What if the raw immediacy of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska—recorded on a four-track cassette in his bedroom—could be a blueprint for today’s musicians to create without the barriers of studio costs or complex tech?

That’s the mission of RT60’s Dr. Mike Exarchos and Dr. Rob Toulson, creators of Songzap. The app blends a DIY ethos with AI technology to allow musicians to craft polished multi-track demos directly on their phones. Designed to provide access and education for those who might otherwise be put off by the technical aspects of making music, Songzap uses AI to simplify song arrangement, while preserving the raw vibe of in-the-moment creativity.

Drawing inspiration from Springsteen's bold release of a lo-fi cassette recording (Atlantic City), we explore how capturing the creative moment can outweigh the pursuit of polished perfection. We talk through the story of Wilfy Williams, a busker who went on to record a studio album with Rob, and how this journey in turn shaped the development of Songzap to meet the needs of singer-songwriters. We also turn the spotlight onto emerging artist Theanò, whose loop-based vocal arrangement approach to capturing her ideas highlights the range of use cases that Songzap can be put to, from demo sketch pad to full production suite.

Join us as we discuss creativity vs. technology, the value of pairing tech with education to elevate artistry, and how avoiding perfectionism can lead to a better final product.

If you're a music tech startup looking to tell your story in your market better, go to https://cold.inc to book a free, 20-minute call to discuss your go-to-market strategy.

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How can DJs discover fresh tracks in a world dominated by algorithms that push the same music everyone else is playing?

Boris Parasochka, CEO and co-founder of Exibeat, is on a mission to fix the disjointed music discovery and distribution experience through a platform where DJs can easily find, purchase, and incorporate new tracks into their sets, with a spotlight on non-mainstream Electronic artists around the globe.

Say goodbye to the fragmented landscape of pinging between multiple platforms to find and download that perfect track for your next show. Boris shares his passion for building a platform and community that not only streamlines the process for DJs, but aims to create equitable opportunities for artists to generate revenue and gain recognition.

Journey with us into the vibrant and diverse world of music genres, where the boundary between global and hyperlocal sounds is beautifully blurred. From the sensory impact of iconic tracks like Monolake's "Index" to the inspiration of Durban's Gqom music and the significance of Ableton to music technology, Boris brings us into a realm where artistry and tech innovation go hand in hand.

With a keen eye on the technological shifts and trends reshaping the industry, Boris envisions a platform that truly meets the demands of electronic music creators and enthusiasts alike.

If you're a music tech startup looking to tell your story in your market better, go to https://cold.inc to book a free, 20-minute call to discuss your go-to-market strategy.

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Next time you feel like making music, imagine if you could jump into an Xbox-style lobby and collaborate in real-time with artists from around the world to create a track—all while using your current DAW setup.

That's a future Diego Pinzon, CEO and co-founder of DAWn Audio, is working to make a reality. Diego joins us to share his vision for a live music creation network that allows artists to transcend the limitations of traditional studios, digital audio workstation (DAW) learning curves, and physical location. This episode offers a look at how DAWn Audio is bridging the gap between emerging talent and seasoned pros through its technology, creating a community of spontaneous creativity and learning opportunities.

We discuss the value of music as a creative journey, through an Ana Gabriel cover performed by Diego, his father and his uncle. We dive into the nuances of creating environments conducive to creativity, whether through physical spaces and events like Dreamville's 10-day "Revenge of the Dreamers 3" artist camp, or via digital platforms like DAWn. From J Dilla and Madlib's legendary Jaylib collaboration, to fostering connections across generations (exemplified by the pervasive sampling of Hank Crawford's timeless track "Wildflower"), this conversation uncovers how music acts as a timeless thread linking artists and audiences alike.

Throughout, we discuss the technological and community innovation DAWn brings to the table, particularly in eliminating the barriers for musicians to collaborate on their own terms, and focusing on the communal cultural impact the act of music-making has within communities.

If you're a music tech startup looking to tell your story in your market better, go to https://cold.inc to book a free, 20-minute call to discuss your go-to-market strategy.

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What if AI could enable humans to create more powerful emotional experiences through music?

Join us as we chat with Markus Schwarzer, CEO & Co-Founder at Cyanite.ai, whose passion for music moments—the seemingly random times where music creates a profound emotional connection—led to the creation of an AI-driven platform that does just that. Inspired by a personal experience with Lykke Li's "Love Out of Lust" while standing in the Indian Ocean, Markus is on a mission to blend technology with human experience to enable fast and accurate discovery of the best sounds to create the music moments of tomorrow.

Together, we explore how technology is reshaping our musical experiences, moving towards a universal, inclusive language that can connect vibes with soundscapes. Markus shares how Cyanite.ai's innovative approach is augmenting music curation and usage for industry professionals, from sync briefs to personalized playlists.

Experience the powerful connections between music, personal growth, and collective narratives. We touch on the intricate art of music tagging, which can enable a deep and nuanced understanding of the universal musical tapestry. Markus draws parallels between the entrepreneurial journey and the epic saga of "The Lord of the Rings," highlighting the themes of teamwork and overcoming obstacles through the idea of the journey. We also discuss the significance of Stormzy's "Shut Up" as a bonding anthem for Cyanite's founders and a metaphor for personal growth, illustrating music's transformative power to echo life's triumphs and challenges. Tune in to discover how soundtracks can shape personal and shared stories, making every moment memorable.

If you're a music tech startup looking to tell your story in your market better, go to https://cold.inc to book a free, 20-minute call to discuss your go-to-market strategy.

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Jamie Parmenter, founder of SpinBard, joins us to unpack the future of fan-artist connections through the lens of music tech innovation. Discover how SpinBard's unique blend of physical and digital memorabilia is transforming fan experiences into a dynamic "digital memory music box." Jamie's personal journey into the music world, initially inspired by the band Ash, sets the stage for a conversation on the profound impact of technology in bridging the gap between artists and their audiences.

Amidst the revival of vinyl and the rise (and subsequent fall?) of NFTs, we explore how artists can tap into these trends to forge deeper connections with fans while unlocking new revenue streams. By pairing nostalgic physical media with cutting-edge digital assets, artists are rewriting the playbook on music monetization and creative reach. Jamie shares insightful anecdotes from his own foray into the Web3 space, revealing the transformative potential of these tools in reshaping the music landscape.

Beyond monetization, we delve into the art of genuine fan engagement, spotlighting how stars like Taylor Swift and BTS excel in nurturing authentic relationships through social media and exclusive events. With data fragmentation as a backdrop, we emphasize the importance of artists creating their own platforms for more control and insight into their fan base, using technology such as SpinBard to empower both fans and artists to foster sustainable careers and meaningful connections.

If you're a music tech startup looking to tell your story in your market better, go to https://cold.inc to book a free, 20-minute call to discuss your go-to-market strategy.

Find out more about SEQUENCE
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