SoundRig: Innovative Music Experience Platform - Empowering Global Music and Disadvantaged Communities

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sunny Basra

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

sunny@soundrig.io

Additional applicants

Quintin Bray-Stone

Simon Davey

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

490000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

Nhan Tran (Vietnam) - Specialist developer building V2 of the SoundRig MFT multimedia "Playr" (our proprietary technology

SENS (Vietnam) - Blockchain development company bringing the Soundrig ecosystem to fruition.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

The core output element of the SoundRig Multimedia "Playr", specifically the encryption tool used to ensure the security and functionality of the SoundRig platform, will not be open source. This is necessary to protect intellectual property and maintain the integrity of our technology.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[METADATA] SDG rating

Through our Project: SIMBA initiative, we endeavor to create a lasting impact in alignment with at least the following SDGs:

8 - Decent work and economic growth: SoundRig is focused on creating real opportunities for creatives to participate in the digital economy and develop their careers in media production, especially in developing countries and areas of economic poverty.

9 - Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: Our collaborative approach will enable us to work with local people, governments, and enterprises to create the facilities required to sustain positive development. We are also building innovative technologies and seeking to positively disrupt the music industry to strive for a more equitable world for all.

10 - Reduced inequalities: By primarily focusing on developing countries and areas of economic poverty, we seek to elevate creative talent that would normally be ignored and/or rejected by the mainstream media industry due to a lack of equipment, connections, and opportunities. We're leveraging the power of the Cardano blockchain and community in this pursuit because we have the means, attitude, and intention to make real change.

17 - Partnerships for the goals: Project: SIMBA is by definition an initiative that builds partnerships to make a positive impact. It's intrinsic to our philosophy, and it's part of our 'DNA'. We intend to pioneer groundbreaking projects by leveraging IRL partnerships and infusing Cardano to ensure transparency, trust (using a trustless system), and fair revenue distribution.

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

First and foremost, SoundRig is a for-profit social enterprise. This means that our core purpose is to elevate the prosperity and well-being of music talent from developing and socially disadvantaged nations and districts. These are people that normally would not have access to the facilities to enable their talents and passions to thrive, let alone access to the Cardano blockchain and all the rich benefits that we are privileged to have, such as the unique technology and our community.

To enable this, the project seeks to create a music Dapp that leverages the Cardano blockchain to establish transparent and efficient mechanisms for onboarding, marketing, and compensating artists. The app will allow users to discover, download, and enjoy a vast library of music of various genres and exclusive content while ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their creative works.

The first encrypted NFT multimedia player on Cardano will also be getting an upgrade to enable multi-chain playback of multimedia NFTs. This means that holders of Metamask wallets will be able to connect to the SoundRig player for free and allow them to experience what we are offering on Cardano, and discover the artists we're supporting from around the world.

The goal for our project is to improve upon the existing SoundRig platform by offering a secure marketplace that is easy to use for people both familiar and unfamiliar with blockchain tech, where music can be bought and sold in a manner that ensures the security of contents.

This will be achieved by improving upon our existing proprietary technology to encrypt and decrypt NFTs. This allows us to protect the content on our platform much more successfully than any other Web3 project currently on the market.

Expanding our platform into a mobile Dapp will allow much greater adoption of music on Cardano as the music will then be much more portable. This is especially significant for places where relatively cheap mobile devices are more accessible than personal computers, such as developing nations.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution addresses the challenge of limited access and opportunities for underserved music artists by leveraging blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem. The benefits of our solution to the Cardano ecosystem are manifold. First, it showcases the real-world application of Cardano's blockchain technology, demonstrating its ability to empower individuals and communities in underserved areas. By providing a platform that ensures fair compensation, transparent transactions, and global visibility for artists, we highlight the transformative potential of blockchain for creative industries.

In terms of impact, we anticipate significant growth in user adoption and usage of the Cardano ecosystem through SoundRig. Within a reasonable timeframe, we aim to onboard a substantial number of artists from underserved communities around the world, resulting in increased transactions, content creation, and engagement within the SoundRig platform. This growth will not only bring economic opportunities to artists but also strengthen the Cardano ecosystem by demonstrating its scalability, security, and ability to support real-world use cases.

This project is important to Cardano because it embodies the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and social transformation. By showcasing Cardano's capabilities as a force for positive change, we demonstrate its potential to unlock opportunities and uplift marginalized communities.

Overall, our project's impact brings tangible value by showcasing the potential of blockchain for social impact, attracting new users to the ecosystem, and contributing to its growth and sustainability.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Through our partnerships with Sustainable ADA and Colour the Blockchain, we will obtain valuable data and support to strengthen our impact and contribute to the growth of Cardano. We will measure our project's success through key metrics including adoption and engagement, economic impact, community building, and user feedback. By tracking these metrics, we will demonstrate the tangible benefits our project brings to the Cardano ecosystem.

Our project's success will be evident in the growth of artists and users actively participating in SoundRig, the economic opportunities generated for artists through music sales, and the sense of community and collaboration fostered among users. Through user feedback, we will continuously improve our platform to ensure satisfaction and meet the needs of our users.

In the short term, our project will attract a diverse community to Cardano, showcasing the power of blockchain technology for social impact. In the long term, the innovation brought by SoundRig will enhance Cardano's productivity, fostering creativity, and innovation within the ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Firstly, we will leverage our partnerships with Sustainable ADA and Colour the Blockchain to amplify our reach and disseminate the outputs and results. Through collaborative efforts, we will organize webinars, workshops, and events where we can present our findings, share insights, and engage with stakeholders interested in the intersection of music, blockchain, and social impact.

Then, we will utilize various communication channels such as social media, our project website, and community forums to share regular updates, success stories, and key milestones achieved. This will help us reach a wide audience within the Cardano community and beyond, creating awareness and showcasing the positive outcomes of our project.

Furthermore, by analyzing user feedback, engagement data, and economic impact, we will identify areas for enhancement and refine our platform to better serve the needs of the community.

Lastly, we will explore opportunities for research collaborations and partnerships with academic institutions or industry experts to further explore the potential of blockchain technology in the music industry and its impact on communities.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

First and foremost, our team has a deep understanding of blockchain technology and its applications. We have successfully implemented, managed, and grown this project since last year. By leveraging the blockchain in the music industry and creating unique music experiences that have generated revenue, we have demonstrated our expertise and technical proficiency. Our knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem and its unique features positions us as ideal candidates to deliver the next phase of this project.

With respect to project management and accountability, we have established robust processes and controls to ensure the proper management of funds. We maintain transparent financial systems and adhere to best practices in financial management. Additionally, our partnerships with reputable organizations such as NFTRescue Foundation, Sustainable ADA, and Colour the Blockchain provide an additional layer of accountability and oversight.

To further enhance trust and accountability, we will implement clear reporting mechanisms to keep the community and stakeholders informed about project progress, milestones achieved, and fund allocation. We will provide regular updates on our website and through social media channels, ensuring transparency and open communication.

By fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach, we aim to build trust and ensure that our project aligns with the needs and expectations of the community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of SoundRig are as follows:

1. Establish and operate as a leading blockchain-based music platform, empowering artists to produce, distribute, and monetize their music.
2. Foster creativity, artistic expression, and skill development among musicians by providing them with user-friendly tools and resources.
3. Promote cultural diversity and preserve traditional music by offering a platform for artists to showcase their unique styles and genres.
4. Drive economic empowerment for musicians by enabling them to earn income through the sale and streaming of their music.
5. Demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology, specifically Cardano, in revolutionizing the music industry and creating a fair and transparent ecosystem for artists.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, SoundRig will implement a rigorous validation process:

1. Conduct thorough market research to assess the demand for a blockchain-based music platform and identify key pain points and opportunities within the music industry.
2. Engage in extensive consultations with artists, industry experts, and potential users to gather insights, assess needs, and ensure our platform addresses their requirements.
3. Develop and launch a pilot version of the platform, closely monitoring user engagement, feedback, and adoption rates to validate its functionality, usability, and value proposition.
4. Establish strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, including record labels, music distributors, and streaming platforms, to ensure seamless integration and access to a wide user base.
5. Regularly evaluate and measure the impact of SoundRig through key performance indicators such as user growth, music streaming volumes, artist earnings, and user satisfaction surveys.
6. Leverage the expertise and resources of partners like Sustainable ADA and Colour the Blockchain to support data collection, analysis, and validation of the project's impact.

SoundRig's implementation will leverage blockchain technology to enable secure and transparent transactions, smart contracts for automated revenue distribution, and decentralized storage for music assets. Our platform will provide artists with intuitive tools for music production, promotion, and monetization, ensuring a seamless experience for both creators and listeners.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

NOTE: We have 'blacked-out' sensitive information regarding the development. We trust you can understand the need for this to protect our IP. A timeline regarding the milestones is available to see.

The project will be managed using agile project management principles, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development. Regular meetings, progress updates, and performance tracking will ensure timely delivery of milestones. Project team members will have clear roles and responsibilities, and communication channels will be established to facilitate effective coordination. Project risks and challenges will be proactively identified and mitigated throughout the implementation process.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Platform Development and Launch

• Deliverables: Fully functional SoundRig platform with user interface, backend infrastructure, smart contract implementation, music upload feature, streaming capabilities, artist profiles, and basic monetization options.
• Outputs: Developed codebase, user interface designs, database structure, deployed smart contracts, and API documentation.
• Intended Outcomes: A functional platform that allows artists to upload and monetize their music, and users to discover and enjoy music.
• Measurement: Progress will be tracked based on the completion of key development milestones, successful deployment of the platform, and user feedback on usability and functionality.

Milestone 2: Artist Onboarding and User Acquisition

• Deliverables: Onboarded artists with completed profiles, curated catalog of diverse music content, implemented marketing strategies, social media presence, and partnerships with music influencers.
• Outputs: Artists' profiles, promotional campaigns, social media posts, and partnership agreements.
• Intended Outcomes: Increased artist participation, growing user base, and a diverse collection of music content.
• Measurement: Number of artists onboarded, user growth rate, engagement metrics (e.g., number of streams, user interactions), feedback from artists and users.

Milestone 3: Monetization and Revenue Distribution

• Deliverables: Integrated payment gateways, revenue distribution system based on smart contracts, mechanisms for music sales, and streaming royalties.
• Outputs: Payment integration, revenue distribution algorithm, sales, and royalty tracking mechanisms.
• Intended Outcomes: Artists earn revenue from their music, fair and transparent payment distribution, and multiple monetization channels.
• Measurement: Number of transactions, revenue generated, artists' earnings, accuracy of revenue distribution.

Milestone 4: Community Building and Engagement

• Deliverables: Active and engaged user community, social features on the platform, organized virtual events, competitions, and collaboration opportunities.
• Outputs: Community management guidelines, virtual event plans, collaboration framework, and user forums.
• Intended Outcomes: Vibrant community interactions, increased user engagement, positive user feedback, and collaboration among artists.
• Measurement: User participation in events and competitions, forum activity, user feedback surveys, and collaboration success stories.

Milestone 5: Strategic Partnerships and Expansion

• Deliverables: Formed partnerships with record labels, distributors, and streaming platforms, integration with external platforms, and expanded reach and visibility for SoundRig artists.
• Outputs: Partnership agreements, integration documentation, expanded platform features.
• Intended Outcomes: Access to wider distribution networks, increased exposure for SoundRig artists, potential growth in user base and revenue streams.
• Measurement: Number of partnerships established, integration success, user acquisition from partner platforms, revenue generated from partner collaborations.

The progress of the project will be measured based on the completion of the deliverables outlined for each milestone, the functionality and performance of the platform, the growth of the artist and user base, revenue generation, user engagement metrics, and feedback from artists and users. Regular evaluation and monitoring of these metrics will help track the project's progress and identify areas for improvement.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Please find below a link to the complete "Works Order" document sent by our developers that outlines a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

We have been fortunate enough to secure some funding privately (over half of what's required), but nowhere near what's needed. This is why we are asking for the remaining amount which is much less than the total sum quoted by the developers.

NOTE: We have 'blacked-out' sensitive and detailed information regarding the development. We trust you can understand the need for this to protect our IP. However, all information regarding the budget spend (including the full quotation is available to see).

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gBF0xVJIJq2vAnIy11OAI93tJE8hxH-e/view?usp=sharing

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

There are several ways the cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.

First, the cost is justified by the significant positive impact that SoundRig can have on artists, users, and the broader music industry. By providing a decentralized platform for music distribution and monetization, SoundRig empowers artists to earn fair revenue from their work and enables users to discover diverse and high-quality music. This aligns with Cardano's vision of creating a more inclusive and transparent ecosystem for all participants.

Additionally, the costs have been carefully considered and determined based on various factors. We have conducted market research to understand the typical costs associated with similar projects and ensured that our budget is proportional to the average industry rates and wages. This approach ensures that the costs are reasonable and aligned with industry standards, providing value for money in terms of the quality and functionality of the platform.

Furthermore, the strategic partnerships with Mike Lerman's ADMN platform, Sustainable ADA, and Colour the Blockchain contribute to the value-for-money proposition. These partnerships provide additional resources, expertise, and support, enhancing the project's capabilities and potential for success. Leveraging these partnerships enables us to maximize the impact of the project while optimizing costs, resulting in increased value for the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept