Front Row Fantasy
Gamifying music discovery / fantasy football for up and coming musicians.
Introduction
Discover new artists, connect with friends, and compete to see who has the best taste in music. Fans can "sign" artists to a virtual label and win points when their artists grow in popularity and then use those points to redeem merchandise or tickets.
Problem
There a two-sided problem in the music industry: fans find it harder to discover new artists in streaming world dominated by algorithms, and artists are fighting for real engagement on social media. While streaming has made it easier for more artists to make music, there's been a consolidation at the top. Twenty years ago, 30 new artists each cracked the top 10; this year, that number is down to 13.
Opportunity
A platform where fans create their own virtual labels, selecting from artists who are coming to play in their city at mid-size (2,000 people) venues and below. Fans compete in leagues against their friends, winning points when their artists do well on streaming platforms, social media, and in person. Fans are encouraged to attend local concerts to see their artists perform, generating valuable interactions for artists, managers, and record labels.