Music startup aBreak challenges AI playlists, relying on humans to handpick the next big artist

Algorithms may rule modern music discovery, but some record executives say the future of finding new artists looks a lot like the past.

At least that’s what Elkridge, Maryland-based startup aBreak Music is betting on. It wants to help artists cut through the noise with a human-curated playlist designed to reach industry ears — instead of an AI DJ deciding which artists get their big breaks.