Srishti Das, Founder of Hivewire (Mumbai, India)
Srishti Das thrives at the intersection of music, sports, and emerging markets. With a Master's Degree in Global Entertainment and Music Business from Berklee College of Music, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. Her diverse career spans roles at influential companies such as JioSaavn, MIDiA Research, and The Orchard, where she has led significant projects around music, media, and entertainment. These projects have explored crucial topics such as the development of emerging markets, the evolution of music scenes, cross-entertainment fandom, and gender-based inequalities within the music industry. But Srishti's involvement in music doesn't stop at her professional career.
She is a dedicated writer, sharing her insights on emerging markets and new music scenes through her newsletter, Hivewire. With Hivewire, she serves as a guide to these exciting and ever-evolving musical landscapes. The platform celebrates the intricate connection between music scenes and cultures from emerging markets, with a particular focus on culture, collaboration, community, and creation. Srishti is not just a passionate observer of the industry; she's also an active participant. Srishti is dedicated to the music industry with her fervent obsession with constantly finding and promoting new music cultures, trends, and cross-entertainment fandoms and opportunities. Her expertise and unwavering commitment to music have made her a sought-after professional. As an A&R, she continues her lifelong quest to uncover the next big thing in music and share her discoveries with the world.
Music ecosystems. Why do they matter?
Music ecosystems matter because they enable the preservation and progression of cultural heritage and foster cultural exchange across people of different backgrounds. At the start and the end of the day, the music industry is a people industry, and music is a bi-product of people's experiences. Therefore, a music ecosystem helps create a strong relationship between art, artists, and creative individuals that can enable the sustainability of music and artists. As a result, ecosystems also support economic growth by generating jobs and revenue. They build community, promote collaboration, and support socio-cultural causes that empower more creative storytelling that promotes strong, authentic regional cultures from around the globe. These ecosystems also provide educational opportunities, nurture creativity, and drive technological and cross-industry innovation. Music ecosystems sustain the growth and evolution of the music industry, enriching our cultural, economic, and social landscapes.
What does the music-ecosystem future look like to you?
The future of the music ecosystem, especially in emerging markets, looks vibrant and interconnected, with a strong emphasis on cultural preservation and innovation. Emerging markets will become pivotal in facilitating cultural exchange and collaboration, reflecting the diverse experiences of their rapidly growing young populations that have been born in the digital era of music and culture. Advances in technology have democratised music production and distribution, enabling more artists from these regions to share their work on a global scale. Economic growth in these low-income but high-engagement markets will be driven by new engagement metrics and experimental revenue streams, such as immersive live experiences and innovative digital platforms tailored to local contexts. Music ecosystems will play a crucial role in community building, promoting socio-cultural causes, and supporting authentic regional cultures. The future music ecosystem in emerging markets will be a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable network that enriches cultural, economic, and social landscapes both locally and globally.
Name one other music-ecosystem builder that inspires you
My focus on emerging markets is inspired by Spek, Founder & CEO of PopArabia and ESMAA, and EVP International & Emerging Markets at Reservoir. I am fortunate to call him a mentor and friend. With decades of experience studying the MENA market, Spek has transitioned from being an artist to working with some of the most influential music companies in the world, consistently solving problems and driving dynamic growth in the market. He decided a few years ago that the MENA market has immense untapped potential and moved to the Middle East to create an ecosystem bottom-up, and no cultural nuanced ever stopped the drive to create growth and cultural stories in the region. Spek also has a keen eye for discovering and developing young talent, offering time, insight, and resources to nurture the next generation. I believe this approach is crucial for creating a sustainable music ecosystem: having open-minded individuals who share their knowledge and insights, making access more accessible than ever before.
What personal commitment can you make towards a world with better music ecosystems?
My personal commitment involves leveraging Hivewire to drive several key actions. Firstly, Hivewire will continue to actively support, promote, and platform cultural preservation and innovation, especially in emerging markets. We will bring to the forefront the voices of creative individuals who are part of music ecosystems to foster collaborations and exchanges that reflect diverse experiences.
Additionally, I will utilize Hivewire to invest in community building and support socio-cultural causes that empower creative storytelling and promote authentic regional cultures. The platform will also serve as a conduit for providing educational opportunities and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of artists and innovators, and ensuring they have access to the resources and insights needed to succeed. By sharing my knowledge and maintaining an open mind, I aim to make the music industry more inclusive and sustainable, enriching cultural, economic, and social landscapes worldwide.