While I was out in Cannes for the the MIDEM conference this year, presenting LoopLM and Aux Sounds on the main stage, I sat down with Ben Costantini to record the Sesamers podcast:
EPISODE SUMMARY
Explore the journey of Ben Bowler, a musician turned tech innovator, who founded Aux to bridge the gap between music and technology. From launching ChewTV, a pioneering DJ live streaming platform, to creating Aux’s Direct.app for artist revenue growth, Ben has consistently pushed the boundaries. Discover his latest venture, LoopGen, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool set to transform music production.
EPISODE NOTES
Tech-Music Fusion
Ben Bowler’s blend of music and technology led him to the founding of Aux. A jazz and funk drummer by training and a tech enthusiast by passion, Ben leveraged his unique skill set to create innovative platforms for artists and the music industry. “I started out as a musician…at the same time, I’ve always been interested in computers,” Ben shared. This dual interest laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures, starting with Chew.tv, a live streaming platform for DJs.
From ChewTV to Streamon
Ben’s first company, ChewTV, tapped into the burgeoning live streaming market, coinciding with the rise of Twitch and YouTube Live. Despite facing challenges with music licensing fees, the company gained significant traction with half a million users and was ultimately acquired by BandLab in 2015. His second venture, Streamon, addressed the economics of live streaming more sustainably, leading to a seven-figure acquisition by Wistia.
The Aux Philosophy
With Aux, Ben Bowler is not looking for a quick fix or a simple solution. Instead, he is tackling the complex challenges faced by artists in music production and collaboration. “I embraced complexity…I wasn’t going for the standard startup approach,” Ben stated. By focusing on the intricate needs of musicians, Aux aims to provide comprehensive tools that rival those in other creative sectors.
Direct to Fan Model
Aux’s sister brand, Direct.app, emerged from the realization that artists need more robust revenue streams. By acquiring a merchandise company and integrating it with Aux’s services, Ben is driving not just business revenue but also empowering artists to maximize their earnings through direct fan engagement. “Merchandise is fantastically profitable for artists,” Ben noted, illustrating the financial advantages of direct-to-fan sales.
LoopLM: AI in Music
Aux is set to launch a groundbreaking AI-powered sample library, demonstrating the untapped potential of generative AI in music. “It’s trained off a data set of samples generated by human producers…as an artist, you can type the sound you want,” Ben explained. This innovation could revolutionize music production by providing unique, high-quality samples, fostering creativity among artists.
