SoundCloud CEO Elia Seton Talks AI, Merch, and Fan Experiences in Exclusive Interview | NYNext

SoundCloud, known for its streaming service, is expanding its offerings beyond music with the acquisition of AI curator Musiio. According to SoundCloud CEO Elia Seton, the platform is venturing into merch, fan experiences, and artificial intelligence to cater to the unique needs of its users. Seton believes that SoundCloud users are more akin to “crate diggers” and “tastemakers” compared to Spotify and Apple Music users. They have a knack for discovering artists before they become mainstream, just like how they discovered Post Malone and Billie Eilish.

To illustrate SoundCloud’s commitment to its users, Seton mentions a recent event where a select group of Billie Eilish’s “day-one” fans were given exclusive access to the singer as part of a SoundCloud takeover for her third album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” This example showcases SoundCloud’s dedication to fostering a strong connection between artists and their fans.

The acquisition of Musiio highlights SoundCloud’s embrace of artificial intelligence. Musiio specializes in using AI to curate and recommend music based on user preferences. By incorporating this technology, SoundCloud aims to enhance the user experience and provide personalized recommendations to its listeners. This move aligns with the growing trend of using AI to improve music discovery and curation across various platforms.

Moreover, SoundCloud’s foray into merch and fan experiences demonstrates their understanding of the evolving music industry landscape. In an era where streaming is the dominant mode of music consumption, artists and fans crave more than just audio content. By offering merchandise and unique fan experiences, SoundCloud aims to tap into the passion and loyalty of its user base while providing additional revenue streams for artists.

The “crate digger” and “tastemaker” culture that SoundCloud fosters has proven successful in unearthing emerging talent. Artists like Post Malone and Billie Eilish gained significant exposure and support from the SoundCloud community before achieving mainstream success. This showcases the platform’s ability to serve as a launchpad for artists and demonstrates the power of its user base in shaping the music industry.

In conclusion, SoundCloud’s expansion into merch, fan experiences, and artificial intelligence through the acquisition of Musiio reflects the platform’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of its users. By embracing AI, SoundCloud aims to enhance music discovery and curation, while also fostering a stronger connection between artists and fans. Additionally, their focus on merch and fan experiences demonstrates their understanding of the evolving music industry landscape. SoundCloud’s “crate digger” and “tastemaker” culture has proven successful in identifying emerging talent, further solidifying the platform’s influence in the music industry.