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 Listen to the complete episodes of Sky King's Mental Playground, sign up at skmp.supercast.com Follow Sky on X Subscribe on YouTube Follow Sky on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Propaganda, Art, Health, Regenerative Systems, Great Food, Economic Incentives, and building companies in an increasingly digital world.