We were lucky to catch up with Chad Gerber recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chad , thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I don’t really have to wonder about it because I’ve endured around 40 mundane jobs before finally diving into a full-time career as an artist. I pretty much loathed every single moment of those regular jobs because my mind was never fully present. As any artist knows, we’re always chasing the next big idea, constantly lost in our creative realms. So, whether it was answering phones or working in a shop, it felt just as brutal as asking an office manager at Wells Fargo to compose music for a live orchestra on a deadline when they have zero knowledge or passion for the task. In the end I am grateful for those random jobs, but I wake up every day now, blissfully relieved that I’ve moved on from that chapter of my life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Absolutely! I’m Chad Gerber, an artist who lives and breathes music, physics, sociology, and technology, constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring new horizons.
From an early age, music has been my driving force. I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the guitar and songwriting while immersing myself in different genres. Through this journey, I’ve developed a somewhat distinct and captivating sound that sometimes defies categorization, but has worked well enough to help me achieve some gold and platinum records with some incredible artists.
I’m also a patented inventor and founder of a technology company called Meloscene. I’m constantly seeking ways to merge technology, art, and society in fascinating ways, so I created some groundbreaking technology that allows artists and musicians to access virtual recording studios regardless of their location in the world. Through my device and platform, they can make lossless music together, perform it, and release it within and outside of the Meloscene platform. It was recently featured on the BBC in London, where I did a live recording session inside the virtual reality studio with people in London, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles. It was a lot of fun!
I thrive on breaking boundaries and challenging conventions. My artistry is fueled by a constant desire for exploration and a refusal to be confined by expectations. I’m not afraid to take risks and venture into uncharted territory, always striving to create music or innovative things that captivate, inspire, and defy expectations. That’s the goal, anyway.
I would definitely like to invite everyone to join me on this crazy technological musical adventure. Discover the power of authentic creative connection, immerse yourself in the captivating worlds I’m creating within Meloscene, and embrace the transformative potential of music, AI, and global “face-to-face” collaboration. Together, I want to explore new frontiers and redefine what it means to be an artist with this tidal wave of new creators who don’t fit into a box.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
NFTs have received an excessive amount of hype, initially showcasing aspects that don’t necessarily resonate with most people. However, upon closer examination, they offer remarkable opportunities for artists to safeguard their works through a swiftly minted contract that ensures authenticity for both digital and real-world assets.
Within Meloscene, once we complete a collaborative project in the VR studio, we have the option to mint it into an NFT. This process locks in each musician’s percentage right from the start, avoiding the convoluted journey through managers, bookers, agents, and labels, where percentages often get adjusted and modified (many times without consent). By simplifying everyone’s roles and safeguarding against future changes behind closed doors, this system provides a streamlined and protected experience for all involved. This is especially useful when artists are working on a large number of projects, and they sometimes don’t see their work released for a couple of years, thus forgetting their original points.
These NFT codes have proven invaluable to attorneys and creatives alike, streamlining the process of safeguarding intellectual property. They offer a solution to the complexities and uncertainties often faced by artists in an ever-evolving industry. While some may still associate NFTs with neon apes and random images for the time being, their true value lies in utility and the protection of creative works.
So, while the initial hype may have overshadowed their practical applications, NFTs present an innovative avenue for artists to secure and preserve their creations. By embracing the utility and protection offered by NFTs, we can pave the way for a more transparent and equitable future for creatives.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2020, my schedule was packed with exciting tours and festivals lined up, including prominent events like Lollapalooza Brazil and Tomorrowland, along with other pending dates in Europe. However, everything came crashing down overnight when the pandemic struck, and all of my plans were abruptly dropped. Left with a blank canvas, I revisited some eccentric ideas that I had previously set aside until 2025. During that time, as a Gibson Guitars artist, I was engaged in discussions with them about an intriguing project involving MIDI and music production. In passing, I mentioned my virtual reality endeavor called Meloscene, which had been swirling in my mind for quite some time. Surprisingly, their enthusiasm for the project caught me off guard. With my tour dates and other projects indefinitely on hold, I saw it as a golden opportunity to embark on something new and daring.
Steering my creative ship into uncharted territories, I found myself venturing into unfamiliar realms. It was a drastic change in direction, but the process of bringing these audacious ideas out of my mind and materializing them in the physical world rekindled the same wild and unpredictable energy I felt in my early days in music. However, as things progressed, I faced a creative identity crisis, pondering what I had become. Was I an artist? A musician? A tech enthusiast? Eventually, I reached a liberating realization—I didn’t need to confine myself to labels. We are now entering an era of emerging artists who defy traditional genres and creative mediums.
The entire journey was a process of self-discovery, but now I feel a newfound sense of creative freedom. I embrace the ever-evolving landscape where artistry transcends boundaries, and the possibilities are boundless. It’s an exhilarating time, where I can explore, experiment, and express myself without limitations. As I continue to forge my path, I am excited to push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire others to embrace their own creative liberation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meloscene.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chadgerber
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/woodrowgerber
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chadgerber/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/woodrowgerber
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/woodrowgerber
Image Credits
BBC Click