

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

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!

Dec 19, 2024 • 29min
What Superfans Really Want with SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton - Trapital Summit
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.

Dec 16, 2024 • 27min
The State of Hip-Hop with Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun - Trapital Summit
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.

Dec 12, 2024 • 30min
The Future of Music Creation with Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava - Trapital Summit
Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice, drives innovation for music creators, while Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research offers sharp industry insights. They delve into challenges faced by emerging artists, emphasizing the need for better tools and support. The duo discusses the growing role of AI in music, balancing accessibility with creative integrity. They explore the shifting landscape influenced by TikTok and the importance of nurturing new talent, along with the complexities of creator-rights holder relationships.

Dec 9, 2024 • 28min
Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode with Believe’s Denis Ladegaillerie - Trapital Summit
Denis Ladegaillerie, the Founder and CEO of Believe, a leading global digital music company, shares insights on navigating the dual roles of founder and manager. He discusses the complexities of transitioning to a public company and aligning stakeholders. The conversation covers the challenges of managing diverse music business sectors and emphasizes regional nuances in artist development. Ladegaillerie also highlights the shift towards artist independence, showcasing the transformative impact of streaming services in the evolving music landscape.

Dec 6, 2024 • 31min
Unpacking The Value of Music
Will Page, former chief economist at Spotify and author of the global music copyright report, dives into the multifaceted value of music, now at $45.5 billion. He discusses the influence of glocalization on music markets from Colombia to Brazil, the growth of vinyl, and the disparity in streaming revenue across regions. Will also highlights the importance of better measuring emerging markets and explores the challenges faced by non-American artists, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies in the evolving music landscape.