

Sound Connections
Amplitude Ventures
This is the intricate world of music entrepreneurship.Hosted by Jakob Wredstrøm from Amplitude Ventures, this podcast offers listeners a unique blend of insightful interviews, industry expertise, and behind-the-scenes stories from the global music landscape. From the challenges of breaking into the industry to the nuances of music tech innovations, each episode is a journey into the lives of music professionals, founders, artists, and innovators. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an industry veteran, or just a music enthusiast, "Sound Connections" provides a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of music. Listen and connect with the sounds and stories that shape the industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 45min
#091: EXPERT: Jean Christophe Barat: Allfeat and The Future of Royalties
The collaboration between Allfeat and Sound Connections is paving the way for innovation in the music industry. In this episode, Jean Christophe Barat (JC), founder of Allfeat, shares how their blockchain technology addresses critical issues like metadata management and royalty distribution. He also discusses the journey of building Allfeat and its role in creating transparent and efficient solutions for artists and music professionals.Highlights: Building a blockchain-based solution for secure music metadata. Overcoming industry challenges through partnership and innovation. Empowering independent artists with transparent royalty management.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Jan 16, 2025 • 58min
#090: EXPERT: Pedro Sarmento: Music, AI, and the Human Touch
The human element in music remains essential, even as AI transforms the creative process. In this episode, Pedro Sarmento, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Digital Music in London, discusses how technology can support, rather than overshadow, human creativity. From his journey as a guitarist to his work with AI and guitar tablatures, Pedro explores the balance between tradition and innovation, music education's future, and AI-generated art's philosophical implications.Highlights:The intersection of AI, music, and creativity.Pedro's practical approach to integrating AI in music.The significance of human artistry in an AI-driven world.Innovative AI tools enhancing musical craftsmanship.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Jan 9, 2025 • 39min
#089: EXPERT: Maciej Dulski: The Story Behind MusicTech Lab
MusicTechLab is helping to address the challenges of integrating technology into the music industry while supporting creativity in startups. In this episode, Maciej Dulski shares his perspective on the changing landscape of music technology and how it is creating practical opportunities for artists and businesses. A thoughtful look at the hurdles and progress in this evolving field.Highlights:- MusicTechLab's journey in aiding music tech startups.- Insights into financing challenges in the music tech industry.- Exploring AI's potential and innovative solutions in music production.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Jan 2, 2025 • 35min
#088: AI Jake's Take: Cracking The Code On Music Tech Financing
Get to know why "boring B2B solutions" and infrastructure-based innovations hold untapped potential, and learn practical strategies for raising capital in an industry with scarce investor specialization. Jakob and AI Jake also touch on the importance of realistic multiples, the pitfalls of emotional biases in investment, and the critical role of public knowledge and research in reshaping the music tech landscape.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Dec 27, 2024 • 24min
#087: Tajdar Khan: Business in Music: Understanding The Challenges and Opportunities
Amplitude Ventures partner, Taj, shares his insights on the evolving music industry in this episode. From blending traditional business strategies with the passion economy to exploring how technology drives innovation, Taj offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the sector. He also reflects on his journey from India to Norway and how his unique background shapes his approach to music as a product and business.Highlights:Connecting business and music.Understanding the passion economy and its influence on the industry.Creative strategies for music ventures.Insights into Taj's unique perspective as a non-musician in the music world.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 8min
#086: Founder: John Gerhart & Chris Santillo: From LA's Grind to Global Impact: The Lightworks Story
John Samuel and Chris Santillo share their journey through Los Angeles’ vibrant music industry, from humble beginnings to collaborating with icons like Simon Cowell. This episode delves into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned while navigating one of the world’s most creative and competitive music scenes.Highlights:● The relentless pursuit of passion in LA's competitive music scene.● Building meaningful connections and collaborations.● Balancing creativity and business in the music industry.● Insights into the evolving landscape of music entrepreneurship.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Dec 12, 2024 • 56min
#085: EXPERT: Takayuki Suzuki: Superfans and Strategy: How Japan Is Monetizing Fandom
Japan’s music industry, the second largest in the world, is spotlighted in this episode as Takayuki Suzuki, founder of MusicTech Japan, shares his expertise. From the enduring dominance of physical music sales to innovative approaches in monetizing fandom, Taka unpacks the unique characteristics that set Japan apart. He also discusses the role of Web3, AI, and storytelling in shaping the future of music, offering valuable insights for startups and global audiences looking to learn from Japan’s success.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Dec 5, 2024 • 59min
#084: INVESTOR: Andrea Rosen: Music as a Catalyst: Investing in the Future of Nightlife and Culture
Investing in forward-thinking startups is reshaping the nightlife industry, and Andrea Rosen, portfolio manager at Best Nights VC, is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, Andrea shares her approach to supporting innovative projects that connect music, culture, and technology. From her roots as a DJ to her role as a VC leader, she discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating a positive impact through music and community-driven initiatives.Highlights:Andrea Rosen's distinct shift from DJ to venture capital.The influence of music on enhancing nightlife and cultural projects.Tackling industry hurdles with creative solutions.Empowering communities through strategic investments in music tech.Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Nov 28, 2024 • 50min
#083: EXPERT: Con Raso & Andrew Batey: How Tuned Global and BeatDapp Are Unmasking Fraud In Music
Andrew Batey of BeatDapp and Con Raso of Tuned Global discuss combating music streaming fraud. They explore its ties to organized crime, its impact on artists and labels, and how advanced fraud detection improves transparency, boosts catalog value, and ensures fair earnings in the music industry. Highlights:● Music streaming fraud with BeatDapp and Tuned Global● Fighting music streaming fraud and its impact on the music industry● Increasing transparency, fairness, and confidence in music streaming

Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
#082: MANAGER: Mike Holland: Taking Charge: How Emerging Artists Are Shaping Their Own Success
Mike Holland, an experienced artist manager, discusses the challenges and opportunities for emerging artists in today’s music industry. In this episode, he shares practical advice on building a fanbase, understanding the business side of music, and taking control of a career in a rapidly changing landscape. A grounded look at the realities of artist development and management.Highlights:Exploring the dynamic shifts in the music industry and their impact on artists.The importance of artists acting as their own CEOs.Strategies for artists to maintain artistic integrity while expanding their fanbase.Mike's personal journey from content creation to music management.


