Sound Connections

In another episode with Rebecca Brook, she breaks down what’s really happening with Suno, Udio, and the major labels—who’s suing whom, why startups trying to “do the right thing” feel betrayed, and why the current legal landscape is making things murkier, not clearer. 

The conversation pulls no punches and tackles hard truths: Are the legal systems built to protect music creators? Are artists being replaced or just drowned out? Is anyone truly safe if training models on commercial music becomes normalized?

Part commentary, part therapy session, and an essential listen for anyone trying to u...

Strings, tours and faith.
Legendary guitarist tells his story from rejection to global tours and AI innovation. 

The mindset and evolution of Ryan Roxie, the longtime guitarist for Alice Cooper and a true rock industry survivor shares a brutally honest and inspiring look at life on and off stage.

As we explore the darker truths of the music industry through Roxie's eyes — from near-misses with record deals to understanding the harsh economics behind being a hired gun, Ryan opens up about ego in bands, the persistence needed to survive in rock, and how innovation — inclu...

Can Physical Music Make a Comeback? 

Jennifer Sullivan, CMO and President of North America at KiTbetter discusses how KIT albums—a hybrid physical-digital format originating in K-pop—are transforming music monetization in the West. With insights on artist sustainability, fandom-driven commerce, and cultural shifts in music ownership, this episode explores how tangible fan engagement could reshape the indie artist economy.

The conversation covers shifts in fan behavior, the comeback of tangible music ownership, and the economic challenges facing touring and independent musicians. Jennifer also shares how KiTbetter keeps production costs low and margins high, making it a...

LyricFind CEO, Darryl Ballantyne, discusses the company's $1 billion antitrust lawsuit against Musixmatch and its parent company, TPG Growth. 

The lawsuit alleges that Musixmatch's exclusive licensing deal with Warner Chappell Music has created a monopoly in the lyrics licensing market, forcing digital service providers like Spotify and iHeartRadio to source lyrics solely from Musixmatch, often at higher costs. 

In this episode, Darryl emphasizes the broader implications of such monopolistic practices on independent artists, publishers, and the overall health of the music industry.

Explore LyricFind here; https://www.lyricfind.com/

Learn more about th...

Concluding the 3-day music tech conference 2025 at Belgium, we share one of our partnership episodes with Rachel Young as she shares her expert lens on how artists, founders, and music companies can leverage digital platforms to build sustainable careers.
Taking lessons from her pivotal work launching and developing TikTok’s music distribution service, SoundOn, and reflecting on how TikTok reshaped music discovery, monetization, and community building, she debunks common myths about content creation to practical strategies for nurturing fandom and generating revenue.

Now helping music tech founders, record labels and investors make smarter product & commercial decisions, Ra...

From his academic roots and work at AI Music to launching RoEx, Dr. David Ronan, founder and CEO, shares how his AI-powered platform is transforming music production by lowering the technical barriers in mixing and mastering. A rare look at the intersection of machine learning and musical expression to the emotional nuances of mixing, he tell us why assistive AI is the future of creative workflows in audio.

He holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science from Queen Mary University of London, where his research focused on intelligent audio production tools, including fully autonomous multitrack...

It is more than a design. 
We are looking into the evolving importance of brand in music tech, how storytelling and authentic connection drive loyalty, and offering practical advice for founders who want to shape identity, visually and verbally.

All these are discussed with Erik Herrström, the creative director in Vienna who has worked with top-tier brands like Nike, Spotify, and Google and then, launched STUDIO HERRSTRÖM, an agency committed to shaping brand identities that resonate deeply in music tech and beyond.

Learn more about the agency: https://www.studioherrstrom.com/

For our next partnership episode, we have Collette Tibbetts, founder of Joker Deck, for a no‑fluff look at why music tech investing demands wild card thinking.

Collette blends her experience as a songwriter and investor to explain why traditional VC frameworks often fall short in the music space—and how her angel syndicate, Joker Deck, is flipping the script. Drawing from industry nuance, lived artistic insight, and behavioral economics, she argues for smaller checks, deeper support, and an entirely new way to frame value.

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Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Musi...

With over 20 releases, a Netflix series soundtrack, and chairing Denmark’s top songwriting organizations, Danish musician and advocate dives deep into the challenges of sustaining a music career in an industry where streaming pays fractions and social media demands pay-to-play tactics.

Find out how Anna Lidell's startup, SLEEVE, enables musicians to build direct, monetizable relationships with their fans—bypassing traditional gatekeepers and finally giving artists ownership of their audience. Building with a lean team to generate more income from a handful of superfans than from Spotify streams, Anna reflects on the broken music revenue system and explains the...

How does a song become a multi-million dollar asset? 

With a career that began in talent and label management at M.E.R. Group—home to EDM icon Alan Walker—Yonas brings a unique, full-stack perspective on what gives music lasting value. Now leading operations at one of the most sophisticated music investment funds in the U.S., he reveals the internal mechanics behind valuing music catalogs, why evergreens matter, and how his team builds a generational portfolio from both legacy artists and active creators.

All this and more as we sit with Yonas Arega...

With roots in building digital experiences for artists like Childish Gambino and SZA, Megh and Chuka co-founded  Symphony — an all-in-one marketing platform tailored for creators. 
In this episode, they share their journey from agency life to launching a scalable SaaS solution that simplifies marketing, data, and fan engagement for a new generation of artists. From LA grind to AI-driven global impact, this is a candid look into the future of music tech.

Learn more about Symphony here; https://beta.symphonyos.co/homepage

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Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - ht...

PARTNERSHIP WITH WALLIFORNIA 2025
We explore the evolution of music discovery alongside Aurélien Hérault, Chief Innovation Officer at Deezer. 

From early editorial playlists to today’s AI-powered recommendation engines, Aurélien explains why Deezer labels—and withholds promotion of—100 % AI-generated tracks, how it detects fraudulent streaming activity, and the metrics that guide “lean-back” versus “discovery” modes. 

You are about to listen to a clear, behind-the-scenes look at the technology and ethical choices shaping what you hear next.

Explore Deezer here; www.deezer.com

About the 9th edition of the Wallifornia...

Let's explore the journey of Tom Allen, CTO of Downtown Music Group and founder of Curve. Tom shares how he went from an independent-label intern to building a bootstrapped music-data platform that earned its acquisition. 

You’ll hear his insights on blending deep technical know-how with customer-driven iteration, and how he fosters a people-first culture across global engineering teams, the value of staying close to the user, and why being “leaderful” matters more than just leading. A masterclass in music tech

Learn about Curve: https://www.curveforcreators.com/about-curve
Learn about Downtown Music: https://downtow...

In a world where billions of songs compete for attention, one company is ensuring every creator gets paid what they’re owed. 
Hans Peter Roth shares how he transformed Muserk from a microsync licensing side project into the leading U.S. rights administrator, claiming an unexpected \$500K from YouTube in 2017 and growing to manage over 20 million works today. 

He explains why U.S. mechanical royalties are a tangle all their own, how strategic pivots and industry partnerships drive growth, and why markets in Africa and APAC hold massive untapped potential. Plus, discover the metadata challenges of AI-g...

Turntable.fm was Joseph Perla’s first breakout hit in 2011 — now he’s back with Hangout.fm, a fully licensed platform that brings shared music experiences online. In this episode, Joseph reveals how a failed music rights negotiation taught him lessons that shaped his career at Facebook and Lyft, and fueled his four-year battle to secure label agreements for Hangout.fm.

How did he raise funding from Founders Fund, partner with Discord and other social apps alongside his plans to roll out virtual goods?
They are all in this episode.

Explore the platform here; https...

From island beats to global charts, Gineyda Cornelio, Director of Marketing & Latin Strategy at AudioMack is rewriting the rules of today’s music business. 

She traces her own path from club social-media gigs in Miami to guiding AudioMack’s Latin growth, then breaks down the numbers behind the genre’s 19% listener surge, the rise of independent distribution, and why Bad Bunny, Karol G, and regional Mexican stars are changing global charts. 
She shares candid insights on licensing hurdles, touring economics, and the power of color-coded branding that turns casual listeners into loyal advocates.

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Spon...

Knowledge is the new currency for independent musicians—and Ryan Schmidt, Esq., wants every artist to have plenty in the bank. In this episode, the artist-turned-music-lawyer explains Foundation App, a gamified pocket “music-business school” for delivering two-to-five-minute lessons on contracts, royalties, publishing, tour deals, mental health, and more. 

This conversation covers business skills for musicians and shows how shrinking the knowledge gap helps creators dodge bad agreements, forge stronger label and management partnerships, and maps the mindset—and the practical steps—needed to level up and earn sustainably in 2025’s evolving music landscape.

Engage with the Foundatio...

From throwing a DIY festival in his hometown to running a 12‑person, AI‑driven marketing startup in Paris, Clémentin’s journey shows how grit and smart pivots can turn a bedroom idea into a global business tool. In another partnership episode with Music Tech Europe Academy, he shares the highs and lows of building Control Reach, formerly Your Music Marketing —including hard‑won lessons on fundraising, choosing a market, and steering a team through radical change.

Learn more about Music Tech Europe Academy: https://www.musictecheuropeacademy.eu/

Visit Your Music Marketing: https://yourmusic.marketing/
...

PARTNERSHIP WITH WALLIFORNIA 2025

Are you raising your first round or scouting high‑growth startups? 

In our first partnership episode with Xavier Peters, CEO of Belgium‑based venture fund, LeanSquare, he explains how his team backs late‑seed and pre‑Series A startups across music, sport, esports, and gaming—and why a strong founder mindset and a clear market need outweigh everything else, including funding in music technology and the ecosystem shaping its future.

About the 9th edition of the Wallifornia Music + Tech Summit in July 2025;
https://walliforniamusictech.com/

Sponsored by Allfeat: De...

Metadata may be the unglamorous backbone of music, but it decides who gets paid. In this episode, entrepreneur and technologist Jacob Varghese explains how his company Noctil uses supervised machine‑learning to link millions of usage logs with the right ownership data, turning “black‑box” royalties into real income for creators. He traces his journey from a 2012 consulting project to a fully bootstrapped, modular platform that now supports publishers, labels, and collecting societies. 

Along the way, you will hear why blanket licenses and legacy systems leave gaps, how AI can lift match rates by double‑digit percentages, and what po...

Let's get an inside look at how Alex and Nicholas from Beat Connect are reshaping music production through a fresh take on collaboration. Hear about their journey building a DAW that bridges the gap between pros and newcomers, drawing inspiration from gaming to create an intuitive, real-time creative experience. They also discuss tackling industry roadblocks and why making music more accessible could redefine how artists connect, share, and innovate worldwide.

Find out more here; https://www.beatconnect.com/

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/
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Entrepreneur, DJ and newly honored as Manager of the Year and Music Exporter of the Year at the Estonian Music Industry Awards, Britt Randma, sheds light on building a viable career from a smaller market, the realities of music export, and why hard work often outweighs immediate financial gain. 

Listen to Britt share her firsthand experience balancing multiple roles—artist management (Night Tapes), event organization, and label collaborations—all while navigating international tours and funding. If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes challenges of the music industry, this conversation delivers fresh insights on turning passion into a susta...

Let's get an inside look at how Alex and Nicholas from Beat Connect are reshaping music production through a fresh take on collaboration. Hear about their journey building a DAW that bridges the gap between pros and newcomers, drawing inspiration from gaming to create an intuitive, real-time creative experience. They also discuss tackling industry roadblocks and why making music more accessible could redefine how artists connect, share, and innovate worldwide.

Find out more here; https://www.beatconnect.com/

Experience the possibilities of ethical AI in music creation as Antony Demekhin, CEO and co-founder of TUNEY, explains how his platform helps aspiring musicians craft tracks without compromising sound quality or copyright. In this episode, he recounts a lifelong passion for percussion and hip hop, revealing how it shaped TUNEY’s focus on genuine creativity and accessible workflows. 

It is a practical look at what happens when technology and artistry evolve hand in hand.

Explore here: https://tuney.io/

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com...

President & CEO of Yamaha Music Innovations, Yusuke Sugino details his 17-year journey from semiconductor sales to European market leadership, and why he was chosen to spearhead this bold initiative. We dive into the challenges of financing music tech startups, the long-term vision for Yamaha’s fund, and how the company plans to support founders beyond capital—leveraging their global brand, customer base, and deep industry expertise.

Visit their website: https://www.yamaha.com/en/

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/

Produced by A...

Kickstart your journey into the evolving music startup scene with an in-depth conversation featuring Jody McKinley, a leading voice in music tech. 
Know the industry’s most pressing challenges, from managing fragmented talent to navigating complex licensing and gain insights on building a winning team and learn how technological advancements are shaping the future for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/

Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

Legal and financial hurdles stand at the forefront of the modern music industry. In this conversation, music management professor, Daniel Nordgård, shares insights on how technology, academia, and sustainable artist careers converge to shape the sector’s future. He examines the influence of AI on music creation and discusses the shifting values behind music consumption. 

By spotlighting forward-thinking strategies, Daniel showcases how innovation can help overcome industry challenges and drive positive change.

Highlights:

Ciarán and Michael share how their music-sharing platform began as a solution for artists who need to send tracks securely, privately, and with clear insights on who has listened. 
Drawing from real-life music industry frustrations and professional tech expertise, they explain how Songbox evolved through user feedback, personal experience, and the practical know-how gained from successful and challenging business ventures. 

Also, find out why major artists like Bryan Adams embraced Songbox early on, and hear how strong focus, bootstrapping, and smart growth strategies guided their journey. Whether you’re a musician seeking the right tool for s...

Thais Ruiz de Alda, founder of Digital Femmes, delves into the barriers women face in tech and music while highlighting the opportunities for change. She shares her journey and the mission of Digital Femmes to create a more inclusive and diverse digital landscape.

This episode is produced in partnership with Music Tech Europe Academy: https://www.musictecheuropeacademy.eu/

Highlights:

Streaming, technology, and economic shifts are transforming the music industry. In this episode, music expert Dan breaks down the biggest challenges and innovations shaping the business today. From the impact of streaming on artists and labels to the role of creators and new monetization strategies, this discussion explores how macroeconomic trends and digital advancements are redefining the industry. Learn how artists and professionals can adapt to these changes and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Highlights:

This episode delves into the changing landscape of music and data. Christine Osazuwa, founder of Measure of Music and a seasoned expert in data-driven strategies for artists and labels, describes her journey from the US to key positions in London and Stockholm. She explains how she uses data to promote diversity and inclusion, and reveals the forward-thinking methods reshaping the industry.

Highlights:

MJ, CEO of Lemonaide Music, shares his inspiring journey from aspiring rapper to tech entrepreneur. He dives into the challenges and successes of integrating AI into music production, emphasizing ethical AI practices and artist empowerment. Learn how Lemonaide Music is revolutionizing the industry by providing innovative AI-driven tools that support musicians in their creative process.

Highlights:  

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Indust...

Beats and Spotify were early steps for Ola Sars in shaping how businesses use music, leading him to start Soundtrack Your Brand. This episode explains how his work with consumer streaming platforms guided him toward a B2B model that changes how companies engage audiences through music, focusing on fairer licensing, increasing value for artists, and overcoming the hurdles of a global music service.

Highlights:

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain...

The collaboration between Allfeat and Sound Connections is paving the way for innovation in the music industry. In this episode, Jean Christophe Barat (JC), founder of Allfeat, shares how their blockchain technology addresses critical issues like metadata management and royalty distribution. He also discusses the journey of building Allfeat and its role in creating transparent and efficient solutions for artists and music professionals.

Highlights:

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Mus...

The human element in music remains essential, even as AI transforms the creative process. In this episode, Pedro Sarmento, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Digital Music in London, discusses how technology can support, rather than overshadow, human creativity. From his journey as a guitarist to his work with AI and guitar tablatures, Pedro explores the balance between tradition and innovation, music education's future, and AI-generated art's philosophical implications.

Highlights:

MusicTechLab is helping to address the challenges of integrating technology into the music industry while supporting creativity in startups. In this episode, Maciej Dulski shares his perspective on the changing landscape of music technology and how it is creating practical opportunities for artists and businesses. A thoughtful look at the hurdles and progress in this evolving field.

Highlights:
- MusicTechLab's journey in aiding music tech startups.
- Insights into financing challenges in the music tech industry.
- Exploring AI's potential and innovative solutions in music production.

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized...

Get to know why "boring B2B solutions" and infrastructure-based innovations hold untapped potential, and learn practical strategies for raising capital in an industry with scarce investor specialization. Jakob and AI Jake also touch on the importance of realistic multiples, the pitfalls of emotional biases in investment, and the critical role of public knowledge and research in reshaping the music tech landscape.

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for the Music Industry - https://www.allfeat.com/


Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Music Tech - https://amplitude.ventures

In the kickoff episode of the year, host Jakob dives deep into the nuanced world of music tech financing, offering founders practical advice and real insights. Drawing from his experience as a founder and venture studio leader at Amplitude Ventures, Jakob explores key challenges like lowering expectations for funding, crafting parallel narratives, and overcoming investor skepticism. He shares findings from extensive research and his widely read LinkedIn articles to highlight effective strategies for attracting investment in a historically underfunded industry.

The conversation also uncovers why traditional VCs often shy away from music tech, how to frame your...

Amplitude Ventures partner, Taj, shares his insights on the evolving music industry in this episode. From blending traditional business strategies with the passion economy to exploring how technology drives innovation, Taj offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the sector. He also reflects on his journey from India to Norway and how his unique background shapes his approach to music as a product and business.

Highlights:

John Samuel and Chris Santillo share their journey through Los Angeles’ vibrant music industry, from humble beginnings to collaborating with icons like Simon Cowell. This episode delves into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned while navigating one of the world’s most creative and competitive music scenes.

Highlights:

●  The relentless pursuit of passion in LA's competitive music scene.

●  Building meaningful connections and collaborations.

●  Balancing creativity and business in the music industry.

●  Insights into the evolving landscape of music entrepreneurship.

Sponsored by Allfeat: Decentralized Blockchain Solutions for th...