Sound Connections

Streaming changed music, but it did not solve the business problem for most independent artists.In this episode of Sound Connections, we welcome Thierry Ascarez, Chief Business Officer at Winamp, to discuss how the company is reimagining its role in the music industry after nearly three decades of history.From its origins as the iconic MP3 player that helped define the early internet music era, Winamp is now building a platform designed to help artists monetize, manage, and control their careers beyond streaming. Thierry walks through the company’s journey across audio streaming, radio technology, advertising, acquisitions, public markets, and the decision to return Winamp to the center of the group’s strategy.Together, Jakob and Thierry explore why independent artists increasingly need to think like entrepreneurs, how direct fan relationships can create new revenue, and why owning data, websites, and monetization tools matters in today’s music economy.The episode also takes a candid look at music tech as a difficult but necessary space to build in. Thierry reflects on patience, resilience, investor expectations, and the belief that meaningful innovation in music still needs people willing to stay the course.Tune in for insight into the future of artist tools, music business infrastructure, and the next chapter of Winamp. If you want to learn more about Winamp, visit here: www.winamp.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/winamp/https://www.facebook.com/Winamphttps://www.instagram.com/winampforcreators/Produced by Amplitude Ventures AS.

What does it take to build a music streaming service around culture, access, and long-term value?In this episode of Sound Connections, we sit down with Faraan Irfan, Founder and CEO of Saarey Music, to unpack how he’s solving one of music’s biggest access problems.Saarey is a streaming platform dedicated to South Asian classical music, built on exclusive rights, deep cultural metadata, and a business model that challenges traditional streaming economics. With strong engagement and global users, the platform is proving that underserved genres can become powerful digital businesses.Faraan shares his journey from personal frustration as a listener to building a company that works directly with artists, preserves rare recordings, and creates meaningful access for a global audience.A grounded, honest conversation on building in music tech beyond the mainstream.If you want to learn more about Saarey music: Socials: Saarey website: https://www.saareymusic.comSaarey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saarey/Saarey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saareymusicSaarey Insta: https://www.instagram.com/saareymusic

Mark Bamford joins Sound Connections for an open discussion on startup building, video monetization, and the hard truth about innovating in music. As the founder of Viktrs, Mark is working on a new model for video that aims to unlock more value from every view by focusing on engagement, discovery, and data rather than the traditional advertising-driven approach used by major platforms.Mark unpacks his path from a career in construction, consulting, and strategy into the world of founders and music technology. He reflects on what surprised him most about entering the music space, why innovation often struggles inside established systems, and how founders are forced to make difficult choices when a meaningful vision meets a difficult market.This episode dives into the economics of music startups, the limits of pure storytelling when fundraising, and the importance of reaching tangible results with as little capital as possible. Mark also shares why Viktrs has expanded into non-music categories such as food and politics while keeping music as a long-term mission, using those adjacent markets to build leverage, revenue, and proof before coming back stronger.For anyone working at the intersection of technology, media, and culture, this episode brings a sharp and honest perspective.Watch the full episode on your preferred podcast platforms![Links in bio]If you want to know more about Viktrs visit: https://viktrs.com/Produced by Amplitude Ventures AS.

The music industry doesn't need another revolution; it needs a thoughtful evolution.Björn Lindvall, CEO and Co-founder of Music Infra, joins the podcast to explain why “blue box” tech fixes often fail and why lasting change depends on deeper infrastructure.Drawing from his finance background and co‑founding Hipgnosis, Lindvall dissects the challenges of digital licensing, outdated CWR (Common Works Registration) file standards, and mechanical rights. He shares how Music Infra is building scalable systems to cut inefficiencies and ensure rights holders and songwriters are paid fairly and on time. This is a grounded look at persistence, trust, and the long‑term vision required to solve music’s most intractable problems.Join us!

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

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

In this exciting episode of Sound Connections, we delve into the latest buzz in the music world: Ariana Grande joining the superfan platform Weverse, owned by entertainment giant HYBE. Known for its K-pop roots and interactive features, Weverse is expanding its reach by welcoming international superstar Ariana Grande. We explore how this move aligns with Grande's ongoing business relationship with HYBE America, led by CEO Scooter Braun, and her new management under Brandon Creed. Discover how Grande's presence on Weverse, a platform boasting over 10 million monthly active users and machine translation in 15 languages, promises to enhance fan engagement globally.

Understanding music royalties has never been more important, and in this episode of the podcast, we tackle the topic with Serona Elton, head of educational partnerships at the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Serona shares expert advice for songwriters on how to ensure they’re collecting all the royalties they’re owed.Learn how the Music Modernization Act is transforming the industry and how the MLC is simplifying the management of digital mechanical royalties. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating the financial side of the music business.Highlights:Understanding the role of the MLC in managing music royalties.The impact of the Music Modernization Act on songwriters.How songwriters can ensure they are collecting all their royalties.Educational initiatives to support rights holders in the music industry.

Tune in to this compelling episode with Morgan Hayduk and Andrew Batey, the founders of Beatdapp, a company revolutionizing the music industry by ensuring fair royalties for artists. Discover how they identified a major fraud problem in streaming platforms and turned it into an opportunity to drive innovation and reshape the industry. Morgan and Andrew share their journey, the challenges they faced, and how their groundbreaking technology is creating transparency and fairness in music streaming. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of royalties and artist advocacy in the digital age.Highlights: The creation and growth of Beatdapp’s fraud detection technology. Tackling the obstacles of introducing transparency to music streaming. The founders’ distinctive backgrounds and the synergy that powers Beatdapp’s achievements. Insights into the music tech startup voyage from concept to securing a $17 million series A funding. The value of trust, perseverance, and strategic alliances in building a disruptive tech enterprise.

Join host Jakob Wredstrøm for a meaningful conversation with Sania Haq, a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry. This episode delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating DEI principles into the music scene. Sania shares her journey from her research role at AudienceNet to founding Brighter Stereotypes, highlighting efforts to enhance diversity within music. Explore the evolving global music markets and understand why elevating South Asian artists is crucial for mainstream recognition. Gain valuable perspectives on building a more inclusive and dynamic music landscape.Highlights: The progression of DEI in the music industry Sania's perspectives on the representation of South Asian artistsNew trends in global music markets

Trace how Con Raso, founder of Tuned Global, used his non-music background to build a digital platform that now serves millions worldwide. Delve into the complexities of licensing, entry into new markets, and innovative ventures in health, fitness, and Web3. Hear about the hurdles, the successes, and what it takes to navigate an ever-evolving music technology landscape.Highlights:The start of Tuned Global and its influence on the music industry.Con Raso's move from tech enthusiast to music tech entrepreneur.Overcoming challenges in digital music distribution and rights management.Exploring new areas in health, fitness, and blockchain with music.

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:The unexpected entry into the music sector and founding AIMS API.How AIMS API is enhancing music search and discovery.Einar's vision for AI in music and the balance between technology and creativity.Insights into growing a self-funded AI startup in the music field.

How is Web3 reshaping the music industry? In this Sound Connections episode, Vickie Nauman—founder of Cross Border Works—explains how decentralized technologies are opening new doors for artists, fans, and businesses. Explore the shift from NFTs to next-generation fan engagement strategies, discover the power of token-based communities, and see how virtual worlds are transforming musical experiences. Drawing on her background from radio to pioneering music tech, Vickie reveals the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of innovation and creativity, offering a glimpse into new models that redefine artist-fan relationships.Highlights:Understanding Web3's influence on the music industry's future.The transition from NFTs to dynamic fan communities.Adopting decentralized tech for innovative music experiences.Insights into the complex web of music rights and licensing.