We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ingvar Jacobson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ingvar below.

Alright, Ingvar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

In recent years, the music industry has undergone a transformative shift, marked by the digitization of music and the rise of streaming services, providing unparalleled accessibility to music enthusiasts worldwide.

While this accessibility has undoubtedly broadened the reach of music, it has also brought to light some concerning issues that merit reflection. The ease with which music is now accessed, particularly through platforms like Spotify, has inadvertently contributed to the growing devaluation of this art form.

Streaming services, although a boon for listeners, have posed a significant challenge in terms of pricing. The decision-making process in corporate boardrooms, where pricing strategies are determined, seems to have overlooked the intrinsic value of the artistic work invested in creating music.

This oversight has far-reaching consequences, especially for independent artists who find themselves struggling to make ends meet in an industry where the prevailing narrative paints music more as a commodity than a carefully crafted form of expression.

The economic realities faced by artists today are daunting. The creative process involves numerous expenses, from studio time and mixing fees to distribution costs, creating a financial landscape that is often difficult to navigate.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial to underscore the fact that music is not merely a commodity but a profound art form that deserves proper appreciation. Independent artists, in particular, need fair compensation to sustain their craft and continue contributing meaningfully to our cultural tapestry.

In closing, I urge corporate America to reevaluate the current landscape of the music industry. By recognizing the true value of music and ensuring fair compensation, we can foster an environment where artists, both established and emerging, can thrive economically. Let us strive for a music industry that not only meets the demands of the digital age but also preserves and enhances the artistic essence that makes music an indispensable part of our lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Music has been my lifelong passion, starting with a play keyboard on my first birthday. By seven, I was deep into piano, violin, and orchestra. High school introduced percussion and electric and bass guitar, along with a pivotal audio technology class that sparked my journey into music production.

My exploration led me to the world of EDM and DJing, but it wasn’t long before I found myself immersed in beat-making and collaborating with local artists. I transformed my parents’ basement into ‘Spin Cycle Studios,’ utilizing the laundry room as an unconventional vocal booth.

Venturing into the Baltimore music scene through DJing, I connected with Mike Diamond at Manta Ray Records, securing an internship at their recording studio. Under the mentorship of Auddio Viddeo, the head producer, I absorbed invaluable insights and eventually earned a position. Over the past seven years, we’ve collaborated on diverse projects with incredible artists spanning various genres and backgrounds.

As an audio engineer, my daily tasks range from recording hip-hop vocals and producing R&B tracks to tracking live drums for bands and capturing voiceovers for commercials or animations. Lockdown brought a surge in projects where I handled mixing and mastering for recordings done at home.

In the ever-evolving landscape of music creation, I embrace the accessibility brought by technology. However, my core goal remains unchanged: to bring an artist’s vision to life. This year, the focus is on songwriting and ground-up production, collaborating with artists from inception to create bespoke hits. I thrive on the challenge of pushing boundaries, seeking new realms of clarity, and shaping the sounds that define the decade.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the profound sense of self-discovery and expression that comes with the creative process. Creating art allows me to delve into the depths of my imagination, explore emotions, and communicate ideas in a way that goes beyond words. Witnessing others connect with my work and finding their own meanings within it adds an extra layer of fulfillment, making the entire journey uniquely enriching.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has been instrumental in building our reputation within the market is our unwavering commitment to detail and our knack for turning our clients’ visions into reality, often surpassing expectations. These qualities, coupled with our friendly customer service approach and in-depth knowledge of industry topics, have played a pivotal role in establishing a strong and positive presence within our market.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/nextrealm?usp=sharing
• Instagram: @n3xtr3alm (studio IG) also @injamusic (for personal producer page)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/n3xtr3alm/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/N3XTR3ALM
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@n3xtr3alm96