Sound Connections

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, includi...

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 boots...

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 co...

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)...

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 practi...

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, cu...

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.  Spon...

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-th...

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 chal...

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:  Understandi...

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 indus...

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. Highli...

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:...

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....

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 soluti...

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 inno...

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: -...

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...

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 appro...

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....

Japan’s music industry, the second largest in the world, is spotlighted in this episode as Takayuki Suzuki, founder of MusicTech Japan, shares his expertise. From the enduring dominance of physical music sales to innovative approaches in monetizing fandom, Taka unpacks the unique characteristics that set Japan apart. He also discusses the role of Web3, AI, and storytelling in shaping the future of...

Investing in forward-thinking startups is reshaping the nightlife industry, and Andrea Rosen, portfolio manager at Best Nights VC, is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, Andrea shares her approach to supporting innovative projects that connect music, culture, and technology. From her roots as a DJ to her role as a VC leader, she discusses the challenges and opportunities in c...

Andrew Batey of BeatDapp and Con Raso of Tuned Global discuss combating music streaming fraud. They explore its ties to organized crime, its impact on artists and labels, and how advanced fraud detection improves transparency, boosts catalog value, and ensures fair earnings in the music industry.  Highlights: ● Music streaming fraud with BeatDapp and Tuned Global ● Fighting music streaming fraud a...

Mike Holland, an experienced artist manager, discusses the challenges and opportunities for emerging artists in today’s music industry. In this episode, he shares practical advice on building a fanbase, understanding the business side of music, and taking control of a career in a rapidly changing landscape. A grounded look at the realities of artist development and management. Highlights: Explorin...

The management and transparency of music assets take center stage in this episode as Clément Souchier, founder of Bridge Audio, shares his journey. From his early career at Creaminal.io to establishing Bridge Audio as the "Switzerland of Music Assets," Clément delves into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of the music industry. Highlights: The inception of Bridge Audio and its uniq...