Cudi introduces a new way for artists to interact with their fans through the launch of his new Encore Studio App, which offers artists a platform to perform in augmented reality concerts for their fans using only their mobile devices.
The Encore Studio App was co-founded by Kid Cudi, screenwriter Ian Edelman, and startup veteran Jonathan Gray. The app has received $9 million in funding led by Battery Ventures, as well as from 468 Capital, Parade Ventures, Nomad Ventures, Moving Capital, Kayak Ventures, and Gaingels.
A press release stated that the platform will enable artists to "tell their story, release new music, and host conversations and interactive experiences with their fans." The platform will also allow artists to monetize the experience by using “gamified microtransactions,” like a ten-cent clapping feature. Thousands of fans have enjoyed performances from artists such as SSGKobe, The Cool Kids, Too $hort, and DC the Don following the private beta launch.
Encore was inspired by Cudi's desire to help fellow artists tell their stories from a different perspective.
“My number one priority has always been inspiring others and providing them the space to tell their own stories in an authentic and meaningful way,” Cudi said in a press release. “We created Encore as a space for artists to share their art, build community, while also being able to pay their rent.”
Cudi is Encore's chief commercial officer, while Gray is the company's CEO and Edelman is its president. The music artist also said that the creator economy has forgotten about music artists, which is why Encore is trying to fix it.
“Music artists are the original creators and they have been forgotten by the creator economy and overrun by memes and algorithms on social media,” the CEO said. “Our live AR technology empowers any artist to create personalized content and host experiences for their fans without a production budget or crew and make real cash with 100’s of engaged fans.”
It is available for download right now in the App Store.