Introduction
Hello, I’m Jamie Thompson, a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in AI and technology product development. Having kick-started several tech ventures and collaborated closely with venture capitalists, I find myself at the helm of Sprinklenet.com, a company specializing in technology product design, development, strategy, and consulting. While my roots are deeply embedded in the tech world, my heart has always echoed with rhythms of a different kind – music.
The Genesis of Sprinklenet Music
Music has been a lifelong passion for me. Over the past four years, living in Latin America, primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the region’s rich musical heritage. Witnessing firsthand the sheer talent and dedication of young musicians in coastal Colombia in particular, I recognized a gap. Many of these artists, brimming with potential, lacked the resources and know-how to elevate their music to a professional level. This observation sparked the birth of Sprinklenet Music, a passion project aimed at nurturing and promoting these hidden gems. I started by taking a project management approach to getting from musical ideation and rough practice stages, to creating a system for “productizing” songs and making high-quality production tracks ready for digital distribution. Throughout 2023, we put together a small team of talented staff to help manage development of the full lifecycle of professional music creation. We’ll be scaling and expanding in 2024. Let me tell you a little bit more…
The First Milestone with White Lion
My journey in music investment took a concrete shape with an exciting collaboration with White Lion, a supremely talented singer-songwriter from Barranquilla. Together, we embarked on creating his debut album, ‘Sonrisa,’ a project close to both of our hearts. The album, a fusion of local sounds with a sprinkle of English lyrics, was designed to bridge the cultural expanse between Colombia’s vibrant rhythms and Miami’s melting pot of Latin cultures. Available on platforms like iTunes and Spotify, ‘Sonrisa’ stands as a testament to our collaborative spirit and shared vision. We’re excited to announce a major brand partner in 2024 for the Sonrisa album.
Investing in Music with a Tech Entrepreneur’s Lens
My experience with early-stage, high-risk tech investments significantly influences my approach to music investing. I approach each project like a seed-stage tech investor, analyzing the potential risks and rewards. Sprinklenet Music isn’t just about financial returns; it’s an endeavor to create a lasting impact in the music industry and a legacy of enduring value. I often reference Blackstone’s investment in Hipgnosis records when discussing Sprinklenet Music’s investment thesis. We’re here to build value over time, much like in the world of technology startups. There are a variety of revenue streams associated with building a portfolio of music IP including royalties, licensed content with partners, live performances and merchandise. We’re focused squarely on producing amazing music for now because without that nothing else matters, but future revenue streams are part of overall plan once we’ve got a few more albums under our belt.
Living Between Two Cultures – Barranquilla and Miami
Being based in Barranquilla while frequently traveling to Miami offers a unique perspective. The cultural richness of these cities, from the vibrant street art to the lively music scenes, inspires my work at Sprinklenet Music. These locales are not just geographical points but wellsprings of creative inspiration that fuel our projects.
It’s fascinating to observe the diverse tapestry of Latin cultures in Miami, a true melting-pot where the rich traditions of various Latin American countries intermingle. When I speak of Latin cultures, I emphasize the plural form because the cultural fabric of Miami is woven from the distinct threads of each Latin nation.
Latin culture is far from monolithic; it’s a vibrant mosaic where each country contributes its unique flavor. From Colombia to Venezuela, Cuba to the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, each brings its own distinct music, language, fashion, dance, food, and art. Living in Barranquilla, I am immersed in a Colombian ambiance that pulses with its own unique rhythm, markedly different from the beats you’d experience in, say, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yet, despite these differences, there’s a beautiful convergence in Miami. Here, these individual cultural elements blend, creating a new, shared identity that still respects and celebrates the individuality of each culture. This multicultural blend is particularly evident in the music scene, where the baseline vibe of Barranquilla interlaces with other regional rhythms to create a rich, eclectic sound that is uniquely Miami.
For now, however, our primary focus at Sprinklenet Music is on tapping into the emerging talent pool of musical artists in Barranquilla. Being there offers us a unique opportunity to dive deep into the local scene, uncovering and nurturing the extraordinary talent that Colombia has to offer. The richness and diversity of Colombian music alone provide a vast canvas for us to explore. With such an abundance of talent and creativity flowing through this region, we find ourselves with more than enough to fuel our passion and keep us engaged for the foreseeable future. As we continue to grow and evolve, our roots in Barranquilla’s vibrant music culture will always be at the heart of what we do at Sprinklenet Music.
Unfair Advantage – A Local’s Perspective
Living in Barranquilla provides an unparalleled vantage point. Surrounded by aspiring musicians and dancers, I am in the heart of a cultural movement. Icons like Shakira, J Balvin, and Karol G are the role models for a generation eager to follow in their footsteps. In Barranquilla, the blend of economic and cultural dynamics creates an ideal breeding ground for emerging talent.
Music here is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a reflection of society and culture. Barranquilla, a vibrant, tropical, coastal Caribbean city, buzzes with a unique energy shaped by its mixed and often challenging socioeconomic landscape. Despite a significant portion of the population living below what would be considered the poverty level in the U.S., there’s a palpable sense of resilience and contentment among the people. This resilience is most vibrant during the night, when the city comes alive with music and dance, helping people transcend the monotony and hardships of daily life.
The stark contrast between economic classes is evident in Barranquilla. On one hand, you have hardworking individuals making a living with horse-drawn carriages, selling avocados and tropical fruits for the equivalent of a few dollars a day. On the other hand, there’s an affluent class living in luxury. This socioeconomic spectrum provides a rich backdrop for the stories and emotions that are captured in the music emerging from this city.
Living in Barranquilla and having grown up in the U.S., I find myself in a unique position, bridging two very different worlds. This experience has given me insights that most Americans, and indeed many Colombians and other Latinos who haven’t been to the U.S., might not possess. Understanding these contrasts and the life experiences of people in Barranquilla enriches the vision, development, and execution of what we’re doing at Sprinklenet Music. Our projects don’t just aim to produce music; they strive to capture and convey the essence of life here, reflecting a rich tapestry of experiences that range from struggle to joy, from hardship to celebration. I think these are universal characteristics all humans understand, but putting the experiences of young, Latin artists to song in both Spanish and English requires a fluent and fluid understanding that only comes with total immersion.
This immersion into Barranquilla’s culture, combined with my American upbringing, provides me with a unique lens through which I view and understand the music industry. It’s this perspective that shapes the approach of Sprinklenet Music, as we seek to tell the stories of this vibrant city and its people through the universal language of music. I try to share this with everyone involved with our productions while learning from each of the artists we work with.
The Road Ahead for Sprinklenet Music
As we look towards 2024, our focus is on discovering and collaborating with new talent, especially from Barranquilla and Cartagena. We prioritize crafting fair, transparent deals, drawing from my experience in venture negotiations. Each agreement is tailored to be direct, engaging, and forward-looking, ensuring that everyone involved is moving in the same direction. Our aim is to make great music while establishing a sustainable, scalable business model.
The Fusion of Latin and American Music Genres
The excitement of returning to the studio is palpable. Our goal is to blend Latin and American genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences. We have several exciting projects lined up for 2024, promising a year of innovative music and fresh talent. White Lion and Sprinklenet Music are also working on a new album for 2024, so stay-tuned for that!
Conclusion
Sprinklenet Music is more than just a business; it’s an odyssey into the pulsating heart of music. As I sit atop a hotel in Brickell, Miami, my thoughts eagerly drift back to Barranquilla, where the studio awaits. This journey we’re on isn’t just about creating and investing in music; it’s about building a community where each note, each beat, tells a story.
To music enthusiasts and fans around the world, we extend a warm invitation to join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of sounds and stories we’re weaving at Sprinklenet Music. Our mission goes beyond business; it’s about creating a universal language of music that resonates with everyone, offering melodies that touch hearts and rhythms that move souls.
For savvy investors who understand the unique dynamics of the music industry and meet the criteria of being accredited, we offer a distinctive opportunity. We are exploring the possibility of forming a music fund as Sprinklenet Music grows and scales. This is a chance to be part of a venture that blends passion with investment, where music meets business strategy. If you’re interested in the business side of this musical journey, more information and a highlight video can be found on our Sprinklenet Music Invest page.
Great brand partners are also crucial to this endeavor. We’re looking for collaborations that resonate with our vision, partnerships that amplify our reach and enhance the musical experience for our audience.
Our primary goal remains unwavering: to produce outstanding music that captivates and inspires. Whether you’re an investor, a brand partner, or a music lover, there’s a role for you in this adventure. Together, let’s create a symphony of success and enjoyment. For more information or to express your interest in any capacity, feel free to reach out at hola@sprinklenetmusic.com.
Join us at Sprinklenet Music, where every chord strikes a new possibility, and every rhythm opens a new path.