Trapital

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brian Z Zisook, co-founder of Audiomack, dives deep into Drake's bold legal actions against industry giants like Universal Music Group and Spotify. They explore whether his claims about inflated streams are valid and debate his ultimate goals. The discussion highlights the challenges hip-hop artists face in maintaining relevance, the ethics of music marketing, and the implications of whistleblowing within the industry. Zisook also sheds light on listener trends and the complexities of Drake’s reputation as he navigates his evolving career.

Troy Carter, the Co-founder and CEO of Venice Music, shares insights from his experience managing superstar artists. He discusses the industry's shift towards independence and the necessity of creating more than just audio experiences. With the current seller's market for music distributors, he explores potential next revenue drivers for musicians beyond streaming. The conversation also touches on the rise of premium models, TikTok's challenges, and the transformative impact of technology on music's future.