Music Tectonics

Today we are talking with Valeska Pederson Hinz, partner at Perkins Coie, about what’s happening in the world of music tech investment. Valeska has extensive experience in guiding companies and investors from Series A to IPO and has an indispensable vantage point. Our conversation includes the current state of venture capital funding, the impact of generative AI on the industry and the ongoing legal debates surrounding fair use versus licensing in AI training data. She also has practical advice for startup founders from the legal standpoint of someone who guides growth stage companies.    News Shoutouts UMG generated $3bn+ in Q1 Spotify posts record-high operating profit for Q1 Splice acquires Spitfire Audio Epidemic Sound acquires AI startup Song Sleuth  NMPA says Spotify’s Q1 growth due to ‘undercutting of songwriters’ via audiobook bundling Jack Dorsey’s ‘Delete All IP Law’ post highlights the hypocrisy of Big Tech Billionaires Hearing Things   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today Dmitri talks with Cherie Hu, music industry analyst and founder of Water and Music. We start by discussing the Ouroboros project which maps the complicated and intertwined stakes in the music industry held by various entities, including private equity firms, media conglomerates, and tech companies like Tencent. We also talk about shifting power dynamics between the majors and the independents, the impact of AI – particularly generative AI, and trends in rights management and live music.    Shoutouts Water and Music Ouroboros Map Water and Music Soundcloud Reverb Sold By Etsy to Fender Parent and Firm Led By SoundCloud Alum A24 Makes Its Move Into the Music Scene 'You Are Somehow a Villain If You Use It' JPMorgan CEO Says Something Everyone Can Agree On: "Kill Meetings" and Corporate Jargon   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

In this episode, Dmitri speaks with Mark Mulligan, veteran tech analyst and leading digital thinker from MIDiA Research. Topics include the slowing growth of streaming revenue, shifts in market share among major and independent labels, the rise of the global south in subscriber numbers, and the impact of super-premium subscriptions on monetization. We also talk about the future potential disruptions from AI and legal challenges and how the music industry might adapt and innovate in the face of these changes.   News Shoutouts! The Music Industry Wants Solutions. But Do Listeners See Problems?   Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt: AI That is ‘as smart as the smartest artist’ Will Be Here in 3 to 5 Years   ​​Tariff-Proof, Recession-Proof Music Industry Will Thrive Despite Global Uncertainty   AI Music Invasion Doubles on Deezer: 20,000 Bot-Created Tracks Now Uploaded Each DAY to Streaming Platform   Record Scratch: How Tariffs and Uncertainty Are Hurting Vinyl Manufacturing in America   China Halts Critical Exports as Trade War Intensifies   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today we have Glen Peoples from Billboard to discuss the major trends within the music industry. Our conversation covers a lot! Including the rise of rollups and acquisitions to build label services, the increasing importance of music licensing, the role of AI in the music tech investment landscape, and the cyclical nature of consolidation and its broader impacts on the future of the industry.    News Shoutouts   Startup oMoo Gets Hands-On With its Haptics-based music App MCP: The New “USB-C for AI” That’s Bringing Fierce Rivals Together   NMPA CEO Talks Spotify Podcast Takedowns and AI Strategy, Warns Against Government-Led PRO Reform   Eternal Celebrities: The Multi-Billion Opportunity Coming The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Ian Henderson, founder of MashApp and former Spotify executive, talks with Dmitri about how MashApp enables non-musicians to remix tracks without production experience, and the broader context of technological disruptions in the music industry driven by AI. He explains the challenges in securing licenses from major record labels and his vision for the future of music interactivity. We also hear the news from Dmitri and Tristra.   News Roundup!   50 Million More Americans Are Buying Music Than a Decade Ago   Amazon Makes Last-Minute Bid for TikTok as US Ban Deadline Looms   5 Million Songs and $288m Spent on Catalogs: 8 Things We Learned from Universal Music Group’s 2024 Annual Report   Udio, the Startup Sued by Record Companies Last Year, Unveils Tool to Clone ‘sonic identity’ of Existing Songs   Inside YouTube’s Weird World Of Fake Movie Trailers   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today Dmitri talks with the winners of the 2024 Music Tectonics Swimming with Narwals Competition, DAWn Audio. They discuss their innovative platform for music producers and artists as well as the recent pivot from a cross-DAW collaboration plugin, to a gamified network that rewards artists for their creative work. But first, Dmitri and Tristra share a quick take on the news headlines of the week.   News from Rock Paper Scanner:   Beats and Bytes: Essential Trend Report   Apple Music Integration is now Available on More DJ Platforms   Will $1 on Your Ticket Help Save Australian Live Music? Napster? Is it 1999? Sam Ash Music Returns Online   The Cost of Banning TikTok: Implications for Digital Advertising   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!  Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

Mark Steiner, Co-Founder and CEO of GigSalad joins Dmitri from the streets of SXSW to talk about the journey from working at his kitchen table to successful scale-up. We also hear a PR Strategy on what to do with questions you just don’t want to answer. But first, Tristra and Jade dish the latest news headlines.   News Headlines Discussed: Porn on Spotify Is Infiltrating Top Podcast Charts How Does Gen Z Listen to Podcasts? Jayden Daniels’ growth with VR simulation has Commanders embracing mind games   Sports Music Licensing Company ClicknClear Inks Deal with Warner Chappell Music   Meta Quest's Mixed Reality Piano App Gets a Major Update The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

We talk with Evan Saxon, Former President and Head of International Distribution at Abramorama, about his strategies for leveraging cinema to amplify artists' reach and revenue. He shares insights from his work with Pearl Jam, Melanie Martinez, and Duran Duran, explaining how cinema can serve as a communal marketing partner to boost engagement and consumption. We also have Startup Sessions with Chloe Dagenias of MusicTeam.   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

Will Page, author of Pivot and former chief economist at Spotify, talks about the dramatic increase in the global value of music – up to $45.5 billion, surpassing cinema. We discuss the rise of music exports from countries like Mexico and Columbia and the accompanying economic boost. We touch on the resurgence of vinyl, and the shift to CRM systems for direct artist-to-fan engagement. We’ve also got a quick run-down of the headlines of the week, and a PR Strategy that will have you running towards the danger.   Shoutouts: How Vinyl Can Harness the Influence of Superfans Pivotal Economics Trump’s Tariffs Could Be ‘Devastating’ for Musical Instrument Manufacturers Ever Lost a Friend at a Festival? Children Turn to Audiobooks YouTube now has 125m Music and Premium Subscribers YouTube is Winning Emerging Markets by Being Social   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today Dmitri speaks with Con Raso of Tuned Global, about the evolving landscape of music streaming. They talk about profitability and innovation opportunities, and Con shares thoughts on making music more social, advancing curation and discovery through AI, and the role of personalization in listening experiences.    Social Radio Punchline Connect   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today, we talk with theremin virtuoso Clara Venice who discusses her musical and visual aesthetic, her journey within the music industry, and her mission to make music technology more colorful, inclusive, and above all – more pink! Dmitri and Tristra also cover the latest industry news, including Spotify's new music pro service and (even more) research on social media's impact on younger users.   Clara Venice   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Dmitri is joined by Cathy Hackl, leading tech futurist, to discuss oh so many topics. Including: spatial computing, immersive web, AI's impact on human cognition, the ongoing development of augmented reality, the importance of creativity in the age of AI, and of course, the lunar food science industry.    This week's Startup Session is Ever.FM, who is introducing some pretty revolutionary ideas on dynamic audio formats.    Cathy Hackl Ever.FM   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today Dmitri discusses the ins and outs of selling a business, with guests who have been there, done that. Paul Anthony Troiano (Rumblefish; sold to CESAC) and Jeff Ponchick (Repost Network; sold to SoundCloud) share their experiences about the acquisition process, including valuation conversations and competitive bids as well as advice on the emotional challenges and the importance of focusing on the business’s core mission rather than building to sell.    Shoutouts from the ep: Magic Box Paradigm Riff Raff Rock Paper Scanner   Music from: Cast of Characters Ivy Bakes LNDÖ Ghost Beatz The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!

There is a new format today. We’ve added three recurring segments – Rock Paper Scanner, Startup Sessions, and Strategies Techniques & Hacks with a Publicist. Plus, our regular long(er) interview with an innovator in the music tech space. It’s an abundance of content from a variety of thinkers and do-ers.    Dmitri and Tristra discuss Spotify's $10 billion payout, the rise of ethical AI solutions, and bids to purchase TikTok. Dmitri's interview with Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin, touches on their efforts to support independent music through strategic partnerships and innovative thinking amidst industry consolidation. We hear from the startup Incantio, and also learn a strategic tip when reaching out to journalists for PR.    Shoutouts from the ep: Merlin Jeremy Sirota Linked In Canva A2IM Impala Music Mood Machine Book Incantio Startup Sessions Contact Us   Music from: Cast of Characters Ivy Bakes LNDÖ Ghost Beatz   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!  Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

We are on the floor of NAAM this week speaking with Scott Sugino, President and CEO of Yamaha Music Innovations. The two speak about Yamaha’s corporate venture capital fund – whose goal is to invest in artist support, audience engagement, and platforms that connect the two. We also hear from our own Jade Prieboy about his impressions and finds from this year’s CES.   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Today we’re joined by Alexandra Koshy who helps us unravel the world of influencer marketing in the music tech sphere. We hear insights into why music tech companies are eager to collaborate with creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and we explore how influencer marketing can integrate with press to build a cohesive brand narrative. We shed light on common pitfalls while also covering some practical strategies for founders.    The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

This episode promises to equip you with strategies to make your crowdfunding campaign stand out amidst the competition. Find out what types of musical products and companies are ripe for Kickstarter and Indiegogo and the single most important factor for surpassing your goal. Hint: it's about community. Other hint: You need a couple months of runway to make it happen. Listen for details.   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Adam McHeffey, CMO of Artiphon, joins us to talk about the state of musical instrument innovation. Instruments like the Orba put music creation at the fingertips of hobbyists, allowing them to focus on enjoyment and self-expression rather than traditional album releases. We discuss the fusion of music and social media, and the new generation of creators redefining the art form. Lines between listening and playing are blurring, (see Ocean Eyes remix on Logic Pro X) pointing to a future where music engagement is akin to gaming, providing endless possibilities for interactivity and connection.   Shoutouts mentioned in episode: seids_ imsethdrums socialrepose   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.  

Dmitri and Tristra review the industry news of ‘24 and look into the music tech crystal ball of 2025. Dmitri envisions that gaming will no longer be considered a venue, but rather a central outlet for finding music. Tristra raises questions about how a trade war and a Tik Tok ban could influence 2025. Listen to these predictions and more musings of what the next year will bring.   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!  Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

It’s a holiday re-gift! Today we take you back to the very first How To Start Up with Cliff Fluet. This was a great conversation that set the stage for the rest of our HTSU interviews. Cliff begins at the beginning – guiding us through the essentials of startup evaluation and asking the necessary questions: Does your innovation solve a real-world problem, can it sustain a business, and are you ready to step into the real world for testing?   The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!    Get Dmitri’s Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.