Music travels the world faster than ever, and smart technological solutions are increasingly behind the scenes. One of these comes precisely from Rijeka: Music Link, the digital distribution platform it is developing Move Music d.o.o. with a vision to open the way for musicians from studios to streams.
Behind the platform is Antonio, a young entrepreneur who didn't just have an idea. He also had experience from London and Germany, but also from Sweden where he studied. But the path from the idea to the functional platform was all just not simple.
I worked at a German company that offered digital distribution of music – Move Music Distribution GmBH. I got to know the world of digital music distribution firsthand. I have seen what such solutions enable musicians, but also how difficult they are to access in Croatia. And that's where the click happened!
The idea of Music Link was born – an accessible, simple and powerful platform for all those who want to place their music on services such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and others, without complicated procedures and intermediaries.
We wanted to enable young and independent performers to reach audiences and incomes more easily, without going through the arduous path of bureaucracy and outdated business models.
Move Music, in cooperation with a partner from Germany, is developing a technology that strengthens the music scene, both locally and globally. They base their business on connections with musicians, openness to innovation and great love for the creative industry.
Initial challenges, support from Germany and entry into the incubator
Antonio and his little team, they didn't have space and equipment, they just had contacts. He had an idea, experience and great enthusiasm.
The first months of the development of the Music Link platform took place from the living room, with the help of a German company that recognized the potential and decided to become a co-founder of the Croatian part of the company.
The hardest part was getting out of anonymity. When you're just on stage, it takes time for people to recognize you. But every challenge has further strengthened us in the belief that we are doing something that is worthwhile in the long run.
The real change occurred when they entered the Porin space. Antonio worked for the first six months from coworking space, where he got the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and feel the strength of the community. When the place was freed up in the Business Incubator The next step was to enter the incubation programme.
For the first time we had our workspace, modern, functional and ready for meetings, brainstorming and development. Focus, peace, team energy and everything changed. It's become real.
In addition to space, mentors, education and support from Porin's team also played an important role.
In the incubator we received advice regarding administration, strategy, business planning... but also something even more important, a sense of community and common happiness in each and every small success. There is no rivalry, only mutual support and inspiration. You can't buy that.
Today Move Music is growing from Rijeka, for the world
Music Link platform today used by musicians not only from Croatia, but also from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Asia and Latin America. The platform allows distribution to all major music services, and their AI mastering tool allows users to process music on a professional level without the need for expensive studios.
We are proud how far we have come in a short time, especially when we hear that the performers are satisfied. One of our favorite moments was when we were contacted by a publisher from abroad through a user recommendation. Then you know your work makes sense.
New functionalities are under development: advanced analytics, marketing tools and additional opportunities for performers to monitor and optimise the performance of their music.
The platform is developing on a daily basis, and the Move Music team believes that digital solutions can strongly advance the creative industries. Not just technically, but also commercially.
Message for Future Entrepreneurs
If you have an idea, go ahead. Don't wait for the perfect moment. There won't be one. There will be chaos, mistakes, uncertainty, but that's part of the process. Learn from everything, be persistent and seek help when you need it.
António says that The most important thing is to work for a reason, not just because of the results. When you are led by the desire to do something worthwhile, people recognize it. And they join you.
Do you want to build your story with the support of an incubator?
Contact us and find out how we can help you.
