Elliot Grainge on Atlantic’s Future, AI, and Selling 10K Projects
We’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.
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Trapital Summit Recap: Venue Surprise, Highlights, and Behind the Scenes Moments
In 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.
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How Much Is The Weeknd's Music Really Worth?
Our Trapital Summit is Wednesday, September 10 in Los Angeles! Get your tickets here.
Today's mini-episode is a breakdown on The Weeknd's $1 billion music rights financing goals and whether it is worth that massive price tag. I also share a few words on the late Peter Sinclair, CEO and co-founder of beatBread.
How Much Is The Weeknd's Music Really Worth? - Trapital
Trapital Summit 2025
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Have Record Labels Turned Into Private Equity Firms?
Trapital Summit is on Sep 10 in LA. Join us! Get your tickets here.
The major record labels are adapting for the modern era. Lately, that shift has them looking less like RCA and more like KKR. These companies have invested less in signing new artists and more in acquiring the legendary back catalog of music. With streaming driving steady royalties, the music rights of proven hits are valuable. Music companies have teamed up with private equity firms to cash in.
I also break down how this changes artist deals, lowers risk-taking, and opens the door for global investors and even artists to buy in.
00:33 The Shift to Private Equity
03:45 The Back Catalog Boom
09:24 A&R Reductions
12:14 What The Future Holds
This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.
Trapital Summit is on Wednesday September 10 in LA. Join us!
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The Business Behind Iconic Music Catalogs
In this solo episode, we dive into the most valuable music catalogs in the world, and what makes them stand out. From Queen and Michael Jackson’s deals and more, we explore why the top catalogs fetch massive multiples and how they operate at unique financial and cultural assets.
03:19 Iconic Catalogs
07:07 Music Biopics
08:32 How Genres Imoact Catalog Value
13:07 Future of Music Rights
Trapital Summit is on Wednesday September 10 in LA. Join us!
This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.
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
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