Program.

This exclusive program is designed to empower dedicated artists like you to build a sustainable career while maintaining your artistic integrity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your career. Apply now! - https://modernheadliner.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sustainablecreative.co/newsle...

Follow Steve
  / stevecardigan  
  / putyouon.club  

Follow Zack
  / zackgray  
Follow Modern Headliner
  / modernheadliner  

0:00 Intro | How Steve Accidentally Named a Genre
2:15 The Rise of “Stutter House” and 500K Followers
4:40 Who Is Steve Cardigan? From DJ to Curator
8:10 What Does It Mean to Be a Music Curator in 2025
12:45 Why AI Can’t Replace Human Taste
16:20 Building “The Plug” Events in Santa Barbara
20:10 Moving to LA and Starting a Creative Studio
24:30 How “Put You On” Began
29:10 The Birth of TikTok Music Journalism
34:00 How College Writing Shaped His Voice
38:50 Turning Failure into Direction
44:30 COVID, Rejection & the Turning Point
50:10 How AM Radio Redefines Club Culture
56:40 The Future of House Music & “Stutter House”
1:03:20 How Artists Should Think About Playlists in 2025
1:10:00 Content Over Clout | Building Real Fans
1:16:00 Why Consistency Beats Talent
1:22:30 The Power of Repetition and Passion
1:29:00 Final Advice for Independent Artists
1:36:00 Outro | Where to Find Steve & Modern Headliner


#ModernHeadliner #MusicMarketing #IndependentArtist