MuSiC FrOnTieRs 2025
PROGRAm SCHEDULE
DAY 1
MUSIC FRONTIERS
STAGE
THURSDAY, Sept. 4
START INTO THE DAY
Enjoy free coffee, Mimosas and snacks while meeting new people and having great conversations until the program starts.
SHORT SPEECH
Get in the vibe for the next two days with a very short speech from organizer and host Matthias Strobel (President MusicTech Germany)
OPENING SESSION
A conversation with Jacques Attali
Forty years ago, in Noise -The Political Economy of Music, Jacques Attali predicted a world where music would break free from fixed formats, creation would be in everyone’s hands, and sound would forecast social change.
With:
- Jacques Attali (Writer, Economist)
- Sarah Davis (Downtown Publishing)
- Martin Clancy (AI:OK)
Moderatd by: Cliff Fluet (Eleven Advisory)
Together, they’ll trace music’s evolution - from ancient traditions to AI, from vinyl to viral and explore shifting economics, the cultural power of music, and the technologies transforming how it’s created, shared, and experienced.
KEYNOTE
A look at the issues facing artists in 2025 when it comes to connecting with fans, delivering some awkward truths and possible paths forward along the way.
With:
Darren Hemmings (Motive Unknown)
PANEL
Dive into the power of micro-communities and how fandoms are reshaping the music business from the inside out. Learn how artists can create engaging and direct relationships with their fans.
With:
- Mark Meyer (hermine international)
- David de Cristofaro (ONELive)
- Anna Lidell (Sleeve)
Moderated by: Darren Hemmings (Motive Unkown)
PANEL
Sustaining a living from music has become a real challenge. Streaming payouts are slim, advances come with strings attached, and traditional revenue streams no longer offer sustainable support, but a new era of artist financing is taking shape.
with:
- Tony Latham (Royalty Access Studio)
- Deniz Everling (Bandcamp)
- Philipp Köhn (twelve x twelve)
Moderated by: Turo Perkari (Copyright Delta)
PANEL
What if songs changed based on your mood or movement? Discover how interactive music that changes in real-time is unlocking new creative frontiers and what this means for creators.
With:
- Andrew Melchior (Artisan)
- Dani Valkova (GOGIA)
- Jason Snell (Primary Assembly)
Moderated by: Jay Ahern (Association for Electronic Music)
PANEL
Despite progress, the music business still faces deep-rooted inequalities across gender, race, and representation. This session brings together changemakers to explore how we can build a more equitable industry.
With:
- Madison True (Vinyl Bitch)
- Becky Wixon (Balance The Mix)
- Benjamin Michael (Visually Impaired Phenomenon)
- Thorsten Hesse (Handiclapped Berlin/Pinc Music)
Moderated by: Anika Jankowski (Music Women Germany)
PANEL
Hear from entrepreneurs and innovators at the intersection of neuroscience, sound design, and healthcare how music is emerging as a powerful therapeutic tool, transforming treatment for pain, anxiety, trauma, and more.
With:
- Dr Michelle Ulor (Kinos Studio)
- Patrick Schaub (JYMMiN)
- Arianna Alexander-Sefre (SPOKE)
- Kate Berkita (Parkinsonic App)
- Kjetil Vikene (Univeristy of Bergen)
Moderated by: Hauke Egermann (Cologne Systematic Musicology Lab)
AI FRONTIERS
STAGE
THURSDAY, Sept. 4
PANEL
As AI models rely on vast amounts of music data to learn and create, licensing music for training data can open up new revenue streams. This panel explores how rightsholders, artists, and catalog owners can navigate the opportunities and challenges of licensing music for AI development.
With:
- Ralph Boege (AIxchange / Paradise Worldwide)
- Kurosh Nasseri (Association for Electronic Music)
- Loredana Cacciotti (Future Play Music)
- Sophie Benoit (Corpus)
Moderated by: Ama Walton (Soundcloud)
FIRESIDE-CHAT
In this fireside chat, Hanna Kahlert (Senior Social Analyst at Midia Research) explores with Dr. Martin Clancy the goals of the AI:OK Literacy Module. This landmark initiative aims to demystify AI, encourage creative use of new tools, and open pathways to new forms of remuneration.
With:
- Dr. Martin Clancy (AI:OK)
- Hanna Kahlert (MIDIA Research)
PANEL
As AI-generated music blurs the lines of originality, detecting copyright infringement has never been more complex or more critical. Step into the sonic detective's lab and explore how AI is being used to trace hidden similarities in songs and identify music that has been created with unlicensed material in training data.
With:
- Amelie Anglade (seeqnc)
- Darius Afchar (Deezer)
- Lukas Lyrestam (Transparent Audio AI)
Moderated by: Steffen Holly (Fraunhofer IDMT)
PANEL
What happens when artificial intelligence stops being just a tool and starts becoming a true creative partner? In this thought-provoking session, we’ll dive into the cutting edge of Assistive AI in music production; where algorithms help spark song ideas, streamline collaborations, and fine-tune mixes with precision, all while keeping the artist’s vision and emotional connection front and center.
with:
- David Ronan (RoEx)
- Max Shafer (Just 4 Noise)
- Elpiniki Papa (AVID Pro-Tools)
- Konstantin Hess (Native Instruments)
Moderated by: Terry Tyldesley
KEYNOTE
While algorithms now help create art, the emotional power of live performance in music and theater still belongs to people. But for how long? This keynote, from Moritz Simon Geist explores whether machines can convey emotions on stage like humans, and what that means for arts and culture.
With:
Moritz Simon Geist (Artist, Researcher, and Robotic Musician)
PANEL
AI is no longer just a tool, it’s opening up new horizons for creative expression in the music-making process. This panel explores how artists, producers, and developers are using AI to generate, co-write, and inspire new
With:
- Rebecca Leger (AI Song Contest)
- Sam Watkinson (Suno)
- Rithik Kundu (NYU Generative Audio & AI)
Moderated by: Rachel Lyske (DAACI)
INNOVATION SHOWCASE STAGE
WORKSHOPS - THINK TANK - MASTERCLASSES
LeVeL Up YoUr SkillS, ShApE MuSic’S FuTurE
Hands-On Sessions to Sharpen Your Edge and Tackle Music’s Toughest Challenges.
Expert workshop reimagining how rights, revenues, and data flow in music
DEcOdE/REcOdE:
FiXinG ThE MuSiC InDuStRy'S mEtaDaTa CluStERf**K
The music industry’s rights and revenue systems are plagued by outdated, confusing, and error-prone processes that make it hard for most artists to earn a living. This closed-door workshop under Chatham House Rules will explore a new, streamlined coding and governance system as a potential solution to fix the decades-old metadata and payment mess.
Applications are open for professionals from across the music ecosystem who understand and engage with:
- Metadata & rights management
- Licensing & royalty structures
- Technology systems for attribution and tracking
- Distribution, labels, publishers, DSPs, and tech platforms
workshop on navigating creative chaos through better communication.
MixEd SiGnAlS: HoW MiScOmmUnicAtiOn SilEncES TEamS
This interactive session simulates the high-pressure, fast-paced communication challenges of the music business. A professional development program blending the rigor of education with the speed of the creative industries. Through a hands-on challenge, participants explore how unclear leadership, poor context, and ineffective feedback can hinder collaboration - and how better habits can drive teams into sync.
This is a workshop, tailored for the needs of
- Artists, founders
- Developers
- A&Rs
- Managers
- Marketers
- and anyone leading or working in creative teams.
masterclass in writing effective brand messaging for music tech startups
MuSiC TEch SEllOuT:
WRitE BrAnD MEssAgiNg thAt hElpS yOu sEll
Many music tech startups fail to gain traction because, despite innovative ideas, they treat brand messaging as an afterthought, overlooking the crucial role of clear communication in winning attention, support, and funding.
Music Tech Sellout is a hands-on workshop that helps founders turn unclear brand messaging into clear, compelling narratives that attract investors, engages audiences, and sets their startup apart.
This session is for:
- Founders going for pre-seed and seed funding
- Musictech hub and accelerator leaders
- Founders preparing to go to market
DAY 2
MUSIC FRONTIERS
STAGE
FRIDAY, Sept. 5
PANEL
This session dives into the innovative tools, creative formats, and forward-thinking strategies redefining how live shows are imagined, produced, and experienced, onstage and beyond.
With:
- Liz Berry (Hologramica)
- Jos Feijen (Efenaar)
- Maud Clavier (Zorba)
Moderated by Gérôme Vanherf (ikii)
PANEL
In our fragmented attention economy, music marketing demands more than just catchy hooks and social media posts. From trend discovery and micro-targeted campaigns to niche community building, our expert panelists discuss how to cut through the noise in an oversaturated landscape.
With:
- Peggy Adamu (Sony Music Germany)
- Dominik Lacziko Succhiatti (Brainchild)
- Alison Lambs (Project Allies)
Moderated b Estella Reed (AI Media Institute)
PANEL
As music and video streaming continues to dominate how we listen and consume music, the next wave of innovation is reshaping everything from user experience to artist payouts, discovery, interactivity and quality.
Live or on demand. In this session, we explore new ideas redefining digital streaming for both creators and consumers.
with:
- Stefan Bock (Streamsoft Europe)
- Dr. Martin Paul Zschornak (WeR1 / Seth Schwarz)
- Jonathan Oudekerk (SmartLabel)
- Chris Hocking (The Factory Music Group / MESO)
Moderated by: Maarten Walraven (MUSIC x)
PANEL
From indie gems to blockbuster campaigns, the right song can elevate a scene, define a brand, or spark a viral moment. But behind every perfect sync lies a high-stakes dance between creativity, rights, budgets, and now AI, data, and automation.
In this session, we dive into the evolving world of music licensing and supervision, where innovation is transforming how music is discovered, cleared, and placed.
With:
- Rachel Menzies (BMG)
- Marcel Alexander Wiebenga (Ringo)
- Tom Stingemore (Alloy)
- Ruth Wyatt (Nettwerk Music Group)
Moderated by: Kathleen Wallfisch (Music in Vision)
PANEL
This session breaks it down: chasing problems that don’t exist, unclear monetization, weak storytelling, the wrong teams, or ignoring the audience.
With a look also at music-specific traps; overreliance on grants, licensing and branding gaps, AI hype, shaky networks, small markets, and reinventing what’s already been done.
With:
Taj A Kahn (Amplitude Ventures)
Jakob Wredstrøm (Amplitude Ventures)
PANEL
This session explores the challenges, strategies, and emerging opportunities in music innovation.
Get insider insights from visionaries in the investment world who are funding the future of music on what makes a music tech startup fundable and where the smart money is heading next.
With:
- Orel Yalim (Miller Capital)
- Andrea Rosen (Best Nights VC)
- Cliff Fluet (Music Technology UK)
- Thierry Baujard (Media Deals)
moderated by: Jakob Wredstrøm (Amplitude Ventures)
AI FRONTIERS
STAGE
FRIDAY, Sept. 5
FIRESIDE-CHAT
Join us early on the second day for an Innovation Breakfast, proudly sponsored by e-Residency Estonia. This dynamic morning gathering will bring together creators, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinkers to explore the intersection of music, technology, and global innovation. Enjoy fresh insights, meaningful connections, and a glimpse into how Estonia’s pioneering digital nation empowers creative professionals worldwide.
No RSVP, just come by!
About e-residency of Estonia
Estonia is the best place to register music industry company or a startup for cross-border business. With e-Residency, you can start and run an EU company 100% online and easily manage it. E-Residency of Estonia is a government-issued digital identity which gives global entrepreneurs remote access to the world's most digital country.
For more information about the benfits for you as a someone from the music sector, visit e-resident.gov.ee
Kristiina Kalda, Markets Manager from e-residency will give you insights about the program and the benfits of the program for you as someone from the music sector.
FIRESIDE-CHAT
Pop icon and AI music pioneer Daniel Bedingfield joins a fireside chat with Hugo Riley from AI Media Institute to tackle a bold question: Is human-made music on its last legs?
Drawing from his experience creating an AI-assisted album and launching an AI creative platform, he will discuss how AI, when engineered to serve musicians, can become a creative superpower, and how strategic partnerships between artists and tech influencers can rejuvenate the music industry.
With:
- Daniel Bedingfield
- Hugo Riley (AI Media Institute)
PANEL
Record labels are heavily impacted by AI. From scouting talent to crafting campaigns to optimizing release strategies and streamlining administrative processes.
This panel dives into how AI-driven tools are transforming A&R, marketing, and data-informed decision-making.
With:
- Albert Gruber
- Takayuki Suzuki (MusicTech Japan)
- Camile Jamet (Era Music / Camile Jamet Music)
Moderrated by: Jay Ahern (AFEM)
PANEL
AI is rapidly transforming music publishing, automating rights management, optimizing royalty tracking, and enabling smarter song-artist matching. This panel explores how AI-driven tools are streamlining the publishing process while ensuring transparency and control.
With:
- Laura May (May Music)
- Henry Marsden (Fix Music)
- Ben Charlton (Middle8)
- Antonio Di Puorto (Monetunes)
Moderated by: Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services)
PANEL
From synthetic vocals to hyper-realistic artist replicas, AI voice technology is transforming how we create, license, and experience music.
This panel dives into the rapidly evolving world of vocal cloning and digital voice double, not as threats to authenticity, but as powerful tools for innovation, access, and revenue.
with:
- Jemily Rime (Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
- Ausrine Skarnulyte (Voice-Swap)
- Dr. Alexandra Huang-Kokina (University of Edinburgh)
Moderated by: Tobias Wilinski (ThemaTakt Podcast)
PANEL
In the age of AI, accurate metadata is more crucial than ever but the music industry still struggles with incomplete, inconsistent, or missing data.
This panel dives into metadata’s role the infrastructure of music rights and how AI can help fix the metadata crisis, improving rights attribution, royalty payments, and discoverability.
With:
- Sebastian Wolter (melino)
- Silvia Montello (Voicebox Consulting)
- Thomas Zandrowicz (Beam for Music)
- Pantelis Vikatos (Orfium)
Moderated by: Mandy Salem-Aubry (MSA Music Services)
PANEL
AI is transforming live music by unlocking new efficiencies and revenue streams across the sector, reshaping how tours are planned, venues are booked, and audiences are engaged.
This panel brings together industry leaders to explore how AI is driving smarter decisions in tour logistics, demand forecasting, ticket pricing, and fan personalization.
With:
- Mathilde Neu (Music Tech France)
- Alex Poriadchenko (mTicket)
- Jannis Deisinger (Booking AI)
- Aël Guégan (Soundcharts)
Moderated by: Jonas Seetge (Event Management)
PANEL
Learn how AI is cutting through the clutter, automating back-end tasks so music companies can focus on what truly matters.
Meet the AI-powered virtual agents that are managing tasks, booking gigs, and freeing up time for creativity and strategy.
With:
- Thomas Quenoil (MNGRS AI)
- Marine Rivollet (2 AM)
- Tom Riley (AIMS API)
Moderated by: Sophie Müller (SMC)
INNOVATION SHOWCASE STAGE
AND THAT'S NOT ALL....
INTERNATIONAL SOUND AWARDS 2025
As a delegate of MUSIC FRONTIERS, you are invited to the award ceremony of the INTERNATIONAL SOUND AWARDS 2025.
At the event, the most innovative, impactful and meaningful projects, products and services across various categories in the fields of sound and music will be honored!
A distinguished panel of jurors carefully reviewed this year’s submissions. Based on their evaluations, outstanding entries have been selected to receive the Better Sound, Winner and Grand Prix awards. At the ceremony, these entries will be celebrated and awarded with the coveted ISAbell trophy.
Come and be inspired by the best in the business, network with fellow professionals, and join us in celebrating innovation and excellence in sound and music!
The event will be held on September 5th and begins at 7.30 p.m right at the venue where MUSIC FRONTIERS happens.
Entrance including welcome drinks is from 6.30 p.m.
For more details visit the INTERNATIONAL SOUND AWARDS website.
PURCHASE
YOUR TICKET
Be part of MUSIC FRONTIERS and get prepared for the next evolution of the music ecosystem.
Grab your ticket to connect with visionary artists, pioneering entrepreneurs, smart researchers and forward-thinking music industry professionals.
This is not your usual music conference. It's a gathering of bright minds from various disciplines who are shaping the future of music.
Gain unparalleled insights and inspire your own visionary journey. Be part of the community!
Act fast – Tickets are limited.
2-Day Pass
ONly 119 Euro
Free Drinks throughout the event included