Sound Connections

This conversation explores how Jakob Løkkegaard built W.A.S. Entertainment from the ground up, defying industry doubts and financial setbacks along the way. Hear about his creative approach to management, from forming strategic alliances to promoting equality in the music scene—and gain insight into how one vision can drive lasting change in the industry.Highlights:The beginning of W.A.S. Entertainment and its development over the years.Challenges encountered and lessons gained in the competitive music industry.Insights into creating a lasting and prosperous music management company.Jakob’s vision for the future and his dedication to supporting new talent.

In this Founder Series episode, Christian Schultz, CEO of MasterChannel.ai, shares how his AI-powered mastering service is changing the way musicians polish their tracks. Hear about the challenges of creating a tech startup in the Nordics, the importance of a global outlook, and how creativity joins forces with technology. Christian also highlights the choices that have positioned MasterChannel as a leader in the field—and the vision that drives them forward.Highlights:●  The inception and growth of MasterChannel in the competitive music tech landscape.●  Overcoming geographical and industry challenges to achieve global reach.●  Leveraging partnerships and networks for startup success.●  Christian's personal journey and insights as a second-time founder.

We take a close look at how Hannes Andersson influenced Oeksound, a Finnish company known for shaping modern audio production. Hear about the steps behind their standout plugins, Soothe and Spiff, the hurdles they overcame, and why encouraging creative thinking continues to push the boundaries of sound design worldwide.Highlights:●  The growth of Oeksound and its influence on the audio industry.●  The story behind the development of Soothe and Spiff plugins.●  Hannes Andersson's unique approach to creativity and entrepreneurship.●  The role of passion and resilience in driving innovation.

In this Sound Connections episode, Turo Pekari, a familiar face in the Nordic music world, talks about the value of strong connections in the music business. Celebrated for his networking skills, Turo shares his story and offers valuable insights into networking in the music business. Learn about building meaningful relationships, the impact of innovation, and the role of entrepreneurship in today's music world.Highlights:Discovering Turo Pekari's journey as a networker in the music industry.The importance of human connections and personal relationships in business.Turo's path from a passionate music lover to an influential figure in the industry.Insights into the intersection of music and technology.Techniques and strategies for effective networking and collaboration.

This is the ambitious story of Timbre with co-founders Jonas Krossli and Kristian Wredstrøm. This candid conversation dives into their bold idea of democratizing music IP investments, the tough realities they encountered, and the hard-earned lessons of resilience. Uncover the vision behind Timbre’s quest to reshape the music business—and learn why even the most innovative efforts can face an uphill battle against industry constraints.Highlights:Handling the intricacies of music investmentThe emotional highs and lows of startup lifeInsights into the music industry's response to innovationPersonal development through entrepreneurial challenges

Discover the inspiring journey of Capella Entertainment’s co-founders, Jonah Bjerga and Moi Sultan, as they share how they built a forward-thinking hub for Scandinavian music. Gain insights into their talent-nurturing philosophy, the importance of supportive workspaces, and the steps they took to redefine industry norms. They also reveal strategies for launching a music venture studio, tackling local obstacles, and empowering artists and entrepreneurs to push their creative limits.

How is Web3 reshaping the music industry? In this Sound Connections episode, Vickie Nauman—founder of Cross Border Works—explains how decentralized technologies are opening new doors for artists, fans, and businesses. Explore the shift from NFTs to next-generation fan engagement strategies, discover the power of token-based communities, and see how virtual worlds are transforming musical experiences. Drawing on her background from radio to pioneering music tech, Vickie reveals the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of innovation and creativity, offering a glimpse into new models that redefine artist-fan relationships.Highlights:Understanding Web3's influence on the music industry's future.The transition from NFTs to dynamic fan communities.Adopting decentralized tech for innovative music experiences.Insights into the complex web of music rights and licensing.

Rasmus Rex unpacks the contrasting user-centric and pro-rata streaming models, shedding light on how these frameworks shape the careers of artists and the broader music ecosystem. Discover the influence of digitalization on streaming platforms, the power of devoted fans, and the economic underpinnings that drive the industry forward.Highlights:Understanding the user-centric vs. pro-rata models.How digital platforms are changing music culture.The economic implications for artists in different streaming models.Insights into potential shifts in royalty distribution.

Explore the unexpected journey of Sondre Pedersen, the accidental founder behind Mintix, a blockchain-based ticketing platform reshaping live events. Hear how a simple idea evolved into a tech breakthrough for the music scene, and learn about the challenges and breakthroughs of launching a startup in an ever-changing industry.Highlights:The beginning and growth of Mintix, a blockchain ticketing startup. Sondre Pedersen's surprising journey to becoming a founder. The impact of blockchain on ticketing and event management.Insights into overcoming challenges within the startup culture.

Stein Bjelland, a global music industry leader and creative expert, shares how to blend artistry with smart business strategies. Drawing from his days as a musician in New York to shaping Norway’s export scene, he reveals proven methods to grow your career on an international stage. Get practical advice for artists, entrepreneurs, and pros who want to excel where creativity and commerce meet. Highlights:● Turning creativity into a business.● Lessons from the global music industry.● Building a sustainable, scalable career in the arts