The Impossible DJ problem (and how Mixcloud solved it!)

Описание: In this episode of Frames of Tech, host Giorgio Ponticelli sits down with Nico Perez, co-founder of Mixcloud, to discuss how the platform became the only safe haven for long-form DJ mixes in a world of copyright takedowns.

Nico breaks down the immense complexity of music licensing—from distinguishing between sound recordings and publishing rights to navigating international jurisdictions - and how Mixcloud spent years negotiating with major labels to solve it.

We also dive deep into the startup journey, moving from bootstrapping in an industrial warehouse to raising capital and surviving the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finally, Nico shares his controversial take on the "Instagramification" of club culture, the impact of TikTok on attention spans, and why AI will never replace the human connection in music curation.

Topics Discussed:
Why big platforms like Instagram and Twitch struggle with music copyright.
-The difference between "master" rights and "publishing" rights.
Leadership lessons: Delegating design work and making tough decisions during the pandemic.
The "Zombie" dancefloor: How phones are killing the club vibe.
Why Mixcloud focuses on community vs "single-player mode".

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Frames of Tech Opening
01:16 - How Mixcloud Solved the Music Copyright Crisis
07:36 - The Startup Journey: Bootstrapping vs. Raising Capital
12:17 - Scaling Teams & Hiring in the Age of AI
14:11 - Competing with Spotify: Community Over Content
19:22 - Leadership Lessons & Hard Decisions During COVID
23:31 - Core Values: "Share What You Love" & "Get It Out There"
26:18 - The "Instagramification" of Club Culture
35:35 - Sync Buttons, AI DJs, and the Future of Mixing
39:52 - Rebuilding for the TikTok Era & Final Advice