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Exclusive Q&A with Paul Sampson, CEO of Lickd
One quick thing that came to mind after conducting the interview was: this man knows the industry. So Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Paul Sampson, CEO of Lickd.
For starterrs, Lickd is a micro-licensing and music solutions company that caters to the creator economy. If that sounds obscure, jump straight to the interview, where Paul Simpson talks in simple terms about Lickd and the present and future of the online music industry.
Q. Let’s start with a brief personal profile. Tell us about your background and career?
A. I’ve been working in music licensing since 2005. I’ve worked specifically with stock music, commercial music, and more recently, exploring ways of strengthening the creator economy.
For around five years, straight out of university, I worked in television at a small production company, climbing through the ranks. Throughout this time, I encountered the difficulties of licensing music several times, and so began to take an interest in understanding the nuances and problems that needed solving.
I’d gotten to know several renowned music licensing companies, and in 2005, one of them, Extreme Music, offered me a job in New York and with that, I followed my passion and began my career jump into the music industry. Within about two and a half years in the role, they relocated me out to Los Angeles as the Head of US.
In 2010, a new role brought me back to Europe and I was a key figure in launching the European arm of another U.S. music licensing company. This time, it was not just stock music, but a focus on more commercial music, and unsigned independent acts.
After this, I knew it was time to start acting on the music opportunities that were becoming more prevalent with the boom of the creator economy, and so following that channel, Lickd was born in 2017.
Q. Now let’s move on to Lickd. What led you to found Lickd?
A. Two words led me to found Lickd: Creator Economy. As social media became more prevalent in everyday life in the late 2000’s, the opportunities for music and creators were plentiful and so Lickd was born. A few years later, as the effects on the media landscape following the pandemic have increased the creator economy twofold, we see even more opportunities to continue to seize the moment, and the market.
Lickd is the first music company to ever develop a major music solution for content creators of all kinds. We licence music from major labels and publishers, including current music that’s in the charts and make it available for licensing, legally. Our unique software protects our users on the platform that they place music on, for example, YouTube and Instagram. Platforms like YouTube have built in music recognition software that identifies popular music being used in content, and presumes that all music uses are some sort of infringement of copyright, therefore, persecuting the creator and attempting to police them out of earning revenue.
Lickd’s software is really the magic solution that the platform sits on top of to ensure that not only can creators licence the music but that they’re taken care of and we’re protecting their revenue all the way through to the end of the content journey.
Q. What is Lickd’s specialty?
A. What sets us apart is that we are unique in our offering. We’re working with 10,000+ labels and publishers that are linked to the Lickd platform, including Universal, Warner, Sony, BMG and Kobalt. To engage labels and publishers like that and to preclear their music for any content vertical is something that was once largely thought impossible, but Lickd has made it happen and is helping to secure new revenue streams for creators globally.
Q. Could you talk about your work with key gaming powerhouses?
A. Gaming is obviously an enormous industry, bigger than music and film combined. Any content vertical with that sort of reach has a huge platform, a huge audience to work with and promote music too.
In terms of how Lickd got together with Fortnite and Epic Games; essentially music became part of their engagement strategy, and they started paying more attention to it. Senior teams were asking key questions like: ‘how can we work with artists’ and ‘what sort of artist does our audience want to hear within a game’?
With this comes complexities around licensing and demographics. Gamers who are also content creators often live stream their content or create highlights videos for YouTube. At Lickd, we already know that in-video music on YouTube is an issue and so we collaborate with Fortnite to bridge that gap so that gamers can enjoy the wonderful events that are put on for them, while also being able to then promote and share that content in the ways that they normally would.
Whether this is for ancillary income or additional income on top of a salary, if content creation is a full-time job, Lickd protects creators on those platforms, to enable a more effective creation and lifecycle process for the content they’re publishing.
Q. Could you briefly narrate the content deals you have with music companies and bands?
A. Over the past five years we’ve built a platform that is made up of popular music from 10,000 labels and publishers, including Universal, Warner, Sony BMG and Kobalt. We also work with lots of independent distributors. There’s around 1.4 million songs on Lickd, and another 6 million delivered and waiting to go live. The vast majority of them would be emerging acts and we certainly do our best to help and encourage discovery on the platform.
Q. In what ways does Lickd help creators to monetise their content?
A. I think it’s important to outline that wherever there is opportunity for the music industry online, it will require some sort of micro licensing commercial model, and some sort of proprietary tech, either to enable the licensing or to protect the end user.
That’s where Lickd is perfectly positioned. Our mission is to democratise music for the world’s creators. Our first product looked at creators as video content creators, but as the world changes and the digital landscape evolves, creators will also include builders in the metaverse and big brands on social platforms.
Q. How do you see the possibility of an AI text-to-background-music generator?
A. There’s various ways that AI will impact music. It’s something we’re following closely and it would be foolish for anyone to suggest that any part of the music industry isn’t already seeing some element of business being affected directly by AI. So far we’ve seen AI generated songs, well known songs of one artist being sung in the AI voice of another, and the fact that chords and melodies can be created by simply inputting into an AI, and we’re always expecting more.
The uptake of AI in music creation won’t be instant, but at some point, creators will become of faith with smart tools that allow them to generate music through these new means for use in videos. Although, once created, that music will still need to be licensed, and there will be commercial models that give users access to the tools and/or licensing opportunities for the music created by said tool.
In the metaverse, there will be music collaboration spaces and music production event areas or venues. Generative AI is useful for creating ‘music stems’, and building a sort of catalogue of music elements that can then be used by people collaboratively to start making an entire song – something that was not happening in the past.
An AI can continuously keep churning out new beats and new melodies and new riffs and new instrumental sounds, and people will get together to create music on the fly, and that will require AI generative tools at some scale. I think you’ll see things like musical skins, where Avatars might want their own soundtrack or music identifier. How do I know someone entered the room? Well, I just heard their music handle to signify they’re here. Like boxers have ring walks, there’ll be a version of that somewhere in the metaverse.
We know that there are music metaverses and venues, and metaverse platforms based around music creation already, and there are others on the way. A good example of this is Pixelynx, Deadmau5’s music based metaverse platform. He founded the platform, one that was completely based around the music, but then was acquired by Animoca Brands, a brand with a broad portfolio of web3, blockchain and traditional games, which is a huge web3 holding company, so from launch to exit, Deadmau5 did very well out of the partnership.
 
																	
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MyEmpire Reborn: New Look, New Empires, New Features
 MyEmpire, one of the leading brands within the MioMedia affiliate program, proudly unveils its grand transformation. The empire has been reborn — with a stunning new look, an expanded collection of games, and thrilling new features set to redefine the gaming experience.
MyEmpire, one of the leading brands within the MioMedia affiliate program, proudly unveils its grand transformation. The empire has been reborn — with a stunning new look, an expanded collection of games, and thrilling new features set to redefine the gaming experience.
The redesigned MyEmpire brand unveils a fresh and immersive environment inspired by great civilizations of the past. The new interface offers smoother navigation, enhanced visuals, and a layout that reflects the brand’s evolution and the spirit of the empire. It’s cleaner, faster, and full of life — giving players the feeling of truly stepping into a renewed realm of majesty.
The updated design extends across the entire game world, bringing richer landscapes, detailed architecture, and enhanced character art that adds elegance and depth, drawing players further into play.
Along with the visual transformation, MyEmpire is expanding its portfolio with new games. Each title offers a unique experience while staying true to the empire’s spirit of strategy, adventure, and discovery. Together, they create a broader and more dynamic world for players to explore.
Beyond new games, MyEmpire is expanding with the launch of a dedicated shop — a new destination where players can purchase exclusive items or exchange their in-game bonuses for them. It’s a fresh way to turn progress into rewards and make every victory even more satisfying.
Soon, players will also enjoy new gamification features — SpinRally, Wheel of Fortune, and WonderPot. These additions will introduce even more thrills and rewards, giving players the chance to test their luck, win prizes, and uncover new surprises within the empire. Each feature is designed to enhance engagement and add a fresh layer of fun to the play.
MioMedia Affiliates continue to stand at the forefront of iGaming innovation, bringing together top-performing brands and world-class affiliate partnerships. As MyEmpire enters a new era with its refreshed look and features, MioMedia Affiliates celebrates the brand’s dedication to excellence, creativity, and pursuit of entertainment that both inspires and rewards.
For more information and guidance, contact the team: https://www.miomedia.com/contact-us
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iGaming 2026 starts now: be the first to get Slotegrator’s iGaming trends report
 Slotegrator, a leading iGaming software provider and content aggregator, has published a report forecasting the iGaming trends of 2026. Developed in collaboration with over 50 experts from international companies, the report highlights how technology, regulation, ESG and transparency, and evolving player expectations will reshape the iGaming landscape in the coming year.
Slotegrator, a leading iGaming software provider and content aggregator, has published a report forecasting the iGaming trends of 2026. Developed in collaboration with over 50 experts from international companies, the report highlights how technology, regulation, ESG and transparency, and evolving player expectations will reshape the iGaming landscape in the coming year.
The report brings together insights from operators, regulators, affiliates, and marketing leaders across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It covers key topics – from upcoming regulatory changes and AI-driven hyper-personalization to new compliance standards, marketing transformations, and the rise of community-based gaming ecosystems.
Readers will learn what to expect from:
- Regulatory developments in the industry’s most attractive markets.
- Advances in AI, cybersecurity, biometric KYC, and deepfake detection.
- New marketing models built on emotional intelligence and data ethics.
- The role of Web3, stablecoins, and gamified well-being.
- The growing influence of ESG on the iGaming sector.
The report features practical insights from leading leading companies, recognized industry leaders and award winners, including SiGMA Group, Clarion Gaming, DEVILS, Endorphina, Amigo Gaming, Aviatrix, ZingBrain AI, BGaming, NGM Game, Peter& Sons, CasinoRIX, ICS-digital, top media like iGamingNews, Casino Guru, GamblingTalk, and others, alongside perspectives from top game studios and regional experts.
“The report brings together the key takeaways from our business analytical research and the voices of industry experts who observe market dynamics every single day. Their perspectives give this report its depth and authenticity. At Slotegrator, we value partnership and collaboration above all — this is what allows us to capture the real pulse of the iGaming industry. This document gives companies a valuable head start as they prepare for next year’s shifts,” adds Svetlana Kirichenko, head of marketing at Slotegrator.
The report offers a comprehensive view of what’s next for iGaming — a must-read for anyone shaping the future of the industry. Be among the first to download The iGaming Trends of 2026 from Slotegrator by following this link.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.
The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.
The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.
Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.
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Boomerang Partners has announced a gift auction at their booth during the upcoming SiGMA Europe 2025 in Rome
 Boomerang Partners, an affiliate marketing agency and an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, is preparing numerous activities for their booth 5046 G at the upcoming SiGMA Europe 2025 in Rome. The main highlight will be a gift auction featuring valuable prizes:
Boomerang Partners, an affiliate marketing agency and an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, is preparing numerous activities for their booth 5046 G at the upcoming SiGMA Europe 2025 in Rome. The main highlight will be a gift auction featuring valuable prizes:
- Signed Luka Modrić (football legend and AC Milan player) jersey
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Deep Blue
- Ray-Ban | Meta Wayfarer smart glasses
- Apple AirPods Pro 3
To try their luck in the gift auction, SiGMA Rome participants must visit the Boomerang Partners booth on November 4th and 5th and perform various tasks. For completing them, they will receive special chips of different denominations. The more chips they have, the higher their chances of winning in the auction. Details can be obtained from the hostess at the booth.
The final will take place on November 5th at 4:00 PM. On the same day, Boomerang Partners will announce the winners of their first sports traffic tournament, the Golden Boomerang League, which ran from September 1st to October 31st. All affiliate teams, including current and new partners of the company, who managed to generate 20+ FTDs on the brands from its client portfolio, have qualified for the prize draw. The prize for first place is direct access to the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026. Participants who place second and third will receive an AC Milan Experience package, which includes paid flights, accommodation, and attendance at an AC Milan home match at the famous San Siro Stadium in Milan.
Come to the Boomerang Partners booth, complete simple tasks, get chips, and participate in the gift auction. Extra pleasant surprises are possible. Read the full terms and conditions on the Boomerang Partners website.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
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