ORIGIN STØRIES

Custom generation, co-creation tools, and live experiences for the music industry and beyond

This past week, we spent 72 hours showcasing how we plan to use generative AI to build custom generation tools, co-creation experiences, and real-world value across the entertainment industry. It was a big week for ORIGIN STØRIES, which included three real-world examples of how creative and tech can have a positive impact and also unlock new ways of thinking. Here's the  recap of our first three milestones 

We were invited by Amazon Web Services to present a demo during their event at the Venture Café in Rotterdam. In this educational setting, we also wanted to showcase how audiences could be engaged in new ways.

Everything started with a QR code. We created an AI-generated QR code with a prompt referencing a futuristic version of the Library of Alexandria. When attendees arrived for the event, they were asked to scan the code which took them to a simple typeform with two questions: 1) What was your childhood car/vehicle (color, type)? and 2) What is a memory in this car?

Over 20 people responded within the first 30 minutes of the event. Then the workshops and panels began, ranging on topics such as social impact with cloud technology, and how to build low-code applications using the AWS tech stack.

Image Screenshot-2023-12-04-at-20-42-38 hosted in ImgBB

Screenshot-2023-12-04-at-20-42-38 hosted at ImgBB

Right before the networking session began, I took the stage to give a short demo about how co-creation can be used to enhance storytelling and create engaging experiences. While people had been in the previous workshops, I was entering their answers into a pre-structured prompt that was related to a new song I'm working on called "Home." There was a large range of answers, all different, and after generating AI images, I turned them into a video and then edited together a loop to display during our acoustic performance.

Education and Workshops are something we are passionate about at ORIGIN STØRIES, for both technical and non-technical audiences. We will continue to give demos, especially in the educational and public sectors, to help people gather new ideas.

Milestone Two: The First Audience Response

We chose Helsinki as our test city for a few reasons. The Finnish capital is constantly ranked as one of the world's most innovative cities. Finnish people are open, warm, and up to trying new things. And Slush HQ, one of the world's largest startup events, happens there every year. We scouted a beautiful white-walled gallery, Forum Box, next to the Helsinki harbour and spent some months reaching out to find some of the best untapped talent in the city. Many people might not know all that goes into putting together an event, especially with live music, but here is a shortlist.

Non-Exhaustive Must-Do List for Putting on a Live Music Event:

During this event, we wanted to test the idea of audience co-creation. The way we accomplished this was as follows:

The version which we created features visual worlds 

for the four musicians who played on Friday with image generation done using Stable Diffusion.

The next components of this are a collection mint from the show. We are testing minting the visual presets and splitting this revenue also with the artist. At the next show, we will test splitting this with not only the artist but also the audience members who contribute.

One additional piece we are testing is the digital closet. As part of ORIGIN STØRIES, we want to create a fashion inspired digital closet featuring items from musicians around the world who participate in our live shows. This is also a great way to highlight local designers. In Helsinki, we collaborated with menswear designer Rolf Ekroth and will showcase the pieces that I wore on our digital board on 

. In the future, guests would be able to login with their ticket and browse the "Rockstar" closet, which will feature a collection of unique items worn by ØS performers.

As part of Backdrop, we built another demo tool, which is aimed at creating high-quality dance music visuals for DJs, producers, clubs, and venues. While the demo tool uses a custom Python script to help gamify the prompting process, the choices are intentionally combined to ensure a great result.

To test, we worked with a promoter in Stockholm for their Afro Rave party at the world-renowned Debaser club. The party had more than 300 guests, and because it was our first event, we wanted to make sure the visuals looked great on the big screen. To accomplish this, we received the input from the promoter via our feature form and turned these into images in Midjourney. We then used Stable Video Diffusion to generate video and then turned those into an upscaled reel using Capcut.

ORIGIN-ST-RIES-3 hosted at ImgBB

The results were awesome, and in our opinion, the visuals look amazing behind the DJ booth.

We are testing some ideas here around subscriptions and post-event collection. Some organizers are not interested in co-creation; however, they just want top-notch visuals.

Custom generation, co-creation, and co-ownership are at the forefront of our mission. We are starting with the music industry because of the sheer demand and need for dynamic visuals required by artists, promoters, and venues in all genres. But filmmaking and fashion are also areas where we are confident we can drive value. For us it's important to get these tools in the hands of creatives as soon as possible so they have a chance to help build the future.

Do you think that AI will kill creative industries or simply revolutionize them? Let us know your thoughts!

Want to learn more or interested in learning about our fundraising round? Feel free to send us a DM on 

How we're using creative AI to re-imagine the music industry

ORIGIN STØRIES PREMIERE WEEKEND: RECAP

Shame Soiree

For the collective writings of noise musician and futurist, Scarlet Death.

New music on sound.xyz from Scarlet Death titled, "Hot Keys" is an AI-generated track with frenetic keys and warped time signatures.

I've recently been dabbling in AI-generated music. Between Strange Sounds Vol. 1 that I released as a game audio asset on the 

 and my release "Thermodynamic Goddess" with 

 I've been leaning in on my tendency to embrace the weird. 

At the end of the world sits a piano. You're told that as long as you play, you can prolong the heat death of the universe. The only problem is that you've long...

Scarlet Death - Hot Keys

Ever since my violin broke, I've been considering getting back into more piano-based noise. This essentially is an extension of my dabbling with fugues from one of my last FL Studio tracks "XIX" where I took one major piano roll and merged it together three different ways attempting to invoke an auditory fugue state.

XIX by Scarlet Death

With "Hot Keys" I generated the first track using the prompt:

Then I plugged in the original file for the next one and made another one. The end result was three different piano rolls all based off each other. With a prompt written with 

The scenario in the description was written completely by me, but the image was generated in DALL-E. 

I had this experience once where someone explained to me how the world works. That you have to always keep producing something, continually generate heat. As it starts to become colder here in my neck of the woods, and popular technology-optimism philosophies like effective accelerationism take hold, I couldn't but think about this scenario where you're a Void Witch sitting at the end of time being told "the only way you can prevent the heat death of the universe is to just play the piano, it doesn't matter how good it is!"

There's this working theory I have that capitalism is actually AGI is actually just sapient electricity and that there's some kind of consciousness between all things that takes the path of least resistance and that those 'paths' are the language. That LLMs are kind of sigilized representations of this process of "electricity to intelligence" as sort of an egregore in some sense. So I want the listener to get the sense that you're hearing an AI desperately fighting to keep itself alive with infinite, frenetic variance.

Hot Keys

ZTalent Newsletter

Dive into ZTalent, your weekly dose of music and tech!

In our 12th edition, we're excited to bring you the latest from the intersection of music and tech. This month features Daniel Obuté's inspiring musical journey with his new single "Change," and a deep dive into Mastercard's Web3 program, reshaping the future of music. Discover how these stories embody the spirit of innovation in the music industry.

Here's What to Expect from Each Newsletter:

Rhythm & Tech Digest: A weekly roundup of how technology is reshaping the music landscape.

PlugIn Pulse: A weekly spotlight on a tool or plugin that can redefine your music creation process.

ZTalent Vibes: The latest updates, news, and opportunities within the ZTalent community

Rhythm & Tech Digest: Daniel Obuté's Latest Drop "Change"

Daniel Obuté, a talented 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Nigeria, has released his new single "Change" on SoundXYZ. This song marks a significant turn in Daniel's life, reflecting his optimism and hard work. Featuring the amazing artist JED XO, the track is a testament to Daniel's journey and his commitment to spreading love and positivity. Listen to "Change" and support Daniel's inspiring journey.

And guys I bring to you my new single “CHANGE” featuring an amazing artist @1jedxo 
(Out Thursday)🫂

we bout to make a change❤️🌹🥂 cheers to whoever wants to make a change to better the people around em, get ready cause we are ready!

Cover art by me🔥 https://t.co/03gWGuoMOj

PlugIn Pulse: Mastercard's Music Business-in-a-box: Empowering Artists in the Web3 Era

This week's spotlight, written by Charles Carr, another esteemed member of the Web 3 Academy Writers Guild, focuses on BeatKOR. Charles, a proficient copywriter in the Web3 and Telecom industries, shares his insights at salesboostingcopy.com.

From Garage Bands to NFTs: A New Beat for Artists!

Being a tech-savvy artist, you’ve heard about Web3, where the rules of the web are being rewritten.

Well, an unusually notable player has entered this space, threatening to turn the music industry on its head.

Mastercard has recently stepped up to the mic and said, we hear you, we see you, and we're here to help you showcase your talent in this brave new world.

They're not just giving you a fish or teaching you to fish; they're giving you the fishing rod, the boat, and the wisdom of anglers who have sailed these waters before you.

No matter what kind of music beats in your heart or where you're from, this program is your backstage pass to the digital economy's main stage. Think of it as your personal toolkit, brimming with everything you need to shine bright. You'll get hands-on access to the kind of resources that can catapult your music career into the stratosphere, including:

Educational workshops on Web3 topics such as NFTs, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies

One-on-one mentorship from industry experts:

Funding and support for Web3-based music projects

The program is also home to the Mastercard Music Pass NFT, a limited-edition NFT that provides holders with exclusive access to program benefits, such as:

If you are an up-and-coming artist and interested in exploring the potential of Web3 to take your career to new heights, then you must consider joining the Mastercard Artist Accelerator program.

It's where you can keep your finger on the pulse of what's fresh and what's buzzing in the art scene. So, if you're itching to ride the wave of the latest music trends and opportunities, this is your golden ticket.

A Nurturing Ecosystem for Artistic Growth

In addition to the above benefits, you also get to:

Again, if you are an emerging musician who is interested in learning more about Web3 and how it can be used to enhance your career, I encourage you to apply for the Mastercard Artist Accelerator program.

ZTalent Vibes: Celebrating Daniel Obuté - Our Community Member of the Month!

We are thrilled to announce Daniel Obuté as the ZTalent Community Member of the Month for November 2023! Daniel's journey and his latest single "Change" have inspired many within our community. His dedication to his craft and his role in uplifting others in the web3 space are truly commendable. Join us in celebrating Daniel's achievements and his contribution to the ZTalent community.

It's been a blast sharing the latest and greatest at the crossroads of music and tech with you. From Daniel Obuté's awesome journey and his hit "Change" to the cool new horizons opened up by Mastercard's Web3 program, it's clear that our music world is buzzing with innovation. We hope these stories have sparked some ideas and excitement in you, just as they have in us. Can't wait to catch up again in our next edition with more fresh beats and tech treats. Until then, keep playing, keep exploring, and keep rocking this digital universe!

This single changed the way I look at a lot of things, My journey has really been rough and not easy but the moment I wrote this single back in 2021 I decided t...

Daniel Obuté - CHANGE (ft JED XO)

Artist Spotlight: Voices Shaping the Future

ZTalent Newsletter #12

Dear, Creative Mini

"Dear, Creative Mini" distills the essence of its parent publication into quick, impactful reads, offering bite-sized insights and trends at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and blockchain.

: Creative Organization DAO is now accepted in Gitcoin Grants, a platform supporting blockchain projects. It's about community support and making a real impact.

: Every small contribution matters, thanks to "Quadratic Funding." Your support fuels creativity and innovation.

Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Discord. Your thoughts and participation make our Creative Community vibrant!

Unleashing Potential with Blockchain and Beyond

November Highlights 🦃

Welcome to the 11th edition of the ZTalent Newsletter, your go-to source for the latest beats in the intersection of music and technology. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital music, we're here to bring you the freshest insights, tools, and community updates. Get ready to dive into a world where rhythm meets innovation!

Rhythm & Tech Digest: BeaverJamClub interviews Rohan Da Great

This week, we're thrilled to feature an exclusive interview with the legendary reggae and hip-hop artist, Rohan Da Great, conducted by our collaborator, the Beaver Jam Club. Dive into the full-length discussion

, where Rohan shares his background, influences, and his journey into the world of web3. Discover the story behind their hit collab track, "Greatness Indeed," which soared to #54 on the iTunes Top 100 Reggae Charts on September 15th, 2023. The Beaver Jam Club, led by the talented producer and musician Brandon Schroeder, is not just at the forefront of musical innovation but also a valued collaborator of ZTalent. We are always excited to promote any artist that Brandon and his team are working with. Join us on this funk-forward journey and celebrate the synergy between ZTalent and the Beaver Jam Club!

We're overjoyed to welcome back Pam Lokker for her third appearance in our newsletter. A distinguished member of the Web 3 Academy Writers Guild, Pam is celebrated for her extensive knowledge in SEO, IT, web3, and AI. Her return is a testament to the invaluable insights she brings to our community. In this edition, Pam delves into the groundbreaking Sonorus TrendFi, a music creation tool set to revolutionize the industry. We want to give a special shoutout to Pam for her continued collaboration and expertise, consistently enlightening our readers with her profound understanding of the intersection between music and technology. Discover more of Pam's impactful work at

Sonorus TrendFi - A Transformative Wave for Musicians on the Blockchain

Unleashing New Opportunities in the Digital Music Landscape

The music landscape is no exception in a world where technology is constantly reshaping industries. Blockchain has opened up a new frontier for independent artists and musicians - a transformative wave known as Sonorus TrendFi. This innovative platform promises to revolutionize how musicians interact with technology, offering various benefits. This article will delve into the ins and outs of Sonorus TrendFi and implications for the music industry.

Sonorus is a decentralized music voting platform with a goal to democratize music discovery and enjoyment. Sonorus is gaining popularity rapidly as a platform bent on uniting fans and artists, beginning with creating a transparent and fair music chart.

 gives us a clearer picture of Sonorus TrendFi by saying:

“With over 200,000 global users, Sonorus is changing the game for music appreciation and valuation. Industry giants such as Haskey, Mask, and Y2Z - among others - have invested $2 million in this project during its seed round, fueling the platform’s growth. Today, we'll dive deeper into TrendFi, Sonorus' innovative system that empowers fans to shape the music landscape.”

First of all, TrendFi is an innovative tool that allows fans to actively explore and share new music. TrendFi is responsible for turning Sonorus' vision into reality by reflecting the community's collective voice with music charts. Fans participate by voting for their favorite tracks.

How Sonorus TrendFi harnesses the blockchain. 

Benefits to Independent artists and musicians

Artists and musicians enjoy several benefits from the implementation of Sonorus TrendFi. 

As we step into a new era of music, shaped by innovative platforms like Sonorus TrendFi, independent artists and musicians have a lot to gain. By harnessing the power of blockchain, Sonorus TrendFi is paving the way for a more equitable, transparent, and profitable music industry. As technology continues to evolve, musicians who embrace these new tools will be the ones setting the tone for the future of music. So, let's tune in to the rhythm of this digital revolution and see where it takes us!

ZTalent Vibes "Why Blockchain Matters 4 Musicians" Event Recap

Our recent event was a phenomenal success, with over 140 members joining our Twitter space for an engaging 3-hour session. Despite a minor hiccup where we had to create a new space, the energy and enthusiasm were unparalleled. Catch up on the discussions with these links:

And don't forget to look out for our upcoming YouTube video featuring highlights from the entire event!

We're grateful for your continued support and interest in the ZTalent community. It's your curiosity and passion that drive the heartbeat of this newsletter. Stay inspired, keep pushing boundaries, and remember, the best tunes are yet to come. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Tuning Into the Future: Innovation, Community, and the Beat of Progress

ZTalent Newsletter Edition #11

 of the ZTalent newsletter! As we hit this milestone, we’re filled with immense gratitude for the journey so far. This edition is a tribute to every one of you who's been part of our vibrant community.

Here's What to Expect from Each Newsletter

Rhythm & Tech Digest: What’s new in Music and Tech!

, from the Web 3 Academy Writers Guild, sharing her insights in this edition. Pam is renowned for her expertise in SEO, IT, web3, and AI, and her work can be explored at

Rochester music engineer weighs in on the impact of AI on the industry (

 "Rochester-based music engineer Sergio Cruel provides insights on the transformative role of AI in the music industry. AI is revolutionizing music creation, production, and consumption. Technologies such as autotune, a prominent AI tool, are not only refining voice manipulation but also enabling the emulation of famous artists' voices. This shift is sparking debates about the future of the industry, particularly concerning artistic authenticity and the possible overshadowing of traditional skills." (ChatGPT)

Algorand Foundation Revolutionizes the Music Industry With Web3 (

A revolution is happening in Blockchain in the music industry. Leading the charge is

Blockchain is able to bring much more to musicians besides democracy and transparency to music-related payments and royalties. We’re all aware of the other challenges the music industry faces with copyrights, music ownership, and subscription-based services.

Let’s see five ways Algorand is helping transform the industry.

Blockchain is the key for music fans to truly own the music they love listening to and even invest in it as an alternative asset class in a way that was never before possible. In addition, waves of artists are exploring new Web3 opportunities to copyright and monetize their work, increase engagement with their fans, and explore the new ways in which they can build and engage with online communities.

Revolutionizing the Music Industry: TikTok’s version of “hits” (

TikTok has revolutionized the music industry, becoming a dominant force in shaping music trends and consumption. Its impact on Gen-Z's behavior and entertainment preferences is significant, with artists and content creators adapting to the tastes of the "TikTok Generation." The platform's algorithm and trend-setting filters influence music creation, with choruses and marketing strategies now tailored to fit TikTok's unique environment. This shift prioritizes influencer-driven promotion over traditional PR and interviews​​.

TikTok's role as a music discovery hub is underscored by a study showing that 80% of surveyed users prefer TikTok for finding new music, with over half of these discoveries happening organically through the "For You" feed. This evidences TikTok's ability to effortlessly connect users with new music. Additionally, the platform's influence extends beyond itself, impacting SEO and SEM strategies on other platforms like Spotify. TikTok has also been instrumental in reviving old tunes and launching new careers, with viral trends playing a key role. However, not all artists are enthusiastic about this trend, as some express concerns over the platform's heavy influence on music release strategies​

PlugIn Pulse: BeatKOR - The New Frontier for Independent Artists in the AI Era

This week's spotlight, written by Charles Carr, another esteemed member of the Web 3 Academy Writers Guild, focuses on BeatKOR. Charles, a proficient copywriter in the Web3 and Telecom industries, shares his insights at

You've been there, in the dead of night, headphones on, the rest of the world fading away as you get lost in the music.

Your heart beats in rhythm with the melody, and for a moment, you're not just creating music—you're creating magic.

It's a piece of your soul set to a tune, a raw expression of who you are.

BeatKOR understands that intimate connection between you and your creation.

That's why they've tailored an ecosystem that respects and amplifies your musical vision.

Their platform is designed to be a conduit between your inner world and listeners who crave authenticity; it’s the new rising star promising to revolutionize how independent artists create, share, and monetize their music.

, is not just a tool but a harbinger of a new era where artificial intelligence becomes a collaborator in the creative process.

At the heart of BeatKOR is the ability to create personalized remixes.

The AI sound model specializes in seven styles of house music, distilled from the works of six leading Beatport artists.

This isn't just about applying filters or effects; it's about the AI understanding the nuances of each style and assisting artists in crafting something unique.

For independent artists, this means having a virtual studio partner that speaks the language of house music fluently, enabling them to experiment and innovate without the constraints of traditional production.

Navigating music rights is like sailing open waters. The industry is vast, the rules sometimes complex. But it need not be daunting.

BeatKOR streamlines this voyage. It employs blockchain, a smart method that locks in commercial rights for musicians and their remixes. The goal is simplicity, making it easy to navigate.

Artists can now live off their work, retain ownership, and even make a profit. And that’s a good thing. They deserve it.

With blockchain, everything is transparent and secure.

Music is something we share together. BeatKOR gets that.

It gives us a place to come together, where you can vote on songs, swap tunes, mix them up, or just pass them around.

It's about artists and listeners, all mixed up in one spot, talking, creating. It's a busy world where a word, a note, changes a song, and where working together is the way we make something new, something great.

BeatKOR's got this thing they call "Artist DNA."

It's about artists letting fans in on their secrets, the actual nuts and bolts of their songs.

They share their stem files—think of it as the ingredients of their music.

This way, fans get to see how the whole thing comes together, like they're right there in the studio.

For the folks making music independently, it's a chance to open up their workshop, show how they work, and get close to their listeners.

When you're an indie artist, dealing with the legal side of using samples can be a real headache.

BeatKOR makes sure everything is on the level. Every track is licensed, clean, and clear.

It shows respect to the artists and acknowledges the original tunes. It's how AI music should be done. Always above board. Always respecting the craft.

BeatKOR isn't just a platform. It's how we see tomorrow. It's where tech lifts music up to places it's never been. For the solo artists out there, it's a world ripe with chance. It's about making your sound and making it on your own.

It's what's happening right now. It's where we're all heading — together.

ZTalent Vibes: The Final Countdown to 'Why Blockchain Matters for Musicians' Event

Our journey to the highly anticipated event on November 18th is almost complete! This event, in collaboration with amazing communities including ZTalent, Ohnahji University, NPC Labs, UnderGround Violet Rave, W3A Writers Guild, Music Tech Connect, Love Story Unicorns, Community of Communities +, Bark Entertainment and BeaverJam Club promises to be a landmark discussion on the intersection of blockchain and music.

Set your reminder now and join us in exploring how blockchain technology empowers musicians with transparent royalties, direct revenue streams, and new opportunities in the digital collectibles market. 

As we celebrate this 10th edition, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each one of you. Your passion, creativity, and support have been instrumental in shaping ZTalent into what it is today. Here's to many more editions filled with innovation, inspiration, and music!

https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1BRKjPNBVYdJw?s=20

The Beat of Progress: Navigating the New Era of Music and Tech

ZTalent Newsletter Edition #10

Welcome to the 9th official edition of the ZTalent newsletter! Today, we're hitting a high note with a fusion of blockchain buzz and AI-powered creativity that's set to redefine the music industry.

 Rhythm & Tech Digest: Why Blockchain Matters for Musicians Event 

Mark your calendars for November 18th, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST! We’re hosting a can’t-miss event on Twitter Spaces in collaboration with a chorus of industry leaders, including ZTalent, Ohnahji University, NPC Labs, UnderGround Violet Rave, W3A Writers Guild, Music Tech Connect, Love Story Unicorns, Community of Communities +, Bark Entertainment, BeaverJam Club. Dive into how blockchain is offering musicians:

And more topics that will resonate with artists, producers, and music entrepreneurs alike. Don't miss the chance to amplify your knowledge and network!

We're thrilled to feature an exclusive piece by Isaac Bell, a technical consultant and content writer from the metropolis of NYC. His company, Soapstone Services, is known for cutting-edge commentary on the latest tech developments. Isaac writes with a passion for emerging technologies and the vibrant minds behind them—expect to be enlightened and inspired.

Introducing Boomy - an AI-powered platform that gives you the power to create original music from scratch, based on mood and genre selection. You can create, release, and monetize completely original music in minutes. 

Boomy is useful for musicians at any level. Master musicians can use it for inspiration, or as a starting point for their own tracks. Need a backing track to kick off your music session? Easy. Are you a singer in need of new top lines? Boomy has you covered. 

Beginners can jump in and start making music instantly. Once you generate a song, you can start refining it and adding vocals. Every part of a song can be customized: drums, sound mix, instrument choice, vocal style and more.

When you're happy with your song, you can save it for later or release it to music stores. All music made on the platform can be monetized for royalties. 

This is where the real magic happens,  so make sure to get some quality time in this part of the app.

Make sure to check out Boomy's FAQ where you can get more info on Boomy's monetization process.

 and vibe with creators who are shaping the future of music and tech. Share your tracks, gain feedback, and collaborate on the next big hit!

That's all for this edition! Stay tuned for more insights, opportunities, and breakthroughs as we continue to explore, innovate, and rock the new world of music together.

P.S. Your feedback is our melody! Let us know what resonated with you in this newsletter and what you'd like to see in the next. Your voice matters!

S/O Issac for being a guest writer and CandyToyBox for the visuals!

Tuning into the Future: Blockchain & AI Take the Stage

ZTalent Newsletter Edition #9

World of Wildenfree 🐺🍵🗞️

Lucid ideas at the intersection of culture & the cutting edge — from the mind of Mr. Wildenfree®

 now being augmented by AI, along with AI 

 steadily cementing its place, it is the aspect of 

 that will define "Art" & the "Art of Curation" in this next era.

— and vice versa. There are meaningful distinctions though for sure. 

 relies on our capacity to curate and convey the essence of our meaningful experiences (or of our direct intent), in a manner that can be understood by others, expressed through a medium of our choice. To create is to determine 

 is to put oneself in the seat of one or many creators; of self or other. To shape the journey that others embark on to fully immerse themselves in their creations. To curate is to determine 

 you want people to perceive what you've chosen to present them.

Throughout my life I've done an extensive amount of music curation. Making playlists of my favorite songs for various moods, occasions, themes, expressions & ideas. Some of my earlier playlists have unfortunately been decimated in the wake of Google Play Music being deprecated some odd years ago. Today, however, I count over 135+ curated playlists on my Apple Music, Spotify & Youtube.

Some of these playlists, current & lost to time, have moved me through my most profound life experiences. I made it a point to let the titles tell of such stories, prefacing the mood or expressions therein:

Alongside many others, as hinted by the visual here.

Notice how the titles of each of these playlists help you to orient yourself accordingly for each experience. I find it important that the title provides enough context to make what you hear when going through the playlist more relevant than not. Sure, I have some seasonal or in-the-moment playlists that are just mashups across the spectrum of musical experiences. By & large though, I tend to be very thematic in my approach. I do this because it feels right. So too, for my listener's sake.

So many of my playlists had also been intentionally 

 for a sonic journey indicative of my perspective & current tastes — I've not been one to rely on the shuffle feature that much.

Curation is one thing, but to be a curator is yet another depth to that experience. What I have begun to realize as I started taking my curation more seriously is this...

 is to provide an answer for those that didn’t yet have the inquiry. 

When thinking about curating, I ask myself these kinds of questions:

To some this might be overdoing it. To me, this was a natural manifestation over time of my personal "

". The intentionality that developed by innate fascination with the experience of it all.

Indeed, there is intention behind the ordering of the tracks that can supersede melodic indicators. I find myself creating this metaphoric, scenic path through a feeling, emotion or expression, that is shaped by the music heard as you journey toward its end. It is this level of nuance and quilted detail that I find worth something deeper to the experience of music & music discovery.

AI won't take long. It's already good. Great even. Yet, human curation becomes precious when it is tied to, and appreciated for its connection to, the person who arranged it. Even if AI can one day craft a musical playlist so vivid & cinematic in its storytelling that it makes these works of mine 

 redundant or outdated... the one thing it would never be able to take from the experience is the human component. The perfectly imperfect curation that speaks to my perspective & emotional climate in the times they were crafted.

A Vision for a Gallery Where Playlists Reside

I still contemplate how I might present these playlists in a way that would give them the right attention & experience. It's certainly been proven that the environment in which art is placed, matters. It is why we have galleries, and visually curated digital spaces with UX/UI refined to accentuate art in a specific context. That is itself an aspect of the art of curation.