Interview by Lulaine Compere
Groovebug is a tech company focused on evolving how music is consumed by combining all the features of the musical experience on mobile devices, which meld the power of apps, social media, and box sets. Through their Blue Note App, Groovebug is providing the Jazz music label the ability to add content based on concerts, new music, and fan communication—all through the use of analytics that help market its catalog. The app is available on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch at the moment, and we managed to speak with CEO and Co-Founder of Groovebug, Jeremiah Seraphine, about how the Blue Note app came about.
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Evolve: How did the idea for the Blue Note app come about?
JS: As we moved from physical albums to digital, we went from an immersive experience to something that resembles a spreadsheet. We started our company with the intent to fix this problem—to reinvent the album experience for the 21st Century. We wanted to recreate the feeling of looking at album covers and liner notes, but also utilize all the amazing technology available today. After launching our first app, Groovebug for the iPad, we learned quite a bit about what users want. Around that time we were also offered an opportunity to work with EMI. We chose to work with the Blue Note Records catalog before any other labels because it is a foundational catalog. It influenced most modern music in some way. It is an incredibly important body of work. Also, the Blue Note aesthetic is iconic, both the graphic design of Reid Miles and the photography of Francis Wolff.
Who developed the app?
JS: Our in-house development team.
When was it developed? /strong>
JS: We began building our platform in 2011. We started the Blue Note project in the beginning of 2012. We are still working on it. We are always working to improve our platform by adding new features, new content, and expanding to other platforms.
So how does it differ from other music apps like Spotify or Pandora?
JS: With each new product we are aiming for depth rather than breadth. We aren’t trying to give you access to the entire world’s music like Spotify and Pandora. Instead, we want to give users a deep immersive experience around a curated catalog, while fostering a community of like-minded fans.
There are plenty of legendary jazz labels to work with. Why Blue Note specifically?
JS: Truthfully, this was due to opportunity. We didn’t set out to build a jazz app; we wanted to build a platform for creating immersive experiences around music on tablets and smartphones. When the opportunity presented itself to work with Blue Note, it seemed like the perfect fit.
What has been the response from artists on the label?
JS: So far, so good. Jose James, one of Blue Note’s new artists, just put together a great-handpicked playlist of Blue Note classics for our featured section. It went live the same day we launched the app. It really is quite good. I’ve been listening to it over and over again.
Do you think this will be extended to other jazz labels?
JS: Stay tuned. I can tell you that the product in the works right now is not a jazz label.
Through the app, have you seen a renewed interest in Jazz from listeners?
JS: I can tell you we’ve seen discussions in the app, and emailed feedback that would support this. It is interesting to hear from younger fans who have found Jazz through Hip-Hop or House music, and are excited to have a way to learn more about the music without feeling intimidated. Also, we’ve heard from fans that have a ton of Blue Note on vinyl who appreciate the portability of the app. They can now take the collection with them wherever they go.
What is the next step for the app?
JS:We are planning to improve the song discussion feature and give users more opportunities to interact with other users. We also have plans to add more content. There are also some surprises coming that I don’t want to spoil.
Any last words you care to share about the Blue Note app?
JS:We love to hear from users, so we ask that your readers subscribe, use the app, and give us useful feedback on how we can make the experience even better.
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