Trapital

The Trapital Report 2023 breaks down big takeaways on streaming, live music, state of hip-hop, and valuable songs. Hip-hop outshines electronic music, with its growth tapering off. Headlines without context impact decisions. Fans want identity, self-expression, and memories. Generative AI, splitting the pie, and different worlds for artists on different tours are also discussed. Historical bias and price influence hip-hop tours. YouTube active users prefer pop audience.

Apple has been the most influential company in music in the 21st century, and music was the major driver behind Apple’s comeback. Join us for a deep dive on where Apple was before its music journey, the impact of iTunes, Steve Jobs, iPod, U2, iPhone, Apple Music, Drake, Taylor Swift, Frank Ocean, and a whole lot more.I’m joined by friend of the pod, Zack O’Malley Greenburg. We discuss how music helped Apple exceed the value of the entire music industry. We also discuss the company’s strategy with software, hardware, and how it all worked together. Hope you enjoy it.[00:03:55] Steve Jobs returns to Apple[00:10:13] iTunes, iPod, iTunes Music Store[00:34:48] How U2 got their own iPod[00:44:20] Why Jobs was against subscription-based music streaming[00:51:27] Apple buys Beats Electronics[00:56:48] How U2’s album got on every iPhone[01:07:54] Apple Music launch[01:14:04] What would Jobs say about Apple’s current music strategy?[01:21:54] Apple Music’s old exclusives strategyEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

No new episode this week. We’re working hard on this year’s Trapital Report, which is out at the end of October! Make sure you’re signed up for our email newsletter to get the report once it’s live.Next week we’re back with another deep dive episode. Listen to this brief episode for a few hints! Talk to you next week.

This episode is all about Pandora Music. In the post-iPhone era, Pandora was the early favorite in music streaming. We break down its decade-long journey to get there, its rise in popularity, IPO, SiriusXM, and how and why it got beat by other competitors.I’m joined by friend of the show, Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research. Here’s what we discussed:[00:05:50] The Music Genome Project[00:09:37] Rejected by 300 VCs[00:14:44] Pandora’s legal battles[00:18:22] Pandora vs Spotify[00:40:50] The SiriusXM era[00:54:15] Changing cultureEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

In May 2023, I gave a talk at the Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business - Black Leadership Conference. I explored the future of music, industry trends, and its impact on Black artists. Hip-hop culture sets the trends that society follows. I explore all that and more.[00:06:18] Beyond the vanity metrics[00:08:06] Whitney Houston estate[00:13:16] The OutKast Edge[00:19:51] Q&A: Leveling up at each stage of growthEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

You can't tell the story about hip-hop without telling the story of Def Jam. We break down the business behind of one of the most iconic record labels of all time. Join me, Dan Runcie, and friend of the pod, Zack Greenburg, as we discuss the triumphs and challenges that shape Def Jam and its legacy.[00:04:44] Def Jam influence on modern hip hop[00:08:59] How Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin met[00:18:18] Simmons and Rubin part ways[00:26:23] Lyor Cohen takes over, Polygram deal[00:34:24] Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam[00:42:59] Late 90s run: DMX, Jay Z, and the UMG sale[00:52:11] Def Jam Vendetta[00:58:27] Jay Z becomes CEO[01:12:09] LA Reid, Def Jam in the 2010s[01:21:54] Most effective Def Jam CEO?[01:28:31] Dark horse move?[01:38:05] Missed opportunitiesEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.

This solo episode covers interesting topics such as Saudi Arabia investing in entertainment and tech, the changing landscape of the 'Song of the Summer', the decline of pop stars and trends, and Spotify's podcast strategy. It explores potential investment opportunities in the music industry, discusses the evolution of songs of the summer, and highlights the success and fragmentation in movies, music, and pop stars. Furthermore, it delves into the shift in the music industry from record labels to streaming services, and explores Spotify's podcasting strategy and its value for advertisers.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. We discuss the untapped potential of the music production market, how music shapes our lives, and the need for more accessibility in music. We also discuss the potential of AI in creative tools, Splice’s future, and more:[00:04:56] Music’s overlooked and underserved market[00:06:43] A tale of two cities[00:12:29] The digital music producer market[00:21:26] The right balance with AI[00:29:56] Leading with empathy[00:33:12] Hard decisions made at Splice[00:41:05] Splice and the billion-dollar exit[00:46:39] How Nike inspires SpliceThis episode is sponsored by DICE. Learn more about why artists, venues, and promoters love to partner with DICE for their ticketing needs. Visit dice.fmEnjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by readingTrapital’s free memo.

Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research discusses Napster's rise, artists taking sides, legal challenges, and the aftermath of its shutdown. The impact on music culture, Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker's post-Napster ventures, and the legacy of the disruptive platform are unpacked in this engaging podcast episode.

Zack Greenburg, author of a book about one of MTV's biggest stars ever, joins the podcast to discuss the highs, lows, and controversies of MTV. They cover topics such as MTV's business model, Michael Jackson's impact, one-hit wonders, Yo MTV Raps, movies, VMAs, reality TV vs music videos, and MTV's missed opportunities.