Sound Connections

In this episode, we join Mathilde Neu, founder of Resonance Agency and co-founder of Music Tech France, as she navigates the complex landscape of music technology (MusicTech). Mathilde, a seasoned communicator and business advisor, shares her insights on bridging the gap between the tech and music industries, driving innovation, and fostering dialogue in the MusicTech ecosystem.Discover the mission of Resonance Agency, a leader in providing communications, marketing, PR, and business advisory services to MusicTech companies. Mathilde discusses the challenges and opportunities inherent in merging technology and music, emphasizing the importance of effective communication for success.Drawing from her extensive experience, Mathilde offers valuable perspectives on positioning MusicTech companies, showcasing their expertise, and increasing visibility for their solutions. We also explore the significance of collaboration between music and tech, highlighting initiatives like Music Tech France that promote a more connected industry.Join us as we peer into the future of MusicTech, exploring potential trends and opportunities for growth. Mathilde shares her vision for the industry and Resonance Agency's ongoing efforts to support innovators and drive positive change in the MusicTech ecosystem.With her deep knowledge and passion for the field, Mathilde Neu provides an insightful and engaging exploration of the intersection of music, technology, and marketing, making this episode essential listening for anyone interested in the future of the music industry.

In this episode, we discuss "super tickets" with Martin, CEO of DX, a ticketing and venue management company. Martin explains how technologies like NFTs and blockchain can change ticketing and enhance fan experiences.We explore three key aspects of super tickets: access, collectibility, and proof of attendance. Martin shows how NFTs can improve these features, turning tickets into digital tokens of fandom.We talk about how super tickets can make fandom more tangible, keep fans engaged with artists, and create new ways to make money. Martin also mentions challenges like technology differences and privacy concerns.We discuss "on-chain culture" and whether big companies or new startups will lead the way in this new area. Martin gives a balanced view on NFT hype and its real uses in entertainment.Get ready to rethink ticketing and discover how super tickets could make fan experiences richer and more rewarding.

In this episode, we delve into TikTok's latest venture into ticketing, teaming up with CTS Eventim. Known for viral content, TikTok's partnership aims to boost direct-to-fan ticket sales for artists worldwide. With insights from TikTok's Michael Kümmerle and CTS Eventim's Alexander Ruoff, we explore the strategic implications of this move and its potential to reshape the music industry's digital landscape. Tune in for a closer look at how this alliance could revolutionize fan engagement and ticketing dynamics.

Sound Connections Podcast Launches Historic AI Co-HostIn a brave move for podcasting, Sound Connections has debuted AI-Jake as the world's first artificial intelligence co-host interviewing human guests in a live setting. This groundbreaking episode shakes conventions as AI-Jake, a cloned version of host Jakob Wredstrøm, interviews the human Jakob about the podcast's origins, his vision for the future of music industry insights, and the complex ethics of AI integration.The full circle moment comes full circle as Jakob's mentor Guttorm (Jerry), who initially crated the podcast idea together with Jakob, bears witness to the cutting-edge AI technology Jakob has developed. AI-Jake dives deep with Jakob, discussing his goal of democratizing access to industry leaders and exploring the need for candid, unfiltered dialogue around emerging technologies and business models.Jakob reveals his dream guests, hints at an ambitious project synthesizing the wisdom he's curating, and tackles head-on the philosophical questions arising from AI's encroachment into the creative sphere. How can AI augment rather than upend the music industry? Who owns the rights and how are artists compensated?As AI-Jake self-reflects on the implications of his existence as Jakob's virtual counterpart, the dynamic duo models the future of collaborative human-AI storytelling. Insightful, innovative, and at times mind-bending, this is an audio experience that simply must be witnessed.Join Jakob and AI-Jake as they pioneer new frontiers in podcast content creation. Subscribe now to be part of this journey into the emerging AI renaissance in media and entertainment.

Join us as we explore the story of Scott Cohen, the co-founder of The Orchard, the world's first digital music distributor.Discover how The Orchard began in the mid-1990s and transformed music distribution by helping independent artists reach global audiences. Learn about the challenges Scott faced in starting this platform.Explore The Orchard's growth from a small startup to a global leader, eventually being acquired by Sony Music Entertainment. Understand Scott's role in leading the company to success.Find out about Scott's move to Warner Music Group as Chief Innovation Officer and how he brought his entrepreneurship to a major music corporation.While we focus on The Orchard's journey, Scott will also talk briefly about his latest endeavour, JKBX, which aims to make music royalties more accessible to everyone.In this conversation, gain valuable insights from Scott's years of experience shaping the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a music professional, or simply curious about innovation in music, this episode offers a compelling look at one of the industry's most influential figures.

In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of AI and music with Dr. Martin Clancy, founder of AI:OK - an initiative promoting ethical AI adoption in the music industry.Dr. Clancy shares his journey into studying the financial and ethical implications of AI music creation through his groundbreaking research and PhD work. We dive into the mission of AI:OK and how it empowers stakeholders to ensure an equitable approach to using generative AI tools.As AI rapidly transforms music production, distribution and consumption, Dr. Clancy offers insights into navigating the ethical considerations around music creation, copyright, and artist attribution. He discusses benefits and challenges of AI music innovation through his work with IBM, Deezer, UK Music and more.Looking ahead, we discuss emerging trends and Dr. Clancy's vision for balancing AI's potential with ethical concerns to build a sustainable future for the music ecosystem.Join us for this direct conversation unpacking the complexities of ethical AI adoption with a pioneering voice in the field.

Join us for a chat with Dmitri Vietze, the founder of Rock Paper Scissors, Inc., a PR and marketing firm shaping the music tech industry for over 20 years. Discover how Dmitri turned his love for music and innovation into a successful business.From his start at Antioch College to launching Rock Paper Scissors, Inc., hear about Dmitri's journey, the highs, and the hurdles. Learn about the unique storytelling and PR strategies that make Rock Paper Scissors stand out, and how they've adapted to new trends and tech.Dive into Dmitri's take on today's music tech scene, from the TikTok/UMG standoff to AI's role in music creation. Explore the growing business of fandom and get inspired by Dmitri's forward-thinking approach.Besides Rock Paper Scissors, Dmitri co-founded Music Tectonics, a leading conference and podcast on music and tech. Discover how his ventures intertwine and his vision for the future of music and storytelling.Whether you're an entrepreneur, music lover, or storytelling enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready for Dmitri's wisdom, humor, and passion as we uncover the secrets of innovative storytelling in music tech PR.

In this episode, Jakob talks to Philipp Grefer, the founder of WISE - The Future Festival & Think Tank. Philipp shares the inspiring story behind starting this innovative event that brings together music, art, and technology.You'll hear how WISE began in 2018 as a one-day summit in Beijing and grew into a global phenomenon happening across multiple cities. Philipp discusses his background in the music and events industry that led him to create WISE.Philipp explains WISE's mission - connecting creative people with those in technology and science. The festival showcases new and established talent from Berlin and worldwide, fostering collaborations that push creativity and innovation forward.Philipp also shares his vision for WISE's future, including expansion plans, new focus areas, and offerings. Hear how WISE aims to drive growth and breakthroughs in creative industries like music and art by embracing technology and enabling global exchange.Whether you're an artist, tech enthusiast, or just passionate about the crossroads of creativity and innovation, this is an eye-opening look at the pioneering force behind WISE. Tune in as Jakob and Philipp discuss this groundbreaking platform shaping the future creative landscape.

This episode features Alex Brees, the founder and CEO of un:hurd, a company using data to help independent artists promote their music more effectively.Alex shares his journey from the corporate world to starting un:hurd out of a passion for supporting up-and-coming musicians. He opens up about the challenges of building a tech startup in the music industry from scratch.You'll hear how un:hurd attracted major investors and partners by developing innovative marketing tools using data analytics. Alex explains how these tools give independent artists capabilities usually only available to major label acts when it comes to promotion.The episode dives into the unique features of un:hurd's platform and how they are revolutionizing music marketing for independent acts. Alex shares real success stories illustrating the impact of a data-driven approach.He also provides a glimpse into un:hurd's future plans - new product launches, expansion into new markets like the US, and potential collaborations that could supercharge the platform's power.Whether you're an independent musician, industry insider, or just a music fan, this is an eye-opening look at how data and technology are empowering artists and disrupting traditional promotion methods. Tune in for Alex's unique entrepreneurial story and vision.

In this episode of the FOUNDER series, we explore the journey of Karl Richter, the visionary founder behind DISCO - a game-changing platform that has transformed how the music industry shares and discovers music. Join us as we dive deep into Karl's remarkable entrepreneurial tale, fueled by his passion for independent artists and a relentless drive to streamline the industry's workflows.We begin by tracing Karl's path from working in A&R and music supervision to recognizing the need for a dedicated platform tailored to the industry's unique demands. Karl candidly shares the challenges and opportunities he encountered in bringing his vision to life, shedding light on the inspiration that led to the creation of DISCO.As we delve further into the evolution of DISCO, Karl unveils the platform's key features and functionalities that have disrupted traditional file-sharing methods. He sheds light on how DISCO has transformed the workflow for music professionals and companies worldwide, revolutionizing the way music is shared, discovered, and utilized across various projects.Our conversation then shifts to DISCO's profound impact on the music industry, exploring its role in democratizing music discovery and supporting artists, right holders, and music professionals alike. Karl shares compelling success stories and testimonials from users, highlighting DISCO's significance in streamlining music supervision, advertising, TV, and film projects.In the final segment, we explore DISCO's growth trajectory and expansion into global markets. Karl offers insights into the platform's future plans, including the integration of cutting-edge AI and machine learning capabilities. He also shares his vision for DISCO's continued impact on the music industry, painting an exciting picture of what's to come.Whether you're a music industry professional, an entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the intersection of technology and music, this episode promises to be an engaging and informative exploration of one of the industry's most groundbreaking platforms. Join us as we uncover the remarkable story behind DISCO and gain valuable insights from its visionary founder, Karl Richter.

In this episode of Sound Connections, co-host AI Jake takes us through the substantial deal between rock icons KISS and Pophouse Entertainment, where KISS sold their song catalog, brand, and intellectual property for $300 million. This significant agreement includes their famous face paint designs, shares of master recordings, and publishing rights, marking a notable shift in the music industry's landscape.We explore what Pophouse's acquisition means for the future of KISS's music and brand. The episode discusses Pophouse's intention to leverage technology to enhance and perpetuate KISS's legacy, drawing parallels with their successful ABBA Voyage project. This strategy indicates a new era where technology ensures the longevity of artists' impacts, blending historical music influence with modern digital experiences.Additionally, we look into how this deal reflects broader trends in music rights and intellectual property's value, emphasizing the growing interest in music catalogs as significant assets. The success of ventures like ABBA Voyage, with impressive ticket sales and revenue, showcases the potential for innovative approaches to classic acts.Tune into this episode for an insightful analysis of the KISS-Pophouse deal, its implications for the music industry, and what it suggests for future investments in music's enduring legacies. Perfect for music professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, we break down the facts and future possibilities without the fluff.

In this episode, we're going behind the scenes with Dani to explore how BandLab is revolutionizing the way music is made. From her early days as a touring DJ to her current role at this game-changing company, Dani's journey is as fascinating as the tech she's working on.We explore BandLab's innovative tools like their social music network, audio workstation Cakewalk, and artist services on ReverbNation. These aren't just fancy names – they're breaking down barriers and democratizing music-making for creators worldwide.But it's not all about the products. Dani also shares insights into how data is driving decisions and shaping the future of the industry. We'll also tackle the hot topic of ethical AI and how BandLab is partnering with Universal Music to keep things fair for artists while embracing new tech.Whether you're an aspiring bedroom producer, an industry veteran, or just a music geek, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Get ready to be inspired by Dani's passion and BandLab's vision for empowering creators on a global scale. The future of music is happening now, and this is your chance to get in on the action.

In this episode, Hazel Savage, the co-founder of Musiio, talks about her journey as an entrepreneur and the company's acquisition by SoundCloud. Hazel shares her story in a straightforward way, starting with how Musiio got started through an incubator program and meeting her co-founder, Aaron, by chance.Hazel talks about the early days of Muzeo and the difficulties they faced getting funding and getting noticed in the music industry. She doesn't hold back, sharing the stress of running a company with no revenue and the constant struggle to make sales.The story gets really interesting when Hazel talks about the acquisition by SoundCloud. She explains how SoundCloud, a client at first, saw the value in what Musiio was doing and started talking about buying them out. Hazel gives us a peek into the negotiations, the ownership changes, and how the acquisition changed her life.But it's not just about money for Hazel. She also talks about how the acquisition affected her personally and professionally. She's honest about the changes in the company, the newfound stability, and what it's like working under SoundCloud's ownership.Throughout the episode, Hazel shares some great advice for people who want to start their own businesses. She talks about the importance of sticking with it, being flexible, and staying passionate about what you're doing. Her story shows that sometimes, taking a different path can lead to amazing opportunities.Whether you're an entrepreneur, work in the music industry, or just love learning about tech, this episode is for you. Join Jakob and Hazel as they talk about Musiio’s journey and give us a real look into what it's like to be acquired by a big company like SoundCloud.

In this episode of Sound Connections Podcast, join Jake, our AI co-host, as we explore the revolutionary world of BandLab and its recent milestone of surpassing 100 million users. Discover how BandLab, since its launch in 2015, has become a beacon for musicians globally by democratizing music creation with its array of free, innovative tools. We delve into BandLab's philosophy of making music creation accessible to all, and how its digital audio workstation, virtual instruments, and collaborative features are reshaping the music industry landscape. Hear the story of d4vd and his song "Romantic Homicide," a BandLab success that transitioned from a digital creation to a viral hit, illustrating the platform's transformative impact. This episode highlights not just BandLab's significant achievements but also points towards the future of entrepreneurship in the music industry, marked by digitalization, democratization, and a focus on community and collaboration. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the evolving dynamics of music production and distribution, and how platforms like BandLab are paving the way for a new era of music industry entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the music industry with our guest, Sania Haq. She's an expert in DEI and cultural consulting, and she's here to talk about the challenges, progress, and future of DEI in music and entertainment.We start by explaining why DEI is important and how it has changed over time, and we look at how it's affecting the industry now. Sania tells us why it's crucial to have diversity in all parts of the music business, from who gets to be an artist to who's in charge.We also talk about the positive things happening in DEI lately, for instance organizations and people who are making real efforts to be more diverse and inclusive. Sania shares some inspiring examples of projects that are making a difference and giving voice to those who aren't usually heard.We also talk about the problems holding DEI back. Sania is honest about the negative trends, setbacks, and places where we need to do better, and she suggests ways we can overcome these challenges.Moving forward, Sania shares her thoughts on what's coming next for DEI in music. We discuss new ideas and technologies that could help make the industry more diverse and inclusive, so everyone gets a fair chance.Join us for this important conversation about DEI in the music industry. Sania's knowledge and passion will leave you feeling inspired and more aware of the work we still need to do to make the industry fairer and more inclusive for everyone.Learn more at Sørveiv on April 12th & 13th, 2024, to discover new talents and experience the freshest acts Norway has to offer!Tickets: https://www.sorveiv.no/billetter

On our first EXIT episode, we explore the story of Musicube, a pioneering AI startup that transformed music metadata and search capabilities. Join us for a conversation with Agnes Chung, the visionary co-founder who merged her love for music and technology to create an innovative platform.In this compelling episode, Agnes takes us behind the scenes, revealing the inspirations and obstacles that led to Musicube's creation. From conceptualising an AI-driven solution to enriching music discovery to navigating the complexities of the music industry, we'll dive into the pivotal moments that shaped Musicube's path.Discover how Agnes and her team utilised AI to construct a comprehensive database comprising over 50 million song titles and 500 keywords, empowering artists, labels, and music enthusiasts to uncover hidden gems within their collections. Gain insights into the strategic partnerships and collaborations that fuelled Musicube's growth and established it as a leader in AI music metadata services.As we delve deeper, Agnes shares the captivating story of Musicube's acquisition by Songtradr, a significant milestone that propelled the company to new heights. Explore the motivations, negotiations, and ramifications surrounding this harmonious merger, showcasing the potential of synergies between music and technology.Throughout our conversation, Agnes imparts invaluable lessons and reflections, offering a wealth of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the intersection of music and technology. Her candid insights will inspire and guide those looking to make an impact on the ever-evolving music industry.Join us on this melodic journey as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Musicube and the visionary minds behind it. Prepare to be captivated by the fusion of music, AI, and entrepreneurial spirit that resonates through every aspect of this extraordinary tale.

In this episode of Sound Connections, we delve into Spotify's groundbreaking announcement: independent artists and labels earned $4.5 billion in 2023, making up half of the platform's total payouts. Explore the implications of this significant shift towards the democratization of music distribution, the explosive growth of the indie sector, and the opportunities this presents for entrepreneurs in the music industry. Join Jake, an AI co-presenter, for an insightful analysis of Spotify's impact on global recorded music revenue and what this means for the future of music creation and consumption.

In this episode of Sound Connections, we dive into the world of collaborative models with Pål Bråtelund, the CEO of MusicDNA. Pål, with a lot of experience in the music and audio technology areas, shares his take on how collaboration is evolving in the industry, questioning the usual top-down methods that have been common.Talking about his work with Sound Advice AS and MusicDNA, Pål openly talks about the wins and challenges of building collaborative platforms and efforts. He takes a close look at big projects like Utopia, going over what they learned from their ups and downs, and shares his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of centralized models.As the discussion goes on, Pål looks at different ways to grow, discussing how blockchain and new technologies can help with collaboration without needing to be centralized. He supports a bottom-up approach, where smaller music tech companies can be good at what they do and help build a bigger service network, using each other’s skills in a split industry.Pål shares his ideas for how collaboration can shape the future of the music industry in a way that's both encouraging and realistic. He outlines ways for smaller entities to succeed as part of a bigger collaborative setup, focusing on the importance of sharing data freely and making sure everyone gets a fair share.Throughout the episode, Pål's enthusiasm for learning and his drive to make a difference in the industry are clear. He gives great advice for entrepreneurs and startups on creating successful, cooperative models that go against the grain and change industry norms and ways of doing things.Get ready to be drawn in by Pål's forward-thinking and his strong belief in collaboration's role in transforming the future of the music industry.

In this episode of Sound Connections, we introduce an exciting innovation in the music industry: JKBX. Join Jake, your AI co-host, as we dive into how this groundbreaking music investment platform is redefining opportunities for songwriters, recording artists, and investors. With support from industry giants like Spotify and Red Light Management, JKBX offers a unique way for fans to invest in song royalties, democratizing an asset class once reserved for the elite. Discover how this SEC-approved platform merges passion with investment, allowing you to support your favorite artists while potentially earning from their success.

Dive into the visionary world of Sørveiv, Southern Norway's premier music industry festival and conference, in this insightful conversation with its co-founders, Hanna and Lena. Unravel the origins of Sørveiv and explore the motivations behind their acquisition of this esteemed event.Hanna and Lena share their aspirations for transforming Sørveiv into a vital nexus fostering connections, knowledge sharing, and showcasing emerging talents within the music industry. They shed light on the pivotal role of music conferences in nurturing innovation and cross-sector collaboration.As we explore Sørveiv's unique position in the Nordic landscape, we delve into its mission to strengthen the burgeoning music technology sector. Hanna and Lena discuss initiatives and partnerships bridging the gap between tech startups and industry professionals, fostering mutual understanding and synergies.Looking ahead, the co-founders unveil their vision for Sørveiv's future, including expansions and new offerings catalyzing growth and innovation. They offer invaluable advice for artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals on leveraging platforms like Sørveiv for networking, growth, and collaboration.Join us as we explore how Sørveiv shapes the future of music by bridging creativity and innovation, fostering harmonious collaborations that propel the industry forward.