Sound Connections

Amplitude Ventures
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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This is the intricate world of music entrepreneurship.Hosted by Jakob Wredstrøm from Amplitude Ventures, this podcast offers listeners a unique blend of insightful interviews, industry expertise, and behind-the-scenes stories from the global music landscape. From the challenges of breaking into the industry to the nuances of music tech innovations, each episode is a journey into the lives of music professionals, founders, artists, and innovators. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an industry veteran, or just a music enthusiast, "Sound Connections" provides a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of music. Listen and connect with the sounds and stories that shape the industry.

  1. #141: EXIT: The Startup Apple Music Had to Acquire: Simon M. Eder

    22H AGO

    #141: EXIT: The Startup Apple Music Had to Acquire: Simon M. Eder

    From niche record label to Apple Music Classical  Simon Eder shares the journey of building Primephonic, a specialized music tech startup acquired by Apple. We discuss the complexities of classical music streaming, from solving metadata challenges to navigating the shift from physical CDs to digital Hi-Res audio. Simon offers a grounded perspective on startup exits, investor relations, and the reality of life after acquisition. It is a quiet reflection on what it truly takes to innovate within the music industry and why understanding master rights is essential for any modern music entrepreneur. Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on innovation in music and technology. Know more about Primephonic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primephonic/ __________________________________________________________________________ Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow 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 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:53 Founder Background and Transition 02:51 Digitalizing a Classical Label 04:50 High Quality Audio Formats 08:36 Building the Primephonic Brand 14:53 Solving Classical Metadata Challenges 21:18 Streaming Payout Models Explained 28:27 In-House Tech Team Growth 32:57 Apple Music Classical Acquisition 45:56 Reflections on Entrepreneurial Life

    53 min
  2. ESNS 2026: Innovative Ticketing Strategies: Mike van Gaasbeek and Yannick Corbeau

    5D AGO

    ESNS 2026: Innovative Ticketing Strategies: Mike van Gaasbeek and Yannick Corbeau

    Let's go behind the scenes of live music digitalization in this special Sound Connections session from the ESNS 2026 Conference. We examine the "red ocean" of ticketing with guests Mike van Gaasbeek of Stager and Yannick Corbeau of CM.com, understanding how innovative platforms are easing the heavy daily tasks of event promoters by integrating ticketing, marketing, and payments into a single workflow.  The discussion distills why modern ticketing must serve as a continuous marketing strategy to keep fans engaged long after the show ends. We also tackle the difficult reality of being a founder in a space defined by small margins and high competition, offering a roadmap for future innovation. Join the conversation on ticketing innovation and rethink how you engage your audience. Visit Stager: https://stager.co/en/ Visit CM.com: https://www.cm.com/ About ENSN Conference 2026: https://esns.nl/en/ __________________________________________________________________________ Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow 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 00:00 Welcome and context 05:28 One platform approach 09:38 Ticketing as marketing strategy 13:00 Promoter economics and margins 17:02 Market consolidation trends 23:05 Ticketing and cash flow 28:17 Brand focus and challenges 34:12 Funding models and longevity 41:25 Regulation and audience trust 55:39 Music beyond capital

    57 min
  3. #140: EXPERT: A Quiet Path Through the Noise of Modern Algorithms: Gigi Johnson, PhD.

    JAN 22

    #140: EXPERT: A Quiet Path Through the Noise of Modern Algorithms: Gigi Johnson, PhD.

    It's a new year and for our first episode, we welcome Dr. Gigi Johnson in this special partnership with BIME for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of music discovery today. From her decades at UCLA to her current work at Rethink Next, Gigi brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creation, curation, and fandom. The conversation distills the flood of new tracks, the rise of AI‑generated music, and the algorithms that decide what listeners encounter.  Jakob and Gigi reflect on transparency, personalization, and the need for human connection in saturated digital streams. This episode offers clarity and inspiration for artists navigating discovery in a noisy, algorithm‑driven world. Listen in to explore the nuances of discovery, fandom, and AI in music. Learn more about ReThink Next: https://rethinknext.com/ The event took place from 29th to 31st October, 2025: https://bime.org/ __________________________________________________________________________ Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow 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

    51 min
  4. #139: EXPERT: Independent Music Success: Distribution, Marketing & Ownership: JESSE FLORES

    12/23/2025

    #139: EXPERT: Independent Music Success: Distribution, Marketing & Ownership: JESSE FLORES

    In this value-packed episode of Sound Connections, host Jakob Wredstrøm sits down with Jesse Flores, Head of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music, to explore what it really takes to succeed as an independent artist today. If you're producing your own music, wondering how to grow a fanbase, or struggling to market your releases,  this is your blueprint. From choosing the right music distributor to understanding how paid ads, DSPs, and Spotify algorithms actually work, Jesse shares hard-earned insights that empower indie artists to take control of their careers. We cover: How to choose the right distributorWhy creative control mattersWhat $1,000 can do for your musicSmart ways to grow without a labelWhat makes indie artists succeed todayWhether you're a bedroom producer, emerging artist, or music entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about launching and scaling your music in today’s digital landscape. Follow us NOW and learn tips on how to take ownership – creatively, financially, and strategically.

    37 min
  5. #138: FOUNDER: Adapting E-commerce Strategies for Musicians: Jack McCarthy

    12/18/2025

    #138: FOUNDER: Adapting E-commerce Strategies for Musicians: Jack McCarthy

    Streaming isn’t enough. If you're an artist or manager looking to grow real revenue, this episode breaks down how to use merch, email, and digital sales to build a profitable artist business. Jakob Wredstrøm talks with Jack McCarthy, co-founder of Indiepreneur and co-host of the Creative Juice podcast, about the missing revenue stream most artists ignore: direct-to-consumer e-commerce.  With actionable steps, mindset shifts, and proven strategies, this episode will help you rethink how you earn from your art. Perfect for: - Independent artists - Artist managers - Music entrepreneurs - Music-tech founders - Digital marketers in music About Indiepreneur: https://indepreneur.io/ __________________________________________________________________________ Produced by Amplitude Ventures Consulting: Partners in Early-Stage Venture Building - https://amplitude.venturesFollow 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

    49 min
  6. #137: FOUNDER: Music IP Rights — Valuing Catalogs, Due Diligence & The 10-Year Rule: Alan Wallis

    12/11/2025

    #137: FOUNDER: Music IP Rights — Valuing Catalogs, Due Diligence & The 10-Year Rule: Alan Wallis

    Veteran catalog expert and CEO of Dynamite Songs, Alan Wallis joins Jakob to break down the real mechanics behind IP rights, music catalog sales, sync revenue, valuations, private equity, and long-term music investing. He shares how he built Mojo Music, acquired classic catalogs, sold to Concord, and now runs Dynamite Songs. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: - Catalog valuation & deal red flags - Sync as a revenue driver - Streaming growth and catalog stability - Why songwriters decide to sell - How investors price risk and return - What the next decade of catalog buying looks like A must-watch for anyone exploring the intersection of music, finance, publishing, and IP ownership. Learn more about Dynamite Songs: https://www.dynamite-songs.com/

    58 min
  7. #136: FOUNDER: Epidemic Sound: The Legal Model That Created a New Music Economy: Tom Höglund

    12/02/2025

    #136: FOUNDER: Epidemic Sound: The Legal Model That Created a New Music Economy: Tom Höglund

    Tom Höglund, a key figure from the founding team of Epidemic Sound, breaks down how they built a unicorn by disrupting the century-old music licensing industry. From his early days as a lawyer to creating an alternative model that pays musicians upfront and offers a 50-50 split , Tom shares the controversial journey. Discover the audacious vision to make music licensing simple and global for content creators on platforms like YouTube, challenging the traditional Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).  Hear the grind, the early struggles, and the international mindset that fueled this Swedish success story. Know more about Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/ __________________________________________________________________________ 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

    1h 6m
  8. #135: MTEA: Rethinking AI, Consciousness, and Creativity: Alex Braga

    11/17/2025

    #135: MTEA: Rethinking AI, Consciousness, and Creativity: Alex Braga

    Discover how Alex Braga built an AI 'Instrument' a decade ago — not to replace musicians, but to rediscover what makes us human. In this episode of the Sound Connections Podcast, Alex Braga, award-winning artist, performer, and creator of the A-Mint AI instrument, joins Jakob Wredstrøm to unpack the philosophy and ethics behind AI in art.  From the meaning of human creativity to the illusion of machine consciousness, Alex breaks down what separates creation from generation — and why intention still defines everything. 🎧 In this conversation: - Why AI-made music often lacks meaning — and what “meaning” really is - How algorithms mirror our cultural biases - The ethics of data scraping and AI training - Why we must learn to use technology without losing ourselves - Why “We Are Technology” — and what that means for the future of creativity Alex doesn’t see technology as the enemy — but as a mirror reflecting how conscious (or unconscious) we are in how we use it. This is a partnership episode with Music Tech Europe Academy: https://www.musictecheuropeacademy.eu/ Find out more about A-Mint AI here: https://www.alexbraga.me/a-i __________________________________________________________________________ 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

    43 min
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About

This is the intricate world of music entrepreneurship.Hosted by Jakob Wredstrøm from Amplitude Ventures, this podcast offers listeners a unique blend of insightful interviews, industry expertise, and behind-the-scenes stories from the global music landscape. From the challenges of breaking into the industry to the nuances of music tech innovations, each episode is a journey into the lives of music professionals, founders, artists, and innovators. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an industry veteran, or just a music enthusiast, "Sound Connections" provides a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of music. Listen and connect with the sounds and stories that shape the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Amplitude Ventures
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sound Connections by Capella Entertainment
  • Show Website
    Sound Connections