Podcast
Trapital
Hosted by Dan Runcie · EN
Trapital is where technology meets culture. Hear breakdowns on the most important trends in tech, media, and entertainment. Trapital founder Dan Runcie and various guests break down the moves that shape the rest of society. Learn more
54episodes
Episodes
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Elliot Grainge on Atlantic’s Future, AI, and Selling 10K Projects
Sep 1800:20:01Summary readyWe’re kicking off our Trapital Summit recap series. In today’s episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group. This was Elliot’s first public talk since becoming CEO in October 2024. We discuss his response to the fanfare around the Warner Music Group transition, Elliot’s experience selling 10K Projects, and adapting the 10K playbook for superstars like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. We dig into Elliot’s view on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of AI. 02:41 The New CEO 03:44 Selling 10K Projects 09:35 Adapting 10K Playbook to Established Stars 14:08 The AI Generation Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.
SummaryTrapital Summit Recap: Venue Surprise, Highlights, and Behind the Scenes Moments
Sep 1500:42:33Summary readyIn this episode, we take you behind the scenes of last week’s second annual Trapital Summit. Listen to me and Tati Cirisano from MIDiA Research break down what went into the event. From the NeueHouse bankruptcy to speaker selection, key moments, feedback from guests, curating the right room, and plenty more. 01:13 A Last-Minute Surprise 09:40 Curating the Room 12:05 Programming Decisions 25:45 AI and Industry Trends 36:43 2026 Summit Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.
SummaryCoachella’s Layaway Plan, Tubi’s Long Game , Lucian Grainge’s Legacy
Apr 19, 2025Summary readyIt’s time for a Trapital Mailbag! We dive into hot topics like the Coachella’s payment plan debate, Tubi’s strategy under Fox, Meta vs the FTC, Lucian Grainge’s tenure at UMG, and a special section on how we use AI tools at Trapital!00:55 Coachella Payment Plans07:07 Tubi's Long-Term Strategy15:42 Lucian Grange's Impact on UMG26:14 Meta and the FTC: A Legal Battle29:47 AI Tools for TrapitalTrapital Summit tickets here: early bird tickets until April 30!Want to be featured in the next partner spotlight? podcast@trapital.comSummit partnership opportunities: summit@trapital.co
SummaryAI and Music - Trapital Summit
Nov 18, 2024Summary readyHere’s another great fireside chat from our Trapital Summit. Listen to Warner Music Group’s chief digital officer Carletta Higginson and MIDiA Research’s Tatiana Cirisano discuss AI’s impact on music, and the ongoing tug-of-war for startup founders asking for permission vs forgivenes.Higginson has seen it from all sides of the table; as an attorney, at YouTube, and now at a major label and rights holder.Enjoy!This episode was brought to you by Too Lost, the all-in-one technology solution for musicians and record labels. Learn more here.
SummaryThe Trapital Report 2023
Oct 30, 2023Summary readyThe Trapital Report 2023 is here! In this episode we break down a few big takeaways from the report on streaming, live music, the state of hip-hop, and the most valuable songs in the world. I’m joined by David Boyle from Audience Strategies, who first reached out to me about working on this report and we’ve been working together ever since.We have two report versions. You can download the free preview of the report here.We also have a premium version of the report available with insights on engaging superfans, emerging technology, country music’s moment, the impact of TikTok and short-form video, generational preferences, and more.You can buy the premium report here.[00:04:36] Hip hop outshines electronic music.[00:05:51] Hip Hop's growth was tapering off.[00:16:21] Headlines without context can impact decisions.[00:23:32] Fans want identity, self-expression, and memories.[00:33:11] Leaning in to generative AI.[00:35:24] How best to split the pie[00:42:55] Different worlds for artists on different tours.[00:46:00] Historical bias and price influence hip hop tours.[00:51:19] YouTube active users prefer pop audience.Thanks again to the report’s presenting sponsor, DICE, and our presenting sponsors, Downtown Music and Audiense for making this report possible. Thanks to Luminate and Pollstar for sharing your data with us, and thanks again to Simon Jacobs and David Boyle from Audience Strategies.Enjoy this podcast? Rate and review the podcast here! ratethispodcast.com/trapitalTrapital is home for the business of music, media and culture. Learn more by reading Trapital’s free memo.
SummaryTrapital Report coming soon!
Oct 13, 2023Summary readyNo new episode this week. We’re working hard on this year’s Trapital Report, which is out at the end of October! Make sure you’re signed up for our email newsletter to get the report once it’s live.Next week we’re back with another deep dive episode. Listen to this brief episode for a few hints! Talk to you next week.
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The "Will and Jada" Playbook
Apr 9, 2021Summary readyAn audio version of the Trapital essay “How Will and Jada Pinkett Smith Built a Content and Commerce Powerhouse” The star couple regained Hollywood success by letting fans into their once-private lives and building a media-driven commerce flywheel with Westbrook Inc. Host: Dan Runcie, trapital.co Trapital is home for the business of hip-hop. Gain the latest insights from hip-hop’s biggest players by reading Trapital’s free weekly memo: trapital.co/newsletter
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Tyler, The Creator's Cult-Like Following
Aug 17, 2020Summary readyAn audio version of the Trapital essay: How Tyler, The Creator Built a Cult-Like Following. Tyler's greatest creation is the loyal fanbase that's been riding with him for over a decade. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | YouTube | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Links: How Tyler The Creator Built A Cult-Like Following - Trapital Tyler, The Creator's Fashion Show is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen (Vogue - YouTube) Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co
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The Steve Jobs of Gap?
Jul 3, 2020Summary readyAn audio version of the Trapital essay: Why Kanye West’s Gap Deal is a Risk to Yeezy. Yeezy’s new partnership with the struggling apparel company is a threat to the brand that Kanye West built. Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | YouTube | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.co Link: Why Kanye West’s Gap Deal is a Risk to Yeezy - Trapital Kanye describes his issues with Nike and confirms Adidas deal - Hot 97 Why Rihanna Broke Barriers That Others Couldn’t - Trapital Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Learn how it impacts your business. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co
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Trapital Mailbag #2! D-Smoke’s Potential, Lovers & Friends Fest, Jay Z the Wartime Leader, The Cost of Album Bundles, and Def Jam…oh Def Jam
Mar 3, 2020Summary readyThis is Round 2! Here are the most pressing questions from Trapitalists: How successful will the Lovers & Friends Fest be? Was Jay Z’s tenure as Def Jam CEO a success? Should artists bundle albums with digital products to reduce costs? My thoughts on Mr. Eazi’s music incubator in Nigeria? Will Travisbott lead to a producer-less future? And a whole lot more. Tune in! Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | YouTube | Overcast | RSS Host: Dan Runcie, @RuncieDan, trapital.coLink: Trapital Mailbag #1: Grammy Awards Woes, Young Rappers Most Likely to Become Moguls, and Thoughts on a Rappers Union - Trapital How Travis Scott Growth-Hacked Hip-Hop - Trapital How Billboard Can Fix the Album Bundles Issue - Trapital Hip-hop’s influence continues to grow. Join the execs, CEOs, and moguls who read Trapital: trapital.co/welcome Want in on the next mailbag? Learn more here: trapital.co/membership
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