A blueprint for the future of music
Simon Webbe's project connects artists and fans using the blockchain
Webbe is branching out with his own project that has a number of goals, including a fairer share of revenues for musicians rather than the record companies. The power of blockchain allows for a more direct relationship between parties – in this case the artist and the fan. While cryptocurrency can be a direct way to rewards fans for their loyalty, giving them tokens and unique perks.
The Blueprint token, powered by QELT, which describes itself as “a global leader in digital asset innovation”, plays a central role in this project. QELT has also been involved in a similar project in the fashion industry with the label Rules of Faith and will be using this expertise on Blueprint, merging the worlds of fashion and music.
“The whole idea was to bring fashion and blockchain and music, together like no other token has ever done before,” Webbe told The Crypto Radio during a recent interview.
He elaborated on the concept, stating that it aims to provide fans with access they’ve never had before, along with experiences such as a voting system on the app and the opportunity to release new music for independent artists. Blueprint will also feature a subscription model for a community of about 10,000 fans.
Webbe and his co-collaborator and fellow musician Mason Bay describe Blueprint as “a new frequency of music”, hoping to invigorate a traditional music industry that has been suffering since the dawn of livestreaming.
“The deals aren't really in favor of the artists anymore. But we're looking to change that on our platform. And the music is bringing together the musicians and the fans,” said Bay.
The technology
Phil Ryan, the co-founder of QELT, told The Crypto Radio how the company is developing its own blockchain, known as quantum and ledger technology, which will be harnessed by Blueprint.
“The biggest problem with the crypto industry is having a real- world usage or real business behind it. Well, we've got that covered with the subscription model of Blueprint, the music app. With that in mind, we've got utility for the Blueprint token.”
This could be in the form of exclusive content for token holders, special merchandise, and "shout-outs" from their favourite artists directly. The app will split profits 50/50 with the artist.
“There are so many independent artists that are not signed to a deal, and they have fans, and they have great music, but they don't have a platform where they can come and make a consistent living. Now you're talking about artists that easily have 100k, 500k followers, and those fans will easily come to a platform that supports them,” added Bay.
He is very outspoken when it comes to the crypto space and how it has become “the wild west” with people treating digital currencies like “gambling at the casino”.
“The only way that we can put crypto where it needs to be is by pushing real projects with real world value and real usage to the forefront. That is what we're doing when we infuse the Blueprint token with the Blueprint music platform.”
Super fans
Record labels were traditionally built on the back of the “super fan” – a person who buys the record, the merchandise, the concert tickets, and everything else they're offered.
In the modern world of blockchain, these super fans will own tokens and have the power to vote on an array of creative decisions affecting the artist, such as wardrobe choices for videos, video directors, and song releases.
“The actual record labels can use an app like this with any new artists they've got coming through for research and development, to understand what the consumers are actually saying,” added Webbe.
What’s remarkable is Webbe’s honesty about his limited knowledge in the crypto space, yet he remains committed to helping aspiring musicians build sustainable careers.
“The whole Blueprint aspect for us is transparency. And I myself don't know how to open a (crypto) wallet, but it's all about educating yourself. And as we go along, in the transparency that we give to the fans, these are things that we can engage with them,” he said.
Blueprint is set to officially launch in summer 2025, with plans to secure major endorsements and sign up big-name artists and smaller independent musicians. The target for the second year is to attract one million users, aiming for ten million by year three. And “that's when we get into, like, that big-boy territory,” said Bay.
Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in our Crypto Culture podcast.
