Music Tectonics

This week on Music Tectonics, we're doing something different. We're kicking off a series of highlights from the Music Tectonics Conference that wrapped up just a couple of weeks ago. Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing our favorite discussions, interviews, and panels that capture what's happening right now in music innovation. We start with a conversation recorded at the Shure podcast booth with Andrew Kahn and Conor Healy from the Yamaha Music Innovation Fund. Andrew and Conor share how Yamaha is investing in music tech startups, what they look for in founders, and why solving real problems for creators matters more than chasing AI trends or other hype cycles. In this episode, we discuss: How Yamaha's Innovation Fund is expanding beyond traditional musicians to support all creator types What makes a music tech startup fundable in today's market Why streaming infrastructure and creator economy businesses still offer opportunities The importance of building new revenue streams for creators What investors learn from startup speed dating sessions Whether you're a music tech founder looking for funding or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation offers valuable insights into what investors are actually looking for. The news! AI Is Sure to Transform the Music Biz. Opinions Vary on Exactly How. As AI Artists Breaking Rust & Cain Walker Rule a Country Chart, Nashville Execs Weigh in: 'It's Incredibly Detrimental' Spotify and NMPA strike a deal… on 'audiovisual opportunities' Music Videos Are Coming to Spotify in the U.S. and Canada 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, founder of MIDiA Research, dives deep into the future of music streaming, highlighting the challenges posed by AI content and Gen Z's engagement. He discusses the urgent need for the industry to shift from mere optimization to revolutionary changes. Mulligan emphasizes capturing cultural connections through play-oriented experiences and curated content pathways. He also explores the importance of rate limits to manage content overload, urging streaming services to differentiate their offerings for a diverse audience.

Our guest this week is Neil Sheehan, the president of Vocana, a streaming platform built for independent artists and fans using a user-centric payment model. We talk about how that's different from other streaming platforms, why social features haven't worked on streaming platforms since the days of MySpace, and whether there's room for indie-focused platforms in what feels like a Spotify-dominated world. It's a great conversation The news! Suno, in talks to raise $100m at a $2bn valuation, just released its most advanced free AI music tool yet Why Is It So Easy to Flood Streaming With AI Slop? AI Is Killing Wikipedia's Human Traffic 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.

Pack your bags, we're going to Tectonics! On this week's episode, our marketing director, Eleanor Rust, turns the tables on Dmitri to talk about the upcoming Music Tectonics conference next week from November 4th through 6th in Santa Monica. We talk about how the conference started, what to expect this year, and more. Whether you're on the fence about going or are planning on going and want the full itinerary, this episode is for you! There's still time to grab your badge at https://www.musictectonics.com/conference 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 week, we're exploring the future of direct-to-fan commerce with Joshua Stone, the CEO and Co-Founder of Stuff.io and book.io. Josh has some serious backing, including names like Mark Cuban, Snoop Dogg, and Charles Hoskinson, the co-founder of Ethereum just to name a few, and has been working on building Web3 infrastructure that lets artists sell media directly to fans that fans can own and not just rent. We talk about why streaming doesn't pay most artists, how direct-to-fan can actually create real revenue and why we finally have the technology to let fans own digital music again. Whether you're an artist looking for new revenue streams or just curious about where music commerce is heading, we cover a lot of ground The News! General public 'more concerned than excited' about increased use of AI In the AI Age, the Music Industry Needs New Metadata Standards. But Time Is Running Out Spotify to Develop AI Music Products in Partnership With Major Record Labels 'Death to Spotify': the DIY movement to get artists and fans to quit the music app 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 week, Darryl Ballantyne, CEO and Co-founder of LyricFind, discusses the complexities of the music business model and how LyricFind has managed to create new revenue streams by licensing lyrics and developing products like Lyric IQ. We also discuss how they've overcome challenges such as price competition and maintaining product market fit. This is a great conversation for Startups! The News! https://www.billboard.com/pro/sora-2-music-industry-pay-attention-ai-social-app/ https://www.engadget.com/spotify-canva-and-other-apps-can-now-connect-to-chatgpt-194830116.html https://www.billboard.com/pro/sora-2-music-industry-pay-attention-ai-social-app/ https://www.engadget.com/spotify-canva-and-other-apps-can-now-connect-to-chatgpt-194830116.html 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.

Monica Corton, a seasoned music publishing executive and CEO of GoTo11 Entertainment, shares her vast insights from over 30 years in the industry. She breaks down the basics of music publishing, including song vs. master copyrights, and explains how digital changes have shifted revenue streams. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities AI presents for publishers, discussing the importance of proper licensing and potential monetization strategies. Monica also offers practical advice for collaboration between publishers and tech companies.

On this week's episode, Dmitri sits down with Dot Bustelo, a former Apple Logic Pro team member and the innovative mind behind Loupe Art. We talk about everything from a post-it from another innovator that changed everything to the age of creative abundance. It's a blast. News! Gen Z social habits spell trouble for music discovery Is Music's Mainstream Getting Smaller? A Streaming Analysis Ticketmaster CEO says concert tickets are too cheap, actually | Mashable Spotify Updates AI Music Policies to Fight Spam: What It Means Record labels claim AI generator Suno ripped their songs from YouTube | The Verge 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.

Mansoor Rahimat Khan, founder and CEO of Beatoven.ai, discusses his innovative AI music platform that collaborates with artists for ethically licensed content. He shares his journey from machine learning to music, influenced by his family's rich musical heritage. The conversation delves into the unique blend of Indian classical music with Western genres and the future of AI in personalized music experiences. Mansoor also highlights the importance of transparent artist partnerships and previews an exciting upcoming foundation model.

Drew Thurlow, a former music executive and AI strategist, dives into the transformative role of AI in music. He discusses how AI democratizes creativity rather than threatens it, explores intriguing concepts like the Velvet Sundown—a playful take on AI-generated music—and highlights remarkable discoveries, such as whale songs gaining popularity. Drew also touches on the evolving landscape of copyright law and the practical implications of AI for fans and labels, all while giving a sneak peek into his upcoming book on this fascinating subject.