MusicTech Insights #2 | Curated by Maciej Dulski

Feeling the MusicTech Momentum

I really feel change happening in MusicTech right now. This issue is packed with insights for founders: from current trends and VCs’ views on startups to why many struggle with funding. It’s all about getting a clear picture of where the industry is headed.

Joining DDEX has been a big personal goal for years. I believe that knowing music data standards and sharing that know-how is key to making the whole industry run smoothly and fairly. If you want to chat with someone who’s just as passionate (or maybe a little nerdy) about this, we’re your people.

Lastly, there are some surprises planned for future newsletters, so keep an eye out and stay close.

Poland’s most-played artist on Spotify is a 21-year-old no one has heard of

He makes over $2.5M from Spotify, has 8.3M monthly listeners, and you won’t find him on Polish charts. Ogryzek is a faceless producer behind viral TikToks and Shorts, but his name never appears in media. His tracks reach millions daily, yet he stays nearly invisible.

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Bill Burr vs AI band: “These nerds took over music”

An AI-generated band called Velvet Sundown hit 470,000 monthly listeners on Spotify before anyone realized it wasn’t real. The songs were made with Suno, the images were AI-generated, and even the supposed spokesperson turned out to be fake. Bill Burr called it “unbelievable” and slammed the industry for letting bots replace real musicians.

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Inside Jakob Wredstrøm’s unique research: why music tech startups starve while billions flow

The music industry moves billions, but most early-stage music tech founders can’t access that capital. After two years of research, interviews, and working directly with startups, Jakob Wredstrøm uncovered six key barriers blocking funding. His new framework helps founders communicate better, clear confusion, and improve their chances to raise money.

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Gartner Hype Cycle mapped for MusicTech trends in 2025

Mmusicben (Benjamin James) mapped 20 music tech trends using data and expert insight. Some are at their peak, others are falling out of favor, and a few are just starting up. This overview helps artists, startups, and industry pros know where to focus their energy and spot real opportunities.

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MusicTech Lab joins DDEX as full member

We’ll help startups and teams understand how to handle music rights, royalties, and reporting by providing clear guidance and practical tools to simplify complex data workflows. If you’re working with music metadata and want to learn how to use DDEX standards effectively, we can support you.

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Apple brings humans back to music curation and classical music thanks them

Most streaming playlists bury classical music under endless repeats of the same safe hits. Apple Music Classical’s hidden team of editors picks real gems and deep cuts. They decide what millions hear, quietly pushing the genre back to life and breaking free from mind-numbing algorithms.

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According to Goldman Sachs emerging markets, superfans and live shows drive music growth

The July 2025 Music in the Air report shows the music industry is still rocking. Streaming keeps growing, driven by emerging markets, prices are climbing, superfans are spending more cash, and live concerts are back in full swing. AI hasn’t taken over the party yet, but it’s coming.

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Outpost Partners’ exclusive report tracks 600+ music tech startups and funding trends

The report reveals GenAI startups now make up nearly 24% of deals, with Europe and North America dominating 98% of investments. Early-stage raises average $2M, but many face a funding crunch at Series A. Meanwhile, crypto-based fan engagement startups are disappearing. Valuations are rising again, signaling renewed investor confidence.

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