I’d interviewed both Ljung and Wahlforss in the past, and neither had answers to the big questions facing Soundcloud about its product direction, business model, and the spurious copyright takedowns that have eroded its trust with musicians.
They helped Vimeo to fend off bigger rivals like YouTube by doubling down on what was special about the service: a focus on high-quality artful film rather than amateur viral videos.
That experience makes Trainor a great fit to lead SoundCloud, which is fending off bigger rivals like Spotify and Apple Music.
SoundCloud’s best bet isn’t to battle them directly, but double down on the user uploaded indie music scene including garage demos, DJ sets, unofficial remixes, and miscellaneous audio you can’t find elsewhere.
Whether it stays independent long term or tries to seduce an acquirer, SoundCloud will benefit from spotlighting its unique community of creators and hardcore listeners.
- SoundCloud stays afloat with emergency investment, as CEO steps asideThe Verge
- Cash-Strapped SoundCloud Gets New Funds and Top ManagementU.S. News & World Report
- SoundCloud Gets Emergency Funding to Stay in BusinessTheStreet.com
- SoundCloud isn't shutting down just yetEngadget
- SoundCloud saved: Investors step in to rescue music siteSlashGear
- Soundcloud saved by $170 million investmentBrooklyn Vegan (blog)
- It's Official: SoundCloud Secures New Investment, Names New CEOVariety
- SoundCloud Secures New Funding to Avoid ShutdownSPIN
- SoundCloud Kept Alive With New Funding, Founder Steps Down as CEOPitchfork