

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

Apr 19, 2024 • 37min
What Taylor Swift's Return to TikTok Means for Universal Music Group
On April 11, Taylor Swift’s songs reappeared on TikTok despite the platform's ongoing dispute with her record label, Universal Music Group. This move was made in advance of the release of Taylor’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department.On this episode of Trapital, Tatiana Cirisano and I discuss why Swift and UMG don’t see eye-to-eye, competing incentives, who’s in charge at UMG, and more.00:00 Why we’re not surprised Taylor Swift made this move07:52 Why Swift and UMG have competing incentives13:37 What it means for UMG and TikTok moving forward24:27 Who’s the most powerful person in the music industry?This episode is brought to you by EVEN, where you buy the art from the artist. Learn more at https://get.even.biz/trapitalMake sure you listen in for our new Chartmetric stat of the week!Trapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

Apr 12, 2024 • 28min
What's Next for Diddy's Businesses?
Zack O'Malley Greenburg discusses Diddy's business ventures amid controversies. Topics include partnerships, brand speculation, Revolt's transition, business challenges, music catalog, and implications of celebrity controversies on brand partnerships.

Apr 5, 2024 • 35min
Do Music Festivals Have a Superstar Problem?
Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research discusses the challenges faced by music festivals post-pandemic, including the struggles of big festivals like Coachella. They explore the evolution of festivals into cultural phenomena, changing ticket buying trends, adapting to Gen Z attendees, and the profitability for top artists. The conversation also touches on Ariana Grande's Coachella performance and upcoming music festivals.

Mar 29, 2024 • 32min
Do Major Record Labels Still Have Brand Identity?
Music industry expert Justin Hunte and the host discuss major record labels' brand identity shift, including Def Jam's legacy, media consolidation impact, Hybe's Weverse maximizing reach, revenue-boosting strategies, industry trends, and the importance of brand identity in a changing landscape.

Mar 22, 2024 • 30min
UMG vs TikTok, Kids’ Music, and Beyonce - Verizon (Trapital mailbag episode)
This podcast delves into the UMG vs TikTok dispute, kids' music popularity, and Beyoncé's album 'Act II: Cowboy Carter' linked to Verizon. Get insights on music industry conflicts, children's entertainment impact, and unique marketing strategies.

Mar 15, 2024 • 38min
What’s Next For Concert Films?
Discover the rise of concert films in the music industry with hits like Taylor Swift and Beyonce; explore the economics and transmedia storytelling behind successful films. Get insights on potential future successes in concert films and the strategic approaches taken by artists. Dive into the financial dynamics of concert films and streaming revenue, predicting a bright future for artists in this space.

Mar 8, 2024 • 28min
Why We’re Still Early on AI Music
Explore the impact of generative AI on music and the industry's future. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI music creation. Dive into the rise of generative music and its potential. Contemplate whether AI music will cause a Napster moment. Listen to an audio essay on the topic. Learn about the Chartmetric stat of the week.

Mar 1, 2024 • 44min
The Oscars: Hit Songs, All the Drama, and Tons of Money
Exploring the financial investments in the Oscars, comparisons with the Grammys, the decline of big movie soundtracks, controversies, biggest snubs, and ideas for improving the show. Dive deep into the drama of the entertainment industry and wild theories.

12 snips
Feb 23, 2024 • 41min
Virgil Abloh: Off-White, Luxury, and Open-Source Fashion
The podcast delves into Virgil Abloh's impact on luxury rap, open-source fashion, and his relationship with Kanye West. It discusses his 3% rule, legacy, controversies, and how he reshaped the industry with brands like Pyrex Vision and Off-White.

Feb 16, 2024 • 49min
Yeezy: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Zack O'Malley Greenburg discusses Kanye West's journey in the fashion industry, from Nike to Adidas and Gap. They delve into the highs of Yeezy becoming a billion-dollar brand, the controversies, and the independent future of Yeezy.


