Show Notes
As streaming growth slows, the music industry is searching for its next big opportunity. One of the leading bets? AI-powered music creation.
I'm joined by MIDiA Research’s Tati Cirisano to break down whether platforms like Suno represent a true growth engine or just another niche product.
We explore the rise of consumer creation, the limits of the “superfan” narrative, and why the future of music revenue may be more fragmented than the industry hopes.
CHAPTERS
02:10 Rise of AI music tools 06:00 The superfan idea 14:30 The superfan landscape 22:30 Suno’s growth 40:00 AI vs. streaming 46:00 Labels and deals 52:00 Streaming’s future
SPONSORS
Symphonic's Women Empowered+ mentorship program. Apply as a mentor or mentee here.
Chartmetric: Listen in for our Stat of the Week
Linktree: Share music, sell merch, and connect with fans on one simple link. Linktree is the #1 link in bio tool that musicians and artists use to connect fans to everything they do.
TRAPITAL
Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week. Sign up here for free.
More from Trapital
I sat down with Steve Boom, VP of Audio, Twitch & Games, at the 2026 Trapital Summit to talk about the competition for your attention. Boom oversees Amazon Music, Wondery, Twitch, Audible, and more.
Brazil’s biggest music stars can build massive audiences at home, while Nigeria’s global stars often find most of their listeners abroad. Both are finding success, but the paths to building those audiences look very different.
Kevin Shivers started in an agency mailroom at 31. Today, he’s Co-President of Music at THE·TEAM, representing artists including Tyler, the Creator, Leon Thomas, and Kali Uchis. His approach to building the agency centers on teamwork, developing artists, and what he calls “unreasonable hospitality.”
KevOnStage has millions of followers, a growing production company, and the largest creator deal Tubi has signed to date. But live touring still drives roughly 60% of his revenue, while his TV shows are more about building his long-term business.
I sat down with Primary Wave CEO Larry at the Trapital Summit.