

Trapital
Dan Runcie
Trapital is where technology meets culture. Hear breakdowns on the most important trends in tech, media, and entertainment. Trapital founder Dan Runcie and various guests break down the moves that shape the rest of society. Learn more
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
May 13, 2025 • 40min
The Business of Soundtracking the Creator Economy
Oscar Hoglund, co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, dives into the intersection of music and the creator economy. He reveals how AI is transforming music discovery and adaptation, ensuring artists are fairly compensated. Oscar discusses Epidemic Sound's unique revenue model and the challenges of navigating investor relations. He also highlights trends in content creation and the necessity for innovation in artist compensation, emphasizing the vital role of technology in fostering creativity in today’s saturated market.

7 snips
May 8, 2025 • 36min
Tariffs, Tours, and Trade Wars: Why Music Investment Won’t Slow Down
Liz Dilts Marshall, Senior Finance Correspondent for Billboard, dives into the complexities of the music industry's economic landscape. She explores the rising investor interest in music assets despite geopolitical tensions. The discussion delves into how tariffs impact touring and live music, alongside the resilience of music revenues in fluctuating markets. Marshall compares today's music value to that of 1999, shedding light on modern consumption habits and the challenges artists face in a streaming-dominated world. A must-listen for anyone in the music business!

10 snips
May 5, 2025 • 37min
The 2025 Live Music Draft
Tati Cirisano, an analyst at MIDiA Research, shares her expertise on the future of live music. The discussion kicks off with a thrilling draft of 2025's top music festivals like Glastonbury and their unique lineups. They dive into standout stadium and arena tours, exploring the artistry behind successful residencies. The conversation further delves into the dynamics of overperformers and underperformers in the industry. Expect fascinating insights into cultural moments and how they shape live music selection, all while predicting Spotify's top artist by 2025.

May 1, 2025 • 36min
The $10B+ Blind Spot in B2B Streaming
Ola Sars, Founder and CEO of Soundtrack, shares insights from his journey in revolutionizing B2B music streaming. He discusses the staggering untapped revenue opportunities, estimating a $40–50 billion global market. The conversation dives into the legal challenges businesses face when using music and the need for better licensing strategies. Ola also reveals innovative revenue models Soundtrack employs and highlights the importance of tailored services for small businesses. Get ready to rethink how your favorite shops use music!

Apr 28, 2025 • 40min
Why Legacy Rock Bands Still Love Music Festivals
Everyone’s talking about “superfans,” but artist management companies have been focused on their top fans for quite some time. We sat down with Jonathan Daniel from Crush Music. They manage Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Sia, Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Train, and others.
We talk about Coachella, touring strategies, how they use data, business ventures and more. I also ask JD about acquisition offers, why they focus on rock and pop acts, and a whole lot more.
We dive into the realities of managing creatives, building trust within teams, and striking the balance between creative freedom and structure.
We also introduced a new segment to the show called “Market Moves” with our producer, Eric!
00:28 Coachella highlights
08:12 Touring Strategies and Challenges
19:12 Business Ventures and Sync Opportunities
33:45 Why Crush focuses on Rock and Pop
35:40 Market Moves
This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.
Trapital Summit - Super Early Bird Tix Available Until 4/30.

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
How to Win on YouTube
Join George Karalexis and Donna Budica, co-founders of Ten2 Media, as they dive into the art of thriving on YouTube. They discuss the importance of diversifying content formats and strategies to boost artist revenue. The duo emphasizes the necessity of audience engagement and long-term planning to maximize visibility. They also explore the comparison between YouTube and Spotify, revealing how YouTube's potential for monetization can outshine traditional streaming platforms, transforming musicians' careers in the digital era.

Apr 19, 2025 • 39min
Coachella’s Layaway Plan, Tubi’s Long Game , Lucian Grainge’s Legacy
It’s time for a Trapital Mailbag! We dive into hot topics like the Coachella’s payment plan debate, Tubi’s strategy under Fox, Meta vs the FTC, Lucian Grainge’s tenure at UMG, and a special section on how we use AI tools at Trapital!00:55 Coachella Payment Plans07:07 Tubi's Long-Term Strategy15:42 Lucian Grange's Impact on UMG26:14 Meta and the FTC: A Legal Battle29:47 AI Tools for TrapitalTrapital Summit tickets here: early bird tickets until April 30!Want to be featured in the next partner spotlight? podcast@trapital.comSummit partnership opportunities: summit@trapital.co

Apr 14, 2025 • 19min
How TikTok Got Caught in the Trade War
Peter Sinclair, Co-founder and CEO of BeatBread, specializes in providing financial solutions for artists. He discusses TikTok's precarious position amid the U.S.-China trade war, exploring its cultural and commercial implications. The conversation highlights the potential outcomes for TikTok, from ownership changes to possible bans. Sinclair also introduces beatBread's innovative Deal Comparison Tool, which helps artists and labels analyze financial options for better decision-making in the music industry.

5 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 36min
Inside Spotify’s $10B Payout to the Music Industry
Sam Duboff, Spotify's Head of Marketing & Policy for Music, dives into the complexities of music payouts revealed in the Loud and Clear report. He discusses Spotify's impressive $10 billion contribution to the industry, emphasizing the financial benefits for independent artists who now earn over 50% of total payouts. The conversation also covers the evolving role of major and emerging artists in the streaming era, the challenges of artist contracts, and the importance of transparency in shaping a fairer music ecosystem.

8 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 33min
Streaming Growth Slowed Down. What’s Next?
Mark Mulligan, CEO and founder of MIDiA Research, unpacks the complexities of the 2024 music streaming landscape. He discusses how growth trends vary between major labels and indie artists, especially in emerging markets. The conversation reveals how expanding rights could empower artists and enhance their control. Mulligan also highlights the changing dynamics of independent music, the impact of the pandemic on creativity, and the evolving music publishing scene, especially concerning royalties for indie labels.