Sound Connections

In this conversation, Linda Bloss-Baum, a leading figure in performance rights, explores the ups and downs of ensuring fair compensation in the music world. She reflects on her path from Capitol Hill to SoundExchange, showing how legislation like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Music Modernization Act shapes payments for sound recording owners. Along the way, learn about the challenges of terrestrial radio, the role of digital royalties, and why securing performance rights on U.S. terrestrial radio remains a pressing goal.

Highlights:

• Understanding the historical context and current challenges of performance rights.
• Linda's significant role in the creation of SoundExchange and its impact on digital royalties.
• The global effort for fair compensation and the legislative hurdles in the U.S.
• Insights into the lobbying dynamics and their influence on legislative changes.

Meet Mischa Sigtermans, founder of Stagent, as he explains how he combined his passion for music and technology to build a more efficient artist management platform. He talks about turning obstacles into opportunities, creating a straightforward system for booking and managing artists, and dealing with the complex nature of the music industry. Hear his insights on the importance of user-friendly design, the role of entrepreneurship, and the plans guiding Stagent’s future.

Highlights:

• Transforming artist management with technology at Stagent.
• The entrepreneurial journey of Mischa Sigtermans in the music industry.
• Overcoming barriers to create a seamless booking experience.
• Future aspirations for Stagent in the evolving music tech landscape.

Join Svitlana Pozniakova, founder of Nexro, to explore how data and AI are changing the way artists plan their careers. She describes her path from Ukraine to Norway, the shift from a royalty exchange platform to predictive analytics, and why data-driven insights matter for independent artists. Learn how Nexro helps safeguard and support creators in a rapidly evolving music industry.

Highlights:

• Innovating the music industry with data and AI at Nexro.
• The journey from royalty exchange to predictive analytics.
• Empowering artists and their teams through technology.
• Insights on navigating startup challenges in a competitive market.

Gain first-hand insight into performance rights as Linda Bloss-Baum, an experienced advocate in the music industry, breaks down the realities of terrestrial radio, digital royalties, and shifting legislation. Follow her path from Capitol Hill to SoundExchange, where she’s worked to ensure fair compensation for sound recording copyright owners. Hear how milestones like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and Music Modernization Act have influenced the rights landscape—and discover the ongoing push to secure performance rights on U.S. terrestrial radio.

Highlights:

• Understanding the historical context and current challenges of performance rights.
• Linda's significant role in the creation of SoundExchange and its impact on digital royalties.
• The global effort for fair compensation and the legislative hurdles in the U.S.
• Insights into the lobbying dynamics and their influence on legislative changes.

This is how artificial intelligence is transforming the music scene as Drew Thurlow, whose résumé spans from the Boston Red Sox to Warner Music Group and Pandora, draws on his varied experiences. Gain insights into how technology intersects with music and the critical role AI plays in shaping the industry’s future.

Highlights:

• AI's influence on the music industry's transformation.
• The future of music creation and consumption.
• Addressing AI's challenges and opportunities for artists and businesses.
• Insights into the evolving dynamics of fan engagement and artist development.

Enter Europe’s evolving music-tech sphere with Matthias Strobel, a key force behind MusicTech Germany. Hear about his journey from building a leading organization to uniting vibrant communities and events at the intersection of technology and music. Explore the hurdles and opportunities in this fast-changing industry, the value of strong networks, and the influence of new tech. Matthias also highlights how startups, investors, and a supportive environment can fuel innovation across the music-tech landscape.

Highlights:

• The inception of MusicTech Germany and its influence on the music-tech ecosystem.
• Building an engaged community through gatherings and networking events.
• The meeting point of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship.
• Challenges and opportunities for music-tech startups in Europe.
• The contribution of investors and the necessity of a connected network.

Venture behind the scenes of Surf, the platform that empowers music creators by connecting them directly with industry buyers. Ken Kobori, founder and former music producer, reveals how his innovative approach reshapes the music scene. Hear about the hurdles he tackled, the value of a strong community, and why transparency and collaboration drive the future of music tech.

Highlights:

• Ken Kobori's shift from music producer to tech entrepreneur.
• The creation and impact of Surf in the global music industry.
• Building a platform that connects music creators directly with buyers.
• Insights into promoting collaboration and community within the music tech space.

In the evolving world of music management with Kristiana Sudano, founder of Do Less Management we listen to the story about her Nashville roots to building a cross-border operation that links the Nordics and the U.S., Kristiana shares how she navigates an ever-changing industry. Hear about the obstacles she faced, the lessons she learned, and why bridging cultural gaps is key to fostering genuine collaboration in today’s music scene.

Highlights:

• Kristiana's early influences and career beginnings in Nashville.
• The key role of Los Angeles in her career development.
• Her transition to founding Do Less Management just before the pandemic.
• The innovative approach to artist development and management.
• Kristiana's dedication to mental health and supporting marginalized communities within the industry.

Step into the world of event innovation as Jørgen Iden, founder of Crescat, recounts his move from classical guitar student to tech entrepreneur. Hear how Crescat addresses real challenges in event planning, fosters collaboration at every step, and pursues an entrepreneurial spirit that’s shaping the industry in Norway and beyond.

Highlights:

• Developing Crescat from a music-based entrepreneurial vision.
• Tackling industry-wide communication challenges with creative solutions.
• Crescat's growth strategy and entry into new markets.

Take a closer look at how AI is reshaping music as Einar Helde, co-founder of AIMS API, shares his unexpected path into the industry. Discover how advanced data tools are improving music discoverability and boosting audience engagement. Along the way, he recounts the start-up hurdles he had to overcome, the successes that fueled AIMS’ growth, and the forward-thinking vision for blending AI and creativity in the music scene.

Highlights:

• Ole’s origins with punk bands in Denmark
• Shift to music publishing and management
• Insights into synchronization and music rights
• The influence of AI on the music industry