Sound Connections

In this value-packed episode of Sound Connections, host Jakob Wredstrøm sits down with Jesse Flores, Head of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music, to explore what it really takes to succeed as an independent artist today.If you're producing your own music, wondering how to grow a fanbase, or struggling to market your releases,  this is your blueprint. From choosing the right music distributor to understanding how paid ads, DSPs, and Spotify algorithms actually work, Jesse shares hard-earned insights that empower indie artists to take control of their careers.We cover:How to choose the right distributorWhy creative control mattersWhat $1,000 can do for your musicSmart ways to grow without a labelWhat makes indie artists succeed todayWhether you're a bedroom producer, emerging artist, or music entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about launching and scaling your music in today’s digital landscape.Follow us NOW and learn tips on how to take ownership – creatively, financially, and strategically.

Streaming isn’t enough. If you're an artist or manager looking to grow real revenue, this episode breaks down how to use merch, email, and digital sales to build a profitable artist business.Jakob Wredstrøm talks with Jack McCarthy, co-founder of Indiepreneur and co-host of the Creative Juice podcast, about the missing revenue stream most artists ignore: direct-to-consumer e-commerce. With actionable steps, mindset shifts, and proven strategies, this episode will help you rethink how you earn from your art.Perfect for:- Independent artists- Artist managers- Music entrepreneurs- Music-tech founders- Digital marketers in musicAbout Indiepreneur: https://indepreneur.io/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Join Alan Wallis, a veteran music publishing executive and CEO of Dynamite Songs, as he shares his journey through music catalog valuation and acquisitions. He breaks down what drives private equity interest in music and why many catalogs are currently up for sale. Learn about the importance of sync revenue, how to identify deal red flags, and why a ten-year maturity rule can stabilize investments. Alan also emphasizes the value of building diverse catalogs and managing seller expectations, all while avoiding emotional overbids.

Tom Höglund, a key figure from the founding team of Epidemic Sound, breaks down how they built a unicorn by disrupting the century-old music licensing industry.From his early days as a lawyer to creating an alternative model that pays musicians upfront and offers a 50-50 split , Tom shares the controversial journey. Discover the audacious vision to make music licensing simple and global for content creators on platforms like YouTube, challenging the traditional Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). Hear the grind, the early struggles, and the international mindset that fueled this Swedish success story.Know more about Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Discover how Alex Braga built an AI 'Instrument' a decade ago — not to replace musicians, but to rediscover what makes us human.In this episode of the Sound Connections Podcast, Alex Braga, award-winning artist, performer, and creator of the A-Mint AI instrument, joins Jakob Wredstrøm to unpack the philosophy and ethics behind AI in art. From the meaning of human creativity to the illusion of machine consciousness, Alex breaks down what separates creation from generation — and why intention still defines everything.🎧 In this conversation:- Why AI-made music often lacks meaning — and what “meaning” really is- How algorithms mirror our cultural biases- The ethics of data scraping and AI training- Why we must learn to use technology without losing ourselves- Why “We Are Technology” — and what that means for the future of creativityAlex doesn’t see technology as the enemy — but as a mirror reflecting how conscious (or unconscious) we are in how we use it.This is a partnership episode with Music Tech Europe Academy: https://www.musictecheuropeacademy.eu/Find out more about A-Mint AI here: https://www.alexbraga.me/a-i__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Who are the people behind the music that shapes how we listen?In this episode of Sound Connections, host Jakob Wredstrøm sits down with Overtone Studios CEO Niklas Brantberg, who shares how Epidemic Sound and his label built a new music economy for creators, one where focus playlists turn into real income. Jakob and Niklas unpack the business of mood music, the shift from faceless tracks to artist identity, and the impact of AI in music production.Perfect for music entrepreneurs, producers, and founders seeking inspiration on creating sustainable careers in today’s music tech landscape.Find out more about Overtone Studios here: https://www.overtone-studios.com/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Can finance make the music industry fairer?In this episode, Lior Tibon, CEO and Co-founder of Duetti, shares with host Jakob Wredstrøm how he’s building a platform that lets artists turn their catalogs into opportunity. From Tidal to Duetti, Lior’s journey blends financial innovation with deep respect for creators. Hear how technology, transparency, and smarter capital are shaping a new path for music ownership and catalog investment. This episode offers rare insight for music founders, investors, and creators redefining what it means to own music.Listen for lessons in creative business growth.Find out more about Duetti here: https://www.duetti.co/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Can AI and infrastructure finally make the music industry scalable?In this episode, Ben Mendoza, CEO and Co-Founder of Beatchain, joins host Jakob Wredstrøm to reveal how AI-driven infrastructure, data analytics, and localization are redefining the future of music entrepreneurship.Learn how Beatchain’s innovative arena model helps independent artists grow careers sustainably, how automation fixes music distribution and discovery, and why building long-term systems, not quick wins, matters for global creators.Tune in NOW for practical insights on scaling success in the music tech and creator economy revolution.Find out more about Beatchain here: https://www.beatchain.com/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

What does it really mean to own your audience in today’s music industry?In this special partnership episode, host Jakob Wredstrøm joins Taj from The Sound of Startups and Lauriane Saint-Denis, a business developer connecting culture, innovation, and people in music tech to unpack how audience development, fan data, and music tech innovation are reshaping live events.Together they explore why ticketing platforms hold so much power, how festivals can build real fan relationships, and what artists can do to reclaim connection. Perfect for music entrepreneurs, promoters, and artist managers seeking smarter ways to grow.__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

If you’ve ever wondered how merch works behind the scenes?Seamus Menihane, CEO and co-founder of Armada, one of the fastest-growing merch companies in the music industry. From being a touring drummer to leading a 170-person team, he shares his journey of turning a DIY screen-printing hustle into a full-scale merch powerhouse.Armada supports artists in building real, profitable brands through merchandise, ensures tour merch remains a top revenue stream, and gives independent model artists more creative and financial control than traditional major label deals. This is a proper breakdown of the economics of merch, the merger that formed Armada, and why staying focused on your core strengths is key to long-term success in the music biz.Visit Armada: https://www.poweredbyarmada.com/__________________________________________________________________________Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow on;Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr