Best Musictech Podcasts (2025)

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2025 in Music Tech: The Year's Top Stories 31:37

Play Pause

2d ago31:37

31:37

As 2025 comes to a close, Dmitri and Tristra look back at the year's most significant music tech stories and what they mean for the industry ahead. From AI music settlements and catalog securitization to sustainability initiatives at live music venues and the future of streaming royalty rates, this year-end roundup covers the trends that shaped mus…

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Conference Conversations: Creative Collaborations Everyone Can Agree To 52:49

9d ago52:49

52:49

This week, we're continuing our Conference Conversations series from last month's conference with a panel called "Brands and Creators: Creative Collaborations Everyone Can Agree To." This panel covers all things brand partnerships, from what makes brands say yes to working with artists, as well as some stories about what not to do. This panel inclu…

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Conference Conversations: Where Investors See Creator Tools Thriving Alongside AI 50:07

16d ago50:07

50:07

This week, we're continuing our Conference Conversations series from last month's conference with a panel called "Betting on the Future: Where Investors See Creator Tools Thriving Alongside AI." In this panel, Andrew Kahn from Yamaha Music Innovation sits down with three venture investors who are actively shaping the future of creative technology: …

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Conference Conversations: Founders on Building Defensible Companies in the AI Economy 41:27

23d ago41:27

41:27

This week, we're continuing our Conference Conversations series from last month's conference with a panel called "Building to Scale: Founders on Building Defensible Companies in the AI Economy." In this panel, Conor Healy from the Yamaha Music Innovation Fund sits down with Stanley Vergilis from Tone3000, Mauhan Zonoozy from The Vinyl Bar in Shibuy…

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Conference Conversations: Rethinking Distribution with Hollywood Reporter's Ethan Millman 19:35

1M ago19:35

19:35

This week on Music Tectonics, we're continuing our Conference Conversations series with highlights from the Music Tectonics Conference. Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing our favorite discussions, interviews, and panels that capture what's happening right now in music innovation. Today, we're featuring a conversation with Ethan Millman f…

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Conference Conversations: Inside the Yamaha Music Innovation Fund 18:15

1M ago18:15

18:15

This week on Music Tectonics, we're doing something different. We're kicking off a series of highlights from the Music Tectonics Conference that wrapped up just a couple of weeks ago. Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing our favorite discussions, interviews, and panels that capture what's happening right now in music innovation. We start w…

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Crossroads: Streaming's Time to Choose with Mark Mulligan 37:05

1M ago37:05

37:05

This week as we have just wrapped up the Music Tectonics Conference in person in Santa Monica, I thought I'd do something a little bit different and release a clip from our pre-conference a couple of months ago by Mark Mulligan of MIDiA research called "Crossroads: Streaming's Time to Choose." In this keynote, Mark talks about the pressures facing …

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Rethinking Indie Streaming with Neil Sheehan of Vocana 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Our guest this week is Neil Sheehan, the president of Vocana, a streaming platform built for independent artists and fans using a user-centric payment model. We talk about how that's different from other streaming platforms, why social features haven't worked on streaming platforms since the days of MySpace, and whether there's room for indie-focus…

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The FOMO Episode: Why You Need to Be at Music Tectonics 2025 22:31

2M ago22:31

22:31

Pack your bags, we're going to Tectonics! On this week's episode, our marketing director, Eleanor Rust, turns the tables on Dmitri to talk about the upcoming Music Tectonics conference next week from November 4th through 6th in Santa Monica. We talk about how the conference started, what to expect this year, and more. Whether you're on the fence ab…

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True Ownership Beyond Streaming with Joshua Stone 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

This week, we're exploring the future of direct-to-fan commerce with Joshua Stone, the CEO and Co-Founder of Stuff.io and book.io. Josh has some serious backing, including names like Mark Cuban, Snoop Dogg, and Charles Hoskinson, the co-founder of Ethereum just to name a few, and has been working on building Web3 infrastructure that lets artists se…

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Unlocking the Value of Music with Darryl Ballantyne 59:06

2M ago59:06

59:06

This week, Darryl Ballantyne, CEO and Co-founder of LyricFind, discusses the complexities of the music business model and how LyricFind has managed to create new revenue streams by licensing lyrics and developing products like Lyric IQ. We also discuss how they've overcome challenges such as price competition and maintaining product market fit. Thi…

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Should Music Publishers Be Worried about AI? 47:55

3M ago47:55

47:55

This week we dive deep into all things music publishing with Monica Corton of Go to Eleven Entertainment. With over 30 years of experience in music publishing, Monica lays a great foundation of how exactly music publishing works, and then we talk about what it looks like today with AI, streaming, legislation, and in some cases, suing major platform…

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Logic Pro, Loupe Art, and the Age of Abundance with Dot Bustelo 51:13

3M ago51:13

51:13

On this week's episode, Dmitri sits down with Dot Bustelo, a former Apple Logic Pro team member and the innovative mind behind Loupe Art. We talk about everything from a post-it from another innovator that changed everything to the age of creative abundance. It's a blast. News! Gen Z social habits spell trouble for music discovery Is Music's Mainst…

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The Future of AI Music is Fairly Trained? 34:03

3M ago34:03

34:03

Today, a conversation with Tristra and Mansoor Rahimat Khan, the founder and CEO of Beatoven.ai. an ethically trained music generator that was built in partnership with hundreds of artists. They talk about the inspiration behind Beatoven and dive into the nitty gritty of how and why Beatoven works in collaboration with musicians to secure fully lic…

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Machine Music, the Velvet Sundown, and Whale Pop Stars with Drew Thurlow 47:18

3M ago47:18

47:18

Today, I chat with Drew Thurlow, a strategist focused on how AI might be democratizing the music industry, rather than destroying it. We talk about how AI is changing everything from the creative process to copyright law, whether or not we should be worried about AI-generated music like the Velvet Sundown, and how AI is being used to surface the mo…

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FMM217 - Chasing Quality, Losing Progress 29:59

4M ago29:59

29:59

We all want to write better music. But what if your pursuit of quality is the very thing holding you back? In this episode of the Finish More Music Podcast, we explore the hidden trap that catches so many creatives off guard. It starts with a healthy desire to improve… But quickly spirals into: comparison, perfectionism, overthinking and endless de…

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The Thrilling Tension Between AI and Musical Creativity 42:41

4M ago42:41

42:41

AI models can truly capture the essence of musical creativity. (Wait. Really?). Join us as Tristra interviews Dr. Christopher White from UMass Amherst about his new book The AI Music Problem: Why Machine Learning Conflicts with Musical Creativity. The two of them get into a really interesting question – Is AI redefining music, or is music reshaping…

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Episode 216: Your Tracks Are a Journal of Your Life 20:04

4M ago20:04

20:04

Your music isn't just a series of sessions that lead to loops, half-finished tracks, or a folder of finished pieces… It's a reflection of your path, your growth, and your identity as an artist. In this episode, we explore how every session you sit down to write is shaping the story of your life. Whether it's a win, a struggle, or a breakthrough—it …

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What Makes Artist Partnerships Meaningful? with Dave Godowsky 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

What makes an artist-brand partnership meaningful, beyond a simple shoutout on social media? Today I talk with Dave Godowsky, a musician who's also worked the other side of the street – in Artist Relations, A&R and with brands that musicians know and love. We talk about how brands can foster authentic artist relationships, the value of word-of-mout…

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Wait. That's a Musical Instrument?? With Adam McHeffey 46:41

4M ago46:41

46:41

We are rewinding and playing back some of our favorite guests during the month of August and today we have our own Chief Creative Officer from way back when he was the creative force at Artiphon. Adam McHeffey, CMO of Artiphon, joins us to talk about the state of musical instrument innovation. Instruments like the Orba put music creation at the fin…

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How to Build a Company with Tracy Maddux: How to Start Up 45:54

4M ago45:54

45:54

We are rewinding and playing back some of our favorite guests during the month of August. Join Dmitri and Tracy Maddux the former CEO, of AVL Digital and CD Baby as they talk through the fundamentals of what it takes to really start up. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the critical decisions that shap…

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Ep 82: Stimming’s sub-$200 drum synth 1:07:38

4M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Stimming is an acclaimed music producer known for his inventive field recordings, esoteric hardware, and organic approach to electronic dance music. In this episode, Stimming surprises with left-field gear choices, from pen-controlled production workflows to budget synths with remarkable punch. Along the way, pick up tips on stereo recording, learn…

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How to Scale Up with Darryl Ballantyne of LyricFind 44:43

4M ago44:43

44:43

We are rewinding and playing back some of our favorite guests during the month of August. Today we have a great conversation with the CEO and co-founder of LyricFind. Listen in to find out how Darryl got his first investor, and what Microsoft, childhood bedrooms, outdated websites, and roller coasters have to do with anything. The Music Tectonics p…

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The Great Bifurcation Debate with the MIDiA Team 49:42

5M ago49:42

49:42

We are rewinding and playing back some of our favorite guests during the month of August. Starting with…. The great debate! It's been five years since Mark Mulligan of MIDiA Research gave the keynote at the first Music Tectonics Conference. This year we had him, along with Tatiana Cirisano, back to Music Tectonics. Instead of the standard conferenc…

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Ep 81: Ninajirachi’s adorable softsynth pick 1:00:37

5M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Australian producer Ninajirachi’s brand of ‘girlEDM’ blends hyperpop, hard dance, electro house, and video game music. She’s remixed for Deadmau5 and The Neptunes, opened for Charlie XCX, and has been likened to Scary Monster’s-era Skrillex. On the eve of her debut full-length album release, we talk about making tracks dancefloor functional, the le…

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Startups Start Your Engines with Andrew Kahn, Yamaha Music Innovation Fund 59:15

5M ago59:15

59:15

Join the Music Tectonics team for the June Seismic Activity with special guest Andrew Kahn, Managing Partner of Yamaha Music Innovation Fund. Hear Andrews best practices for pitching him (or not) at a conference, and what he feels is the most important aspect of any pitch deck. Hint: It's not a great power point. We also hear queries specific to fo…

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Music and Fortnite with Mike Gubman 52:28

5M ago52:28

52:28

Remember when Michael Bublé was an abominable snowman and chased people with snowballs? Well, maybe you don't, but a lot of people do. Or what about when NLE Choppa showed up in FPS Ops? In this episode Dmitri talks with Mike Gubman of Chartis about the creative collaborations between musicians and game developers and what sort of opportunities tho…

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Ep 80: Chris Lake on Ableton's most powerful effect 52:43

5M ago52:43

52:43

Chris Lake had his breakout with ‘Changes’ in 2006, and he’s been an unstoppable force in dance music ever since, including global hits like ‘Summertime Blues’ with Sammy Virji. On this episode, Chris shares some of his production secrets, including how he gets bass to sound just as powerful on headphones as club-shaking sound systems, Ableton Live…

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Stealing Back the Scalpers' Playbook with Randy Nichols 51:25

5M ago51:25

51:25

Today we have a fascinating conversation with Randy Nichols, artist manager and CEO of Force Media Management. Randy's been at the forefront of attempting to figure out the ticketing strategy math, especially the scalper side of the equation. We hear about his dive into the cold hard data, scalper chat rooms, and that time he sent someone undercove…

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Strings Attached: The Impact of Tariffs on Music and Culture with Cullen Hendrix 43:25

6M ago43:25

43:25

Today we talk with Cullen Hendrix, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, about the impact of tariffs on musical instruments. A trained political scientist as well as having a background as a touring musician, Hendrix has a really distinctive lens in which to view the tariff news. We talk about how tariffs on Chinese i…

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Ep 79: Howard Benson says tech can't save bad songs 1:04:46

6M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

With a career spanning nearly 40 years, legendary producer Howard Benson has shaped the sound of everyone from Less Than Jake and P.O.D. to Bon Jovi and Kelly Clarkson. Tune in to hear Howard’s fiercely pragmatic view on the most important part of any production, confessions about the impossibly rare synths he lusts after, and the secret behind mon…

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What the Heck is Happening With the Copyright Office? 53:59

6M ago53:59

53:59

Join us today as we talk with Jessica Sobhraj, the co-founder and CEO of Cosynd; a platform that helps creators protect their copyrights. We start by talking about the complex legal maneuvers involving the US Copyright Office; we then head into the ongoing impact of AI and the proactive steps you should take to safeguard your intellectual property.…

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Building Music Communities with Native Instruments 47:31

6M ago47:31

47:31

On today's episode we talk with Bomo Piri, Chief Brand Officer at Native Instruments. Our conversation begins with the techno Berlin roots of the brand and dives into what's happening today with their strategic partnerships -- like the London based Young Urban Artist Foundation, and a very cool sounding recent collab with Mustard at Coachella. We c…

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Ep 78: Emma-Jean Thackray and the trumpet illusion 1:05:25

6M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Emma-Jean Thackray is an award-winning artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer who fuses jazz, soul and electronic elements into her brilliantly vibey and heartfelt music. Off the back of her incredible new self-produced record, ‘Weirdo’, we talk about getting into jazz by mistake, her early arrangement experiments with her brass band, and we na…

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Are We Doing Copyright Wrong in Music? 49:35

6M ago49:35

49:35

On today's podcast we have a truly amazing talk with Damien Riehl, a musician and technology lawyer who is one of the masterminds behind All the Music Project; an algorithmically generated catalogue of 471 billion melodies, which was then put into the public domain in an attempt to protect musicians from being sued for copyright claims. It is a fas…

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How to Sell Musical Instruments, with Adam McHeffey 44:28

7M ago44:28

44:28

"Create a flurry of content. But do not put $10,000 aside for a celebrity to come in and talk about your brand. I want you to go after thirty smaller creators with followings between ten and thirty thousand." Today we hear from Adam McHeffey, the former CMO of Artiphon and current Chief Creative Officer at Rock Paper Scissors to discuss effective s…

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Ep 77: Luxxury goes punk rock in the Bahamas 1:22:20

7M ago1:22:20

1:22:20

Blake Robin aka Luxxury is an artist, producer, DJ and remixer, known for his iconic edits. But you might also know him as the co-host of the celebrated One Song podcast. This time, we chart his journey from drummer to producer via a collection of important four-track tapes. We also talk musical gatekeeping, keeping a DIY punk-rock ethos in the stu…

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Non-Traditional Artist Careers: Social Music Creation 1:04:06

7M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Today we bring you the recording from our latest on-line Seismic Event, "Artist Careers in a Parallel Universe." It was an exploration into the livelihood of three working artists; Clara Venice, Vivek Agrawal, and The Phronetic. RPS Chief Creative Officer, Adam McHeffey talks with them about how they are using new technology to fuel their creative …

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Ep 76: Ellie Dixon is banned from Currys 1:24:23

7M ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Ellie Dixon is a self-producing artist who, despite amassing millions of streams, continues to make her sample-heavy songs in her bedroom. In this episode, find out how lockdown fuelled Ellie’s TikTok success, hear how her song ‘Swing’ became a demo track in Logic Pro 11, and be challenged to raid your kitchen for samples. Season 7 of the My Foreve…

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Unpacking the Latest in Music and Tech: Spotify, Apple, and AI Fraud 32:05

7M ago32:05

32:05

On today's news roundup show Dmitri and Eleanor tackle the week's music tech news. They discuss Spotify's app store changes, Apple Music's new transfer tool, and so many AI music industry developments, including the $10 million AI music fraud case. News you might want to read: Spotify says App Store changes have boosted its subscriptions Apple Musi…

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The Future of Music is Visual: With Ty Roberts 47:53

7M ago47:53

47:53

In today's episode we welcome pioneering innovator Ty Roberts, founder of Gracenote, and former CTO of Universal Music Group. We talk about some of the pivotal moments in his career including Gracenote's role in the development of iTunes, and working with David Bowie on generative music. We discuss the future of visual music experiences, the rise o…

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Surveying the Horizon of Music and Tech: Rock Paper Scanner 32:03

8M ago32:03

32:03

On today's episode, Dmitri and Tristra discuss the news of the week. They review recent acquisitions like Monstercat and BANDS, and discuss the economic confidence of the music sector despite economic downturns. They also talk about the evolving role of AI and the implications of recent legal copyright cases on AI training data. It's a lot of news …

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Ep 75: Charlie Deakin Davies' perfect vocal chain is attainable 1:20:23

8M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

Charlie Deakin Davies is a self-taught production prodigy, starting their professional career as a teenager recording in their shed. After proving themselves by becoming the youngest producer ever to get Radio 2 airplay, Charlie has gone on to work with huge artists like Fred Again, Laura Marling, and other podcast guests Gary Barlow and Ellie Dixo…

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AI, Investment, Legal Challenges and Music Tech with Valeska Pederson Hinz 53:57

8M ago53:57

53:57

Today we are talking with Valeska Pederson Hinz, partner at Perkins Coie, about what's happening in the world of music tech investment. Valeska has extensive experience in guiding companies and investors from Series A to IPO and has an indispensable vantage point. Our conversation includes the current state of venture capital funding, the impact of…

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Who Owns What in Music Tech with Cherie Hu 52:19

8M ago52:19

52:19

Today Dmitri talks with Cherie Hu, music industry analyst and founder of Water and Music. We start by discussing the Ouroboros project which maps the complicated and intertwined stakes in the music industry held by various entities, including private equity firms, media conglomerates, and tech companies like Tencent. We also talk about shifting pow…

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Ep 74: TOKiMONSTA nabs an historic synth 1:02:57

8M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Jennifer Lee, aka TOKiMONSTA is an incredibly talented LA-based producer, performer and DJ who has collaborated with Anderson.Paak, remixed Sia, Disclosure, and Beck, and founded the LA Beat Scene. In this episode, Jennifer tells us about a cheap synth she adores for bass, explains how she peppers her tracks with field recordings, ponders which his…

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Streaming Slowdown. What Slowdown? With Mark Mulligan 55:19

8M ago55:19

55:19

In this episode, Dmitri speaks with Mark Mulligan, veteran tech analyst and leading digital thinker from MIDiA Research. Topics include the slowing growth of streaming revenue, shifts in market share among major and independent labels, the rise of the global south in subscriber numbers, and the impact of super-premium subscriptions on monetization.…

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Consolidation and Growth: Insights from Billboard's Glenn Peoples 46:03

8M ago46:03

46:03

Today we have Glen Peoples from Billboard to discuss the major trends within the music industry. Our conversation covers a lot! Including the rise of rollups and acquisitions to build label services, the increasing importance of music licensing, the role of AI in the music tech investment landscape, and the cyclical nature of consolidation and its …

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Ep 73: Will Clarke won’t spend 7 years making a track 1:05:48

9M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Will Clarke literally began DJing as a child, and in this episode, he shares his prodigious journey from playing at a local caravan site to blowing up in Ibiza's club scene. Along the way, he reveals the unique Russian drum machine that forms the backbone of his techno tracks, and explains how he avoids using other people’s samples in the studio. T…

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FMM215 - Music & Changing Lives 49:31

9M ago49:31

49:31

This week on the Finish More Music podcast, I'm joined by Kedrick Jeffries—CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and a lifelong musician and community leader. Kedrick has spent over two decades pouring into the lives of young people, helping them reach their potential through the power of music and mentorship. In this episode, we explore…