Music Tectonics

On today's episode, Dmitri and Tristra discuss the news of the week. They review recent acquisitions like Monstercat and BANDS, and discuss the economic confidence of the music sector despite economic downturns. They also talk about the evolving role of AI and the implications of recent legal copyright cases on AI training data. It’s a lot of news to round up!    Shoutouts Create Music Group acquires again, swooping for indie electronic label Monstercat Jay Penske Takes Control of SXSW: Will Profits, Politics Overtake Festival? Trump signals willingness to extend TikTok ban deadline again Arts agency terminates dozens of grants after Trump proposes eliminating NEA Are Music Companies Seeing Consumer Pullback? This Week’s Earnings Calls Offered an Answer Live Nation predicts ‘historic year’ despite revenue decline Judge in Meta case warns AI could 'obliterate' market for original works Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Report   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.  

Valeska Pederson Hinz, a partner at Perkins Coie with extensive experience in guiding tech companies through funding rounds, dives into the fascinating world of music tech investment. She discusses the latest trends in venture capital and the transformative impact of generative AI on music creation. Valeska reveals the legal challenges surrounding AI training data and offers invaluable advice for startup founders navigating this complex landscape. With insights on recent acquisitions and industry dynamics, her expertise sheds light on the future of music technology.

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.  

Mark Mulligan, a veteran tech analyst from MIDiA Research, discusses the future of the music industry amidst a slowing growth in streaming revenue. He explores the rise of the global south in subscriber numbers and the complexities of artist rights in a shifting landscape. The conversation dives into innovative subscription models and the looming disruption from AI-generated music. Mulligan also highlights the challenges independent labels face and the evolving relationship between streaming services and artists. It's a fascinating look at how technology shapes music's future.

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, discusses the revolutionary potential of his platform that allows anyone to remix music effortlessly. He dives into the challenges of navigating music licensing with major labels and shares his vision for interactive music experiences. Additionally, the conversation touches on the growing influence of AI in music and the latest industry trends, including the rise of catalog sales and new developments in fan engagement through tech innovations.

Mandy Ortiz, Chief Strategy Officer at DAWn Audio, and Diego Pinzone, CEO of DAWn Audio, discuss their transition from a collaboration plugin to a gamified platform for music creators. They highlight the importance of community in music production, sharing insights on engaging aspiring artists through events and challenges. The duo emphasizes the role of innovation in connecting musicians while fostering supportive networks. Their vision redefines how artists collaborate and gain recognition in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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.  

Evan Saxon, former President of International Distribution at Abramorama, shares how cinema amplifies artists' reach and revenue. He discusses strategic partnerships between music and film, showcasing successful projects with Pearl Jam and Melanie Martinez. Listeners learn how theaters can boost music marketing through communal experiences, and explore innovative strategies in the attention economy that enhance audience engagement and promote unique events. Saxon emphasizes the untapped potential for collaboration between artists and the film industry.

Will Page, author of 'Pivot' and former chief economist at Spotify, digs into the booming global music market now worth $45.5 billion. He discusses the rise of music exports, especially from Mexico and Colombia, and the thrilling comeback of vinyl records. Page also highlights the shift to CRM systems for artists directly engaging with fans. Additionally, he explores how YouTube is winning in emerging markets through social integration, while cautioning that Trump’s tariffs could hit musical instrument manufacturers hard.