TL;DR:
- Setmixer secures a $760,000 seed investment for its AI-assisted live music recording and mixing platform.
- The startup triumphed over 400 competitors at Raw Ventures’ Global MediaTech Pitch Day.
- Setmixer’s technology captures and enhances live performances in studio-quality, bridging the gap between live and recorded music.
- Live Nation’s statement underscores the significance of touring and live performances for artists’ income.
- Setmixer’s solution offers free hardware to partner venues, sharing 30% of the proceeds with them.
- The system integrates AI to facilitate the mixing process, resulting in ready-to-upload recordings for streaming platforms.
- Pascal de Mul, Setmixer’s founder, aims to expand the platform across the UK and beyond.
Main AI News:
In a resounding triumph among 400 startups hailing from 45 countries, Setmixer, a UK-based platform, has emerged victorious, securing a substantial $760,000 seed investment. The company’s groundbreaking approach empowers artists to capture and refine their live performances with the precision of a professional studio session.
This remarkable achievement follows Setmixer’s standout performance at Raw Ventures’ Global MediaTech Pitch Day last September, where they claimed a coveted €10,000 prize. Now, London-based venture capital firm Raw Ventures is further demonstrating its commitment by injecting over a quarter million dollars into Setmixer, a move that positions the startup to officially launch its revolutionary AI-assisted mixing tool.
Evolving Music Consumption Trends: Navigating the Changing Landscape
If you’re able to answer honestly when asked about the last time you acquired music in physical form or as a direct download, you belong to an increasingly rare breed. The music industry has witnessed profound transformations, largely propelled by the mp3 revolution, swiftly giving way to peer-to-peer file-sharing networks. These changes disrupted the age-old business model of the recording industry, leaving record companies teetering on the precipice of self-implosion. They only managed to survive through their reluctant embrace of streaming services, for better or worse. The days of spending weeks in a recording studio, releasing an album, embarking on a leisurely tour, and earning a living from it are but distant memories.
Live Nation, a prominent player in the industry, stated, “Artists make more money from touring than any other piece of their business, including recorded, streaming, and more.” Consequently, touring and live performances have become the lifeblood of today’s musicians. Building a dedicated community around their work has never been more critical. But how can an up-and-coming band from a place like Brighton gain a foothold in the industry while just starting out?
Setmixer’s Innovative Solution for Aspiring Musicians
This is where Setmixer steps in, offering a groundbreaking solution. Founded in late 2021 by Pascal de Mul, a veteran of the live music industry with a distinguished track record, including five years as Spotify’s global head of hardware partnerships, Setmixer has developed a revolutionary recording system. This system can anonymously capture and release live music performances at studio-level quality by connecting to the mixing desks of partner venues.
Setmixer provides its hardware to venues for free, operating on a revenue-sharing model that directs 30% of the proceeds back to the venue. Now deployed in partner venues across greater London, including iconic locations like the Half Moon Putney, where U2 made their UK debut in 1980, and the site of Kate Bush’s first-ever public performance, Setmixer’s recording device ensures that every note, every sound, is captured in stunning audio quality.
Seamless Integration of AI for an Enhanced Listening Experience
Setmixer goes a step further by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology to assist in the mixing process. By the time the final bow is taken and the last piece of merchandise is sold, the band of the night can have a recording ready for upload and consumption on platforms like Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and more.
A Glimpse into the Future of Live Music Recording
Reflecting on the significance of this investment round, Pascal de Mul shared his vision, saying, “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our remarkable team at Setmixer, and it’s also a nod to the extraordinary community of artists who have played their hearts out for their fans in 7.4 million live music performances worldwide. Our mission continues: to bring Setmixer’s live music recordings to every venue in the UK and beyond, empowering artists to share their performances effortlessly.”
As we marvel at the innovation and possibilities that Setmixer brings to the music industry, we can’t help but wonder what it would be like to revisit that 1980 recording of a young Bono distributing flyers post-show, enticing would-be fans to the next gig at the Hope and Anchor. The future of live music recording has arrived, and Setmixer is leading the way.
Conclusion:
Setmixer’s substantial investment and innovative approach herald a new era in live music recording. By merging AI technology with live performances, the startup addresses the evolving music industry landscape, emphasizing the importance of touring. This not only benefits musicians but also opens opportunities for partner venues. Setmixer’s vision to empower artists and share performances effortlessly suggests promising growth potential in the market for AI-driven music recording and distribution tools.
