The Hot Topic: Web3 in Music
Web3 is quickly becoming the go-to conversation starter in the music industry, attracting everyone from your favorite garage band to chart-topping superstars who are diving into NFT collections and metaverse concerts. But let’s be honest: for many, the mechanics of these technologies might feel akin to deciphering hieroglyphics while juggling flaming swords. Spoiler alert—it’s more than minting tokens and virtual gigs!
Wavelengths Summit: Shaping the Future
On May 6, the inaugural Wavelengths Summit, hosted by Water & Music, gathered musicians, industry execs, and tech wiz-kids. Their mission? To enlighten the masses about music technology, promote collaborative knowledge, and maybe even demystify blockchain a little. They rolled out discussions on everything from blockchain communities to the delightful chaos of AI invading music production.
Meet Water & Music: A Game Changer
Founded in 2016 by Cherie Hu, what started as a free newsletter has blossomed into a sprawling network. If you’ve ever felt lost in the maze of music tech, Water & Music provides a beacon—equipping its community with insights to survive and thrive in the digital universe. Cherie’s insight? “The music industry has suffered from information silos.” So, they’re breaking down the walls, one NFT at a time.
Building Real Communities, Not Just Soundwaves
A whole chunk of the summit emphasized community—a word thrown around like confetti in the music world. Sessions such as “Music Community Building and Decentralization” showcased a paradigm shift. Rather than panels blabbing at audiences, speakers facilitated discussions where everyone could chime in.
The Magic of IRL Connections
People are meeting online companions IRL (In Real Life) at events like these. While digital spaces may be great, nothing beats shaking hands and sharing a laugh in person. As Diana Gremore, Water & Music’s events director put it, “There’s a magic in IRL that just can’t be replaced.” Thus, Water & Music ensures attendees leave feeling like they belong—trust is built when avatars become face-to-face humans!
Web3 Tools: A Musician’s Secret Weapon
Conversations kept circling back to the potential of Web3 tools as mighty allies for musicians. Austin Robey, co-founder of Metalabel, described voting and governance in DAOs as digital echoes of what real communities have practiced all along. The modern twist? Empowering artists while ensuring their work reaches fans without the corporate red tape!
Tailored Approaches for Unique Communities
Melanie McClain, founder of Blurred Lines, reminded us that whether crypto-native or crypto-curious, communities require tailoring. A non-techy fan may not use terms like NFTs, but they can still engage meaningfully. It’s all about leading the conversation in a familiar dialect without forgetting the power of the blockchain lurking underneath.
Hope on the Horizon
As the day wrapped up, attendees left not just with new knowledge, but with a light of optimism shining through the chaos of the music industry’s evolution. It’s clear that factors like DAOs and NFTs can forge closer ties between artists and fans. Water & Music’s message resonates loud and clear: even when the industry seems doomed, there are visions of hope and community-built resilience.
“We’re fucked — but maybe we can do something about it.” — Diana Gremore
