Who’s Shaping Your Taste?

In the past, it was your social circle. Now, it’s more likely an algorithm. Illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch (Photos via Getty Images). Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening. Members can share articles with friends & family to bypass the paywall. My brother works in the music industry and manages an up-and-coming hip-hop artist. When I play his music for people, many have the same reaction: Why haven’t I heard of this guy? My brother has an answer: He and the artist refuse to play the game. They don’t want to sign with a label—and they’ve been approached numerous times. Campbell Rawlins is the General Manager of Commercial Revenue for The Dispatch and SCOTUSblog, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Prior to joining the company in 2025, he worked in strategy, operations and growth roles at POLITICO, most recently as Senior Director of Business Strategy & Growth. When he’s not driving strategic initiatives at The Dispatch and SCOTUSblog, you can find him trail running while listening to a media industry podcast, cooking for friends and family, or maximizing time spent outdoors with his wife and two young boys. More on Music