Sponsored by Amplitude Ventures: Pioneering Music Industry Innovation - https://amplitude.ventures

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

In this special year-end episode of Sound Connections, Jakob sits down with Taj, his business partner and a key force behind Amplitude Ventures, for a candid discussion on the business of music and their vision for the future.

Taj shares his journey from a non-music background to navigating one of the most complex industries, offering an outsider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable business models in music. Together, they reflect on the growth of Sound Connections, the evolution of the music tech landscape, and the need for fresh approaches to entrepreneurship in this space.

They also tease their new podcast launching in 2025, designed for those looking to start a business in the music industry but unsure where to begin. With a focus on practical insights, innovative solutions, and real-world challenges, the duo aims to bridge the gap between passion and profit.

From uncovering hidden opportunities to rethinking traditional norms, this episode sets the stage for an exciting year ahead in music and innovation. Tune in to discover how business and music can thrive together—and what’s coming next!

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 this episode of Sound Connections, Jakob reconnects with John and Chris, two creative powerhouses who’ve carved a unique path in the music industry. Jase, a passionate producer, and Chris, a visionary manager, reflect on their dynamic partnership and the values that have fueled their journey from humble beginnings to significant milestones, including collaborations with global icons like Simon Cowell.

The conversation delves deep into the essence of artistry—why music is more than a product, but a way of life—and explores the crucial role of resilience and obsession in creative success. Together, they discuss their new venture, Lightwork, a forward-thinking company designed to empower artists with the freedom to share their unfiltered creativity.

From LA's unrelenting grind to crafting a legacy in the global music landscape, this episode offers a look at how passion, collaboration, and a shared vision can create not just hits, but meaningful movements in art and culture.

In this captivating episode of Sound Connections, Takayuki Suzuki, chairman and founder of MusicTech Japan, dives into Japan’s music industry—the second largest globally. Takayuki shares his journey, from leading digital transformation at Universal Music Japan to his current role as a consultant and connector in the music-tech ecosystem.

Together, we explore Japan's unique fan culture, the value placed on physical music products, and the superfan monetization model that could inspire Western markets. Takayuki also delves into the rise of music-tech startups in Japan, such as Sound Draw and Babyjam, and their impact on AI-driven creativity and artist empowerment.

The conversation also unpacks how Web3 and blockchain might redefine fandom monetization, the nuances of introducing Western startups to Japan’s tightly-knit music scene, and the potential for Japanese culture and products to resonate worldwide.

Tune in to learn what the West can adopt from Japan’s approach to storytelling, fan engagement, and market innovation.

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 this episode of Sound Connections, we dive deep into the world of music, culture, and investment with Andrea Rosen, Portfolio Manager at Best Nights VC—Jägermeister's corporate venture arm. Andrea brings a unique perspective as both a seasoned DJ and a venture capitalist, blending her passion for nightlife with the strategic insights of an investor.

Andrea shares her unconventional career journey, from Tel Aviv's startup scene to becoming a key player at Best Nights VC, where she focuses on investments that redefine nightlife and foster human connections through music. We explore her dual identity as an artist and investor, navigating the challenges of blending community-driven values with the hard metrics of venture capital.

In this episode of Sound Connections, we’re joined by Andrew Batey, co-founder of BeatDapp, and Con Raso, managing director of Tuned Global. Together, they share the crisis behind streaming fraud that's plaguing the music industry and share how they’re tackling it.

Andrew explains how BeatDapp’s cutting-edge fraud detection technology identifies and eliminates fraudulent streams, reallocating millions back to legitimate artists. Con dives into how Tuned Global integrates these solutions to provide seamless, fraud-free streaming platforms for their clients worldwide.

We discuss these realities of streaming fraud, including its links to organized crime and its widespread impact on artists, labels, and distributors. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for catalog valuations, industry transparency, and investor confidence.

This episode is a rare glimpse into how technology intersects with entrepreneurship and music business, highlighting how tackling fraud can create a fairer ecosystem.

In this episode of Sound Connections, Jakob sits down with Mike Holland, seasoned music manager to Logic and visionary behind Bobby Boy Productions, to discuss the evolving landscape of the music industry and the unique challenges artists face today. Mike dives into the immense shift in music, describing the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead as technology transforms the way artists create, distribute, and monetize their work. From harnessing AI in music creation to the democratization of production tools, Mike shares his insights into what makes an artist successful in today’s industry: an entrepreneurial mindset and a dedicated team.

Mike also talks candidly about his journey into artist management, beginning as a passionate videographer capturing local musicians, to forming an unbreakable partnership with Logic. The conversation touches on the often-overlooked mental toll of the music industry, and Mike’s advice for artists navigating these pressures. He discusses the art of building connections with fans, balancing artistic integrity with business savvy, and the importance of staying grounded while aiming high.

If you’re an artist, manager, or simply a music enthusiast, this episode offers an honest look into what it takes to thrive in a changing musical landscape and the personal resilience needed to succeed.

In this founder-focused episode of Sound Connections, we sit down with Clément Souchier, seasoned entrepreneur and visionary behind Bridge Audio, an innovative platform transforming music organization, sharing, and discoverability for creators and industry professionals alike. Clément shares his journey from his early days as a drummer and music supervisor to launching successful companies like Criminal.io and now Bridge Audio, a tech solution aimed at unifying how music assets are managed and accessed across the industry.

Throughout our discussion, Clément offers valuable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of timing in innovation. We explore the unique challenges of the music tech landscape, from securing funding to fostering adoption across a range of users from bedroom producers to global music publishers. Clément also reveals how Bridge Audio’s advanced AI-powered search capabilities aim to transform catalog management for labels, publishers, and supervisors, making even the most niche music instantly accessible and searchable.

Tune in for an in-depth look at Clément’s inspiring mission to create a “Switzerland of music assets” that harmonizes the industry and drives forward a more connected future for music professionals at every level.

In this episode of Sound Connections, we sit down with Kanru Hua, the visionary founder of Dreamtonics, to explore the innovative intersection of AI and music production. Dreamtonics, based in Tokyo, is best known for developing cutting-edge AI-powered vocal synthesizers, tools that transform the way music creators interact with vocals. Kanru shares his journey from a middle school hobbyist fascinated by vocal synthesis to founding a company that challenges the boundaries of traditional music creation.

We dive into Dreamtonics' groundbreaking products, such as their AI singer, and how these tools empower musicians and producers, enabling them to explore creative possibilities previously out of reach. Kanru explains the technical complexities of building AI-driven music tools, the shift from a niche character-based market to broader professional use, and the future of AI in music. Whether you're a music producer or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping the music landscape.