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The music industry is broken—and Jaeson Ma is here to fix it. On this episode of The AI Download, Shira Lazar sits down with the co-founder and CEO of OpenWav, a platform reimagining how independent artists make money, build superfans, and own their creativity.
👉Special Thanks to Hivelighter for sponsoring this series —Dive deeper, scroll less. The AI-powered tool that supercharges your reading and research with personalized insights. For more go to: https://www.hivelighter.com
Co-Founder by Wyclef Jean and shaped by Jaeson's own journey as a media mogul and investor (88rising, EST Studios), OpenWav combines AI, Web3, and on-demand merch to give artists a label in their pocket. This is not about getting more followers—it's about getting the right ones.
They dive deep into:
🔹 Why less than 1% of artists make over $10K a year on streaming—and how OpenWave flips the script
🔹 How AI lets creators design merch, videos, and marketing tools in minutes
🔹 Why superfans—not algorithms—are the key to success in 2025
🔹 Wyclef Jean’s role as Chief Music Officer and his belief in putting “artists over algorithms”
🔹 The difference between real talent and TikTok fame—and how the industry must adapt
🔹 Why artists need to understand AI now to stay ahead (hint: it's your new manager, promoter & designer)
This is a must-listen for musicians, creators, and anyone building a business from their brand. OpenWav isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement. https://openwav.ai/
🎙 Guest: Jaeson Ma
CEO & Co-founder, OpenWav
CEO & Co-founder, OpenWav
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Credits
This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira
Creators and Guests
What is The AI Download ?
– AI News with a Human Touch
AI is transforming how we work, create, and connect—but what does that mean for the future of content, business, and creativity?
Hosted by Emmy-nominated digital pioneer Shira Lazar, The AI Download is your go-to source for sharp insights, expert interviews, and real-world discussions on AI, emerging tech, and the creator economy.
Each week, we break down the biggest AI trends, explore its impact on creativity and business, and bring you candid conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors shaping the future.
Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just AI-curious, this podcast deciphers what’s next—and why it matters.
🔹 New episodes every week
🔹 Featuring top experts & thought leaders
🔹 Where AI meets culture, creativity, and business
Stay ahead of the curve!
This episode of The AI Download is hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive production by Michele Musso, with video and audio editing by the Musso Media team. Creative Design Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Unicorn Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.