Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Oudekerk is the founder and CEO of SmartLabel, a Web3-based music streaming platform.
- Inspired by his father, a reggae artist, he saw the need for better systems for artists to earn and protect their work.
- SmartLabel, launched in March 2022, uses blockchain to give artists ownership, earnings, and direct fan support.
Who Is Jonathan Oudekerk?
Jonathan Oudekerk is the CEO, founder, and producer of SmartLabel, a Web3-powered OpenCore music streaming platform that enables artists to engage with their audience and earn from their musukeic. In February 2021, he began his studies at the SAE Institute, focusing on Music Business, Entertainment, and Media. There, he learned about managing artists, sharing music online, and different ways to promote media.
Early Life and Musical Influence
Jonathan Oudekerk was born in the Netherlands, and his family has roots in British Guiana. He was exposed to music from a young age, especially reggae because his father was a reggae artist. This strong connection to music, which he grew up with, greatly impacted him. His father’s influence and the music around him played a key role in shaping his passion for music and his future career in Web3.
Initial Career in Intellectual Property Law
Oudekerk initially pursued a career in intellectual property law, believing it would be his passion. However, as he continued to work in the field, he realized it was not the right fit for him, leading him to rethink his career path.
Transition to the Music Industry
Realizing his true interests were in a different area, Oudekerk changed his career. In 2019, he sold his legal business and moved into the music industry. He saw a chance to help solve the problems artists were facing and believed there were important opportunities to make a difference in the music industry.
Identifying Gaps in the Music Industry
When Oudekerk entered the music industry, he quickly saw that many systems were outdated, making it hard for artists to succeed. He realized that artists faced challenges in properly registering, protecting, and making money from their work because of slow and inefficient processes. This discovery motivated him to find a better solution to help artists overcome these obstacles.
Founding SmartLabel
In March 2022, Oudekerk started SmartLabel, a Web3 platform designed to solve the problems artists were facing. As the CEO and head of business development, he created SmartLabel as an OpenCore music streaming app. It focuses on leveraging decentralized technologies to offer artists more control and transparency over their music, helping them connect with their fans, earn money from their music, and offer rewards clearly and honestly.
SmartLabel’s Decentralized Music Model
Unlike traditional music platforms, SmartLabel takes a decentralized approach to music streaming. Using Web3 and blockchain, artists can avoid the limits of conventional platforms, keep full ownership of their music, and get direct support from fans. This model opens up new ways for artists to earn money, which was impossible in the old, centralized music industry.
Shaping the Future of Music
In an episode of SoundBreaker Podcast, Jonathan Oudekerk, founder of SmartLabel, talks about his journey in music and tech. He shares how his father’s influence led him to create SmartLabel, a platform that helps artists share and earn from their music while keeping control.
Jonathan also introduces TraXs, a music streaming service using Web3. He explains how these platforms are changing the music industry and looks at the future of music with augmented reality and the metaverse, offering helpful advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
SmartLabel’s Role in the Web3 Revolution
SmartLabel is part of the Web3 movement, helping push for more decentralization in different industries. By combining music streaming with blockchain, Web3, and decentralized finance, Oudekerk is working to create a fairer music industry. This allows artists to take control of their careers and connect directly with fans in new ways.
Oudekerk’s Vision
Jonathan Oudekerk sees a future where artists have full control over their music and earnings through decentralized technologies. He aims to change traditional systems by enabling direct artist-fan connections via Web3, with SmartLabel ensuring fairness and transparency. Using blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs, Oudekerk wants to help artists make money from their work independently, creating a fairer and more lasting music industry.
Final Thoughts
Jonathan Oudekerk’s journey from law to the music industry shows his dedication to helping artists. With SmartLabel, he is changing music streaming using Web3 technology, allowing artists to keep control of their work and directly connect with fans. He aims to create a fairer music industry where artists can earn money on their own terms. Through his work, Oudekerk is helping shape the future of music by giving artists more independence and financial security.
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