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- We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed founder and CEO of SOUNDRAW Daigo Kusunoki; greetings and salutations Daigo and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A AI-generated mosh-pit, how is the latter-part of 2024 treating you and yours?
2024 has been an exhilarating year for us at SOUNDRAW. We’ve expanded in so many exciting directions, from major product upgrades to deeper collaborations with artists. I just returned from a 2-month trip to NYC where I met many of our customers in person, to discuss challenges and opportunities, as well as showcase the art they created with SOUNDRAW. Personally, I’m energized by the growth we’ve seen and the feedback from creators using our platform. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
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- Major kudos and accolades on all of your very deserved success with SOUNDRAW! For anyone not in the know, can you explain what SOUNDRAW is all about and how you hit upon the idea of creating this much needed service?
Thank you! SOUNDRAW is an AI-powered music creation tool that helps anyone—from hobbyists to professional musicians—create original tracks effortlessly. The idea came from a desire to democratize music creation. I’ve always believed that creativity should not be limited by technical skills, so I wanted to develop a platform where AI could assist in the composition process, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their musical background.
- As you worked to establish SOUNDRAW, what were some of the bigger challenges you faced in getting this AI music composition tool to the market?
One of the biggest challenges was convincing both musicians and tech enthusiasts that AI could be a powerful tool for creativity rather than a replacement for it. There were concerns about quality, control, and authenticity, so we had to focus heavily on ensuring SOUNDRAW would enhance creativity and provide real value to artists, rather than feel like an automated, impersonal experience.
- In your humble opinion, what differentiates SOUNDRAW from the Distinguished Competition on the AI music composition scene?
I believe what sets SOUNDRAW apart is the ownership of all our material. Trained by in-house producers in Japan, all our material is 100% copyright safe so the artists can own their sound. This also aids the depth of customization and the creative flexibility we offer. Many AI music tools simply generate music, but our platform gives users control over key aspects of their compositions, allowing them to guide the creative process. We want SOUNDRAW users to feel like co-creators with the AI, rather than just passive users.
- Can you discuss how this collaboration furthers SOUNDRAW’s aim to uplift the next generation of artists, broaden access to music creation tools, and more?
Partnering with platforms like On The Radar is part of our broader mission to level the playing field for artists. Through this collaboration, we’re giving emerging talents not only the tools to create professional-level music but also the exposure they need to build their careers. We want to inspire the next generation of creators by removing barriers, whether financial, technical, or logistical, so that more voices can be heard.
- What can you tell our ever-inquisitive readers about the ‘Raw Rap Challenge’ which SOUNDRAW is the host of?
The Raw Rap Challenge is a competition where aspiring rappers can showcase their talent by spitting bars over SOUNDRAW-generated beats. It’s a fun, dynamic way for artists to engage with the community, while also competing for a chance to perform on On The Radar, one of the hottest platforms for up-and-coming artists. The goal is to provide a stage for undiscovered talent and help them take that next big step in their career.
Alongside the online challenge, we hosted a showcase where talent from NYC could share their songs made with SOUNDRAW and various producers we collaborate with. The winner will be decided by online vote.
Pictures: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/099d2c840b6442799be852e677af7687
- For anyone interested in participating in the Raw Rap Challenge, how would they go about getting the ball rolling?
It’s super simple! All you have to do is visit SOUNDRAW and subscribe to our service for as little as $20 with code “OTR”. Make a SOUNDRAW beat, record your best verse, and post it using the designated hashtag #SOUNDRAWrapchallenge while also tagging us!
From there, your entry will be reviewed, and winners get the chance to perform live at On The Radar in New York. We encourage all aspiring rappers to give it a shot—it’s a great opportunity to get noticed.
Details: https://discover.soundraw.io/ontheradar-raw-rap-challenge
- What has it been like partnering with On The Radar for the Raw Rap Challenge?
It’s been an incredible experience! On The Radar shares our passion for discovering and promoting fresh talent, and their platform has a huge, engaged audience. Collaborating with them has allowed us to bring even more visibility to artists using SOUNDRAW. They’ve been amazing partners, and their enthusiasm for the challenge has taken the project to the next level.
- Looking ahead, how do you see SOUNDRAW evolving over the next three to five years? And, by extension of that, how do you envision the Raw Rap Challenge evolving?
In the next few years, we envision SOUNDRAW becoming even more versatile, offering a wider range of genres, tools, and features to meet the needs of musicians at every level. Our goal is to make SOUNDRAW the go-to platform for creative professionals across all types of music. As for the Raw Rap Challenge, we see it growing into a global platform where artists from around the world can compete, collaborate, and gain exposure. We want to make it the premier stage for upcoming talent, with even bigger rewards and opportunities.
- Any final words you might like to leave readers with regarding SOUNDRAW and their partnership with On The Radar for the Raw Rap Challenge?
I’d just like to say that we’re incredibly excited about what’s happening with SOUNDRAW and the Raw Rap Challenge. It’s a perfect example of how technology and artistry can come together to create something special. For all aspiring artists out there: if you’ve got a passion for music, don’t hesitate to join the challenge. The tools are at your fingertips, and this could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
