Music industry executives, investors and technology startups will converge on Santa Monica's beaches Nov. 4-6 for Music Tectonics 2025, a conference focused on moving the music business beyond its current streaming-dominated model.
The seventh annual gathering brings together representatives from major labels including Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, instrument manufacturers like Roland and Shure, and venture capital firms to explore new revenue streams and technological innovations in music.
"People go to trade conferences to see where the industry is. You come to Music Tectonics to see where it's going," said Dmitri Vietze, the conference founder and CEO of Rock Paper Scissors. "Our programming this year reflects the best thinking on transforming the industry and helping to return music's value in practical and fantastic ways."
The conference's central theme addresses what organizers see as streaming's maturation and the need for fresh approaches to music monetization. Keynote speaker Tatiana Cirisano, vice president of music strategy at MIDiA Research, will present "Optimization Is Not Enough: Are You Ready for Streaming's Reckoning?"
"We are never trying to jump on a single trend or hype cycle. Instead, we're looking at things that will really have an impact for artists, fans, and the industry as a whole," Vietze said in an interview.
The three-day event spans multiple Santa Monica venues, beginning with a Creator Fair at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel, continuing with panels at the Annenberg Community Beach House, and concluding with startup-focused programming at Expert Dojo and Universal Music Group's studios.
Programming will examine direct-to-fan e-commerce, music's integration with gaming, and how labels and publishers can adapt to technological change. Companies participating include Riot Games, BMG, Create Music Group, and financial technology firms serving the music industry.
A highlight of the conference is the Swimming with Narwhals startup competition, featuring four finalists representing diverse music technology applications. Music League focuses on music discovery and social sharing, while Plates offers modern music marketing tools. Roxxem combines language learning with music through interactive games, and Sesh provides fan engagement platforms for artists.
Investors from Patron, Sony Ventures, Connect Ventures, Mindset Ventures and Creator Partners will participate in panels and evaluate startup pitches. The conference concludes with a startup bootcamp where entrepreneurs can present ideas directly to Universal Music Group executives.
The Creator Fair, returning for its second year, addresses what organizers see as a growing divide between traditional recording industry players and the creator economy emerging on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
"We noticed that there was a big division between the recording industry and the music creation side of musical instruments and software," Vietze explained. The Creator Fair enables "cross-pollination" between these sectors.
Head of Events Shayli Ankenbruck emphasized the conference's comprehensive approach. "We curate Music Tectonics so that it embraces all sides of the music business right now, from tech startups to global entertainment enterprises to music makers of all stripes," she said.
The Santa Monica location reflects deliberate choices about atmosphere and accessibility. Vietze said the beachside setting provides "a destination that made our attendees happy and safe" while offering both indoor and outdoor spaces.
"We're bringing investors, movers and shakers from all around the globe together to do business and learn. The least we can do is make the view breathtaking and the vibes as magical and tectonic as our theme," he said.
The conference builds on year-round programming including a weekly podcast and monthly online events. Previous attendees have secured new jobs, partnerships and investments through connections made at the event, according to organizers.
"People walk away with new jobs, new partnerships, and new investments," Vietze said.
Tickets can be purchased on the Music Tectonics website (https://www.musictectonics.com/). The conference represents one of the music industry's largest gatherings focused specifically on technology innovation and business development.