On Thursday, July 27 at 3 pm ET, Mastercard and Billboard are set to introduce an exciting new event. They will be releasing five new singles as NFTs through their groundbreaking Web3 music initiative called The Mastercard Artist Accelerator.
Earlier this year, The Accelerator was introduced and officially commenced in April, aiming to empower emerging artists with the necessary tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive in the ever-changing digital music world. The recent launch of Mastercard’s program marks another significant effort by artists and platforms to revolutionize what is often perceived as a flawed music industry.
During the showcase, five talented global artists will take the stage, presenting their performances of AI-infused tracks created using AI Music Studio, a product developed by the generative AI music company, WarpSound. The live-streamed event will offer each track as an NFT on the OneOf Marketplace, making them available for purchase during the showcase. Notably, in the past, Mastercard’s Web3 program experienced significant success with 100,000 mints of its limited-edition Mastercard Music Pass NFT.
Cocoa Sarai, LerIQ, Manu Manzo, Emily Vu, and Young Athena, all partaking in the event, have added their personal flair to the tracks. They skillfully incorporated Mastercard’s distinctive sonic brand identity, first introduced in February 2019, into their creations. Additionally, these artists actively contributed to the design of their singles’ cover art, further enriching the overall experience.
“We’ve seen how emerging technology can push creativity to new heights and give us opportunities to connect with people in exciting ways,” said Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar in a press release. “Throughout this program, these artists have explored an entirely new space that will have lasting impact on the music industry and we’re thrilled that we were a part of their journey.”
Incorporated into Mastercard’s Web3 music curriculum, the Accelerator Program empowered artists with essential expertise and capabilities to navigate the Web3 space effectively. This comprehensive training covered various aspects, including minting NFTs, building a strong virtual presence, and fostering a thriving community. A crucial component of the Accelerator program was the Mastercard Music Pass, which offered holders access to a wealth of valuable resources, such as educational materials and specific AI tools.
