Music tech & XR (extended reality) company Volta has closed an initial round of funding, bringing in support from major players in the music and tech industries.
Among the group of investors from this primary round are Pixelynx (Joel Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, & Richie Hawtin), Christopher Leacock (Jillionaire/Major Lazer), Techstars Music, 7 Percent Ventures, Dave Wu (Maveron), Fores VC, Acequia Capital, Dave Edwards (Senior Vice President of Audiomack), Boost Capital, Supernode Global, Courtney Stewart (Right Hand), Robb McDaniels (CEO of Beatport), and Electric Feel Ventures (Post Malone, 24kGoldn).
MBW understands that the value of the round was $3 million.
Volta is described as a “free, self-service XR creation platform” that allows creators to construct and broadcast “metaverse-reaching” immersive experiences.
The company says that it allows live streaming artists to use any audio source (desktop audio output, midi controllers, metadata, DAWS like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, etc) to automate various visual effects in sync with their music in real time. Volta claims that this is the first ever initiative of its kind.
Volta participated in the Techstars Music program based in Los Angeles.
Last fall, Volta teamed up with online music marketplace Beatport and live music session broadcaster Boiler Room for official live streamed performances.
The company has also worked closely with British singer/producer Imogen Heap to shoot, record, render and stream her new music video live in real time.
Each take of the shoot was streamed live, and between each take, fans were able to give input on what effects they wanted to see more or less of.
The final video that resulted was a collaborative effort between Volta, the artist, and the fans.
Volta says that its goal is to create “viable revenue streams for artists who are otherwise prohibited from engaging in new platforms due to a lack of resources or experience”.
“We at Volta don’t think anyone has gotten extended reality entertainment right yet. The only way this will happen is when enough artists have access to the tools.”
Alex Kane, Volta
Volta CEO Alex Kane said: “We at Volta don’t think anyone has gotten extended reality entertainment right yet. The only way this will happen is when enough artists have access to the tools.
“If a paintbrush cost $500,000 then an artist would optimize their art to be about the money instead of the artistic expression – we aim to democratize these new tools so extended reality as an entertainment medium has true artistic merit.”Music Business Worldwide