Trapital

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud, has been pivotal in transforming the platform from a crisis to profitability. He discusses innovative strategies for enhancing artist-fan connections, including how smaller artists can monetize their work effectively. Seton reveals insights about the company's potential sale, the transformative role of AI in music, and emphasizes the importance of superfans. He also highlights how engaging dedicated fans can create a vibrant ecosystem for artists, rather than just extracting value from them.

Tunji Balogun, the Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, shares his insights on the evolving music landscape. He discusses the fluidity of hip-hop, reflecting on its growing influence across genres. Balogun highlights the critical importance of artist development and nurturing new talent in today's dynamic industry. He also touches upon the rising prominence of Afrobeats globally, showcasing the need for adaptability and foresight in predicting future trends in music.