In this discussion, Alexandra Koshy shares her expertise as a creative partnerships manager with nearly a decade in the music industry. She tackles the booming synergy between music tech companies and content creators on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of authenticity over transactional relationships, sheds light on common pitfalls brands face, and discusses effective strategies for driving sales through influencer marketing. Additionally, she advocates for building strong creator-brand connections to resonate better with audiences.

Andrea Baldreschi, an inventor with expertise in crowdfunding and digital marketing, dives deep into the world of music gear and crowdfunding tactics. He reveals effective strategies to make your campaign stand out, emphasizing community engagement as the key to surpassing funding goals. Baldreschi also discusses the evolution of crowdfunding in music tech, offering insights on navigating platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Discover how preparation and storytelling are crucial, and learn about the challenges of delivering products globally. His passion for music and innovation shines throughout the conversation.

Adam McHeffey, CMO of Artiphon and seasoned music educator, shares fascinating insights on the evolution of musical instruments. He highlights innovations like the Orba that empower hobbyists and blend music-making with self-expression. The conversation dives into how social media reshapes music creation, fostering a new generation of creators focused on enjoyment rather than commercial success. McHeffey also explores the fusion of music and technology, envisioning a future where music engagement mimics gaming, enhancing interactivity and connection.

The hosts dive into the stagnation of audience growth in music streaming and the necessity for innovation. They predict gaming's transformation into a primary music discovery platform. Concerns arise over how geopolitical issues and a potential TikTok ban could impact the industry. The conversation also touches on the increasing role of smartphones in democratizing music production, alongside the complexities of AI and copyright regulations. Together, they envision a dynamic and challenging future for music technology.

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.  

Constantine Roussos, CEO of Dot Music, is at the forefront of the movement to create verified music identities. He discusses the music industry's digital transformation and its struggle with outdated business models, drawing parallels to the failures of Kodak and Blockbuster. Roussos emphasizes the vital role of identity verification to combat impersonation and fraud, aiming to empower artists and rights holders. His innovative solutions could redefine how artists are recognized and compensated in the streaming era, securing their creative futures.

Andy Blair, founder of Reverb Data and former lead data lawyer at Universal Music Group, dives deep into the pivotal role of data in the transforming music industry. He discusses how data can empower artists and reshape traditional relationships with labels, emphasizing the importance of fan data ownership. Blair also shares insights on the intersection of creativity and technology, exploring innovative solutions for artists navigating today's landscape. With a focus on decentralization, he inspires hope for a more artist-centric future.

Mark Mulligan, a music industry analyst from MIDiA Research, and Tatiana Cirisano, a trend specialist at the same firm, dive deep into the bifurcation theory of the music industry. They engage in a lively debate about traditional versus innovative music consumption models. Highlights include the impact of streaming on audience engagement, the challenges artists face in monetization, and how platforms like TikTok are reshaping fan experiences. Their insights reveal the evolving landscape of music and the need for artists and labels to adapt.

David Ponte and Brian Zisook, co-founders of Audiomack, delve into their unique approach to music streaming that champions emerging artists. They discuss how their platform empowers creators with essential data, fostering organic growth. The duo emphasizes the importance of human curation and community engagement, contrasting their model with traditional streaming services. They explore diverse listening habits around the world, showcasing the significance of local insights in enhancing artist-fan connections while highlighting technological innovations that enhance user experiences.

David Lai, a manager at Park Avenue Artists with A&R experience at Sony Music, and Ross Michaels, a partner focusing on innovative project development, share insights on the evolution of artist management. They discuss the shift from securing record deals to a comprehensive strategy that encompasses social media, project development, and traditional label roles. The duo highlights the importance of balancing artist autonomy with managerial guidance and the innovative opportunities that technology brings to the music industry, including evolving business models and brand collaborations.