This week we are joined by entrepreneur Niclas Molinder from song project platform Auddly. A hub specifically designed for musicians it allows creators to manage their songs, collaborations and even music rights. With a head office in Stockholm and representatives in London and Los Angeles, Auddly is rapidly making waves in the startup scene.

1. First can you tell us a bit about your job? What does your company do?

I am the founder of the song project platform Auddly. It’s a mobile app and digital platform that lets music creators and businesses manage their songs and collect the metadata that is needed for correct payments.

Our aim is to make the data collection from the creative process simpler but also to provide a platform with tools that simplify the music creators work – such as file sorting, storing, idea recording, split handling etc. – everything in one place. We strive to digitalize the information and communication flow to create a transparent music production industry where everyone get fair compensation and recognition for their music.

We are over 20 passionate employees with the head office in Stockholm and representatives in London and Los Angeles.

2. What brought you to this area?

I have been a songwriter and producer for over 20 years and been running my own publishing company. During these years, I realized that I spent way too much time on rights management and chasing data – so I saw the need of an easier and more modern solution to do this and decided to start Auddly.

3. What time does your day start, and what does your typical work day schedule look like?

It’s varies a lot! I’m based in Stockholm but travel the US very often so sometimes it feels like I’m in a constant jetlag bubble with very random work hours. A big part of my days consists of networking with music creators and partners.

4. What kind of projects are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working to discover different opportunities for us to integrate with other parts of the industry – we have a very interesting project going on within this area that we will announce soon.

5. What do you consider the greatest achievement in your work to date?

The work we do with focus on creating a better situation for the creators, to make them get paid quicker and more accurate. We also put together other parts of the industry with a very different view of how the industry works – to make the world a little bit better for the creators all the time.

6. What is the one app you could not live without?

Maybe Slack, that’s where I have most contact with the rest of the Auddly team. We have one work related group and one very random non-serious group with lots of weird stuff going on.

7. What’s the best thing about working at your company?

We are a tight and nerdy team with love for music and tech – all very passionate to improve the music industry and super hard working to achieve our goals together. I’m so proud of the group of people we have built this far, a bunch of kind-hearted and sharp people who always find reasons to celebrate. So to answer your question, definitely the people!

8. Where is the after work hangout?

Usually at our local bars in Hornstull at Södermalm. Tjoget is a favourite!

9. Who is your professional role model?

Richard Branson, his leadership skills and innovative thinking inspires me a lot.

10. What makes Stockholm a good city for technology and startups?

Stockholm has an innovative atmosphere where everyone is very keen to support each other and curious about new ideas. We are a small city in the world, but we always think globally and expand internationally at an early stage. We also have lots of inspiring startups and entrepreneurs to look up to, which I think grows people’s courage to follow their dreams.

11. Which tech trends are you most excited about?

Need to say the rights and creator side of the music industry, which we plan to be a main part off! This side of the music worlds needs to be digitalized and modernized in so many ways and I’m excited to see what other solutions that will pop up during the upcoming years.

12. What are the top 3 qualities you look for in an employee?

The number one thing is definitely a positive mentality – that vibe is so important for me! Then I’d say curiosity and a love for music.

13. What do you think can be done to increase the number of women in tech?

I’m passionate about increasing the equality in both the tech and music industry and we are constantly working to improve ourselves. The major part of the CVs we get is from men, and I believe you come a long way just by putting down that extra time to actively search for women and not take the easy way out. The amount of female role models grows and I think that’s a very positive part that can motivate women to select the tech and music industry.

15. What advice would you give your younger self when starting out?

Believe in yourself and be yourself, even if it doesn’t fit everyone. Do your thing, don’t care so much about what people think and don’t let anyone steal your energy.

16. If you could do anything differently what would it be?

I’m a very spontaneous person – I love to start things and get people together. But sometimes it would be good to think twice before taking action ????

17. And finally, what is the one piece of advice you would give to an entrepreneur starting out?

To believe in yourself and your idea! Never accept a no if your gut feeling says yes. Some people will not believe in you – keep your passion alive and focus on the ones who gives you positive energy.