Sound Connections

Reflecting back to Wallifornia Music Tech Conference 2025 July, in this fiery and data-driven conversation, Jakob and Taj challenge the illusions around music tech investment. 

They talked about why most music startups face poor exits, why B2C music apps struggle, and why B2B infrastructure solutions hold more promise. 
Drawing on Taj’s tech startup experience and Jakob’s music industry research, this honest conversation offers founders, investors, and innovators key insights into the future of music technology funding.

Explore Wallifornia: https://walliforniamusictech.com/

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


Follow on;

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/


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It takes just one person to believe in the vision you are building. 

Using that mindset, Mag Rodriguez, the founder & CEO of EVEN, has been able to create a platform that helps artists sell music to fans before it hits streaming services. He shares his journey from managing artists straight out of high school to leading music initiatives at a venture fund, and finally launching EVEN to make the industry more equitable for creators.

Exploring the future of fandom, why EVEN focuses on nurturing tight-knit communities instead of chasing scale, and how the platform’s pay-what-you-want model and global-first approach are changing the way artists monetize were shared in this episode.

Mag also opens up about leadership, resisting early acquisition offers, and why impact—not just profit—drives his vision.

Explore the platform here: https://get.even.biz/

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


Follow on;

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

Fiverr is one of the multi-national online marketplaces for freelance services and in this episode with Adam Fine, Head of Music and Audio, we had an eye-opening conversation on how remote collaboration and AI are transforming the music industry.

Topics such as the evolving landscape of music production, how AI tools like Suno are streamlining workflows and opening new creative possibilities, are discussed by both parties but even as technology accelerates, both agree on one thing: the irreplaceable value of human creativity. From the future of personalized, AI-generated tracks to Fiverr’s evolving role in supporting next-gen music services, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into what’s next for music creators and the art-tech balance shaping tomorrow’s music industry.

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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 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 understand where music is headed—and what might be lost if we get it wrong.

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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

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 — including AI and his own virtual avatar — has helped him creatively promote music in a saturated digital world.

Beyond the glam, we explore the entrepreneurial side of being a working musician, the discipline behind longevity, and why Roxie is more focused than ever on giving back by teaching others to pick up the guitar and embrace the hustle.

Check out this episode with AI Roxie; https://youtu.be/smRtM6F5ASE?si=0hExlTjT_lo3aN4F

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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

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 viable revenue path for emerging artists.

We unpack the cultural differences between East and West in fan behaviors, the undervalued power of ownership and community, and how artists today can reclaim financial independence. From the economics of independent touring to the psychology behind music collectibles, this conversation is a masterclass in where the music industry could be headed if it dares to evolve.

Learn more here; https://www.kitbetter.com/en

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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

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 the lawsuit here; https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lyricfind-inc-_why-weve-sued-musixmatch-and-the-private-activity-7303121877567184896-UYpS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAC7GsG4B3q6TQjXTo4t2PQ2fbFO7PbDPCtA

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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

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, Rachel offers clear, actionable insights that connect the dots between creative output, technology, and audience behavior. 

Explore Wallifornia: https://walliforniamusictech.com/

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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

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 mixing systems. His expertise spans digital signal processing, machine learning, and software engineering, with previous roles at Native Instruments, Northrop Grumman, and Sonardyne International.

Passionate about the intersection of creativity and technology, Dr. David is committed to empowering music creators and redefining the future of audio production.

Explore RoEx here; https://www.roexaudio.com/

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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


Follow on;

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2omT8uLhBamH3GFeih4oo3?si=45206dd146a84ae1


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundconnectionspodcast/


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundconnectionspodcast?igsh=bDZzbnhrYXBlNHBr

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/

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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