Matthew Drooker, Chief Technology Officer at SoundCloud and former leader at Turner and CNN Digital, shares insights on the platform's evolution from a user-generated content hub to a cloud-native powerhouse. He discusses the strategic shift toward modern programming practices like GraphQL, the integration of FinOps in engineering, and the complexities of Kubernetes. Additionally, Matthew highlights how AI is revolutionizing music creation and discovery, balancing technological advancements with the essential human touch in artistry.