
Trapital
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
Latest episodes

Feb 25, 2025 • 35min
Who is ‘Spotify Music Pro’ Really For?
Tati Cirisano, an Analyst at MIDiA Research, dives into Spotify's potential new premium tier, Music Pro. The discussion reveals what the new features like enhanced audio quality and presale tickets might mean for superfans. Cirisano highlights the challenges of consumer price sensitivity and the possible backlash artists could face from added charges. The complexities of user expectations versus industry revenue goals are also examined, along with how platforms can balance profitability while meeting evolving consumer wants.

Feb 17, 2025 • 37min
Meta’s Media Strategy: An On-Again, Off-Again Relationship
Every few years, Meta makes a big push with a media-related product, but few of then have lasted long.Instant Articles, Facebook Watch, Instagram Live, podcasts, music videos and more. Why don’t these initiatives stick? Is this similar with most social media platforms that try new things? How will this evolve in the future?Join me and MIDiA Research’s Tati Cirisano as we discuss Meta, its suite of apps, and why these initiatives come and go.04:32 Entertainment vs. Social Platforms12:29 Meta’s Opportunity Cost17:01 Instagram, WhatsApp, and acquisitions23:21 The Future of Facebook25:38 Social Media Trends30:13 Open vs Closed Social PlatformsThis 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.If you enjoy Trapital, please rate and review on your favorite podcast platform!

Feb 10, 2025 • 36min
The Biggest Surprises in Streaming
Join journalist Zack O'Malley Greenburg, who specializes in music and business, as he explores the surprising world of streaming. Discover which 1980s and 2000s songs top Spotify's charts, revealing unexpected hits. He dives into the impact of TikTok on radio, the enduring success of tracks like 'Mr. Brightside,' and how cultural factors influence global music reception. The conversation also touches on the contrasting styles of Kendrick Lamar and Drake, shedding light on their unique appeal in today's hip-hop landscape.

Feb 3, 2025 • 37min
Disney’s Pop Star Pipeline
When it comes to music, Disney is a generational hitmaker. From Miley Cyrus to Hilary Duff, Disney has consistently produced some of the biggest names in music over the past few decades. We break down what worked well, what hasn’t, and how it has evolved with artists like Olivia Rodrigo.Join me and MIDiA Research’s Tati Cirisano as we dive in Disney’s enduring influence in the music industry.02:00 The Pop Star Pipeline05:16 The Eras of Disney’s Pop Stars09:04 Why Nickelodeon Doesn’t Have a Pipeline17:33 Disney's Impact on Artist Careers34:32 Can Other Companies Do The SameThis 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.If you enjoy Trapital, please rate and review on your favorite podcast platform!

Jan 27, 2025 • 26min
What’s Next for TikTok?
Kristin Robinson, a Billboard writer specializing in TikTok, joins the conversation to discuss the platform's turbulent relationship with U.S. politics. They delve into the implications of potential bans and how TikTok has shaped influencer marketing, especially among younger voters. Kristin highlights the importance of TikTok's algorithm and speculates on its future ownership post-2024. Discussions also cover the emotional toll on creators amid uncertainty and the possible decline of TikTok in favor of platforms like YouTube.

Jan 21, 2025 • 39min
How the Podcast Mega Deals Evolved
Join Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg News reporter and podcasting industry expert, as she explores the evolving world of podcasts. Discover how the rise of video is transforming audio content and changing platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Ashley delves into the dynamics of podcast deals, the shift towards monetizing with subscriptions, and the integration of audiobooks. She also examines the challenges smaller networks face and the implications of advertising shifts. Tune in for insights on navigating the new podcast landscape!

Jan 13, 2025 • 35min
How YouTube Became Every Company’s Competition
Tati Cirisano, an Analyst at MIDiA Research, brings fresh insights into the evolving landscape of YouTube as a powerhouse in the music industry. She discusses the platform's unique competitive edge through diverse content and the implications for artists. The conversation highlights the dual engagement of YouTube vs. YouTube Shorts, and explores the shifting economics of music videos for independent artists. Tati also tackles the challenges of increased screen time and the need for innovative strategies in an ever-changing digital world.

Jan 6, 2025 • 36min
Spotify’s Road to $100B and Profitability
In this discussion, Sleepwell Capital, an investor in music and tech, dives into Spotify's remarkable rise from a $14 billion market cap to over $100 billion. They explore Spotify's strategic edge over competitors like Apple Music and the implications of its pricing strategies. The talk also highlights Spotify's innovative monetization and podcasting approaches, as well as contrasting its growth trajectory with that of major labels. The conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the future of music distribution and streaming dynamics.

Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
Winners and Losers of 2024: Part 2
This episode features Zack O'Malley Greenburg, a music industry expert and contributor, who dives into the dynamic shifts in the live music scene. The discussion reveals how rising ticket prices impact both artists and fans. He examines the successes of major tours like Taylor Swift's and highlights the challenges facing mid-tier talent. Furthermore, Zack explores notable comebacks, including Post Malone's genre shift and Nicki Minaj's triumphant return, emphasizing the resilience and evolution of artists in a rapidly changing landscape.

Dec 24, 2024 • 36min
Winners and Losers of 2024: Part 1
In this discussion, Zack O’Malley Greenburg, a music industry contributor, shares rich insights on 2024's winners and losers across streaming and artists. He delves into Kendrick Lamar's ascendancy against Drake's streaming performance. The conversation highlights J. Cole's tour success and Taylor Swift's financial achievements driven by social media. They also critique Universal Music Group's dual role in nurturing talent amidst streaming dominance and the contrasting strategies of major versus independent labels. Listen for an engaging analysis!
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