If you're just starting out in web3 or unsure of how to, start here!

Web3 101

Historically, the traditional music industry - or what is referred to as web2 music - supports an artist/listener relationship that is often hierarchical or vertical. For example, artists commonly refer to their listeners as fans or followers in web2. But web3 and its decentralized ethos stands to redefine this artist/listener relationship. A new horizontal paradigm is emerging. It’s a culture where listeners are referred to as holders or collectors - where listeners of an artist’s music become part of a larger community. As we usher in this new heart-centered web3 paradigm, how can artists reach, strengthen, and grow their community? That’s what we’ll cover in this article - how artists can use web3 tooling to speak directly to listeners. Web3 is a rapidly changing landscape, and new tools are being introduced seemingly every day. However, here is a great place to start.

## **Guild.xyz**

[Guild.xyz](https://guild.xyz/) is currently web3’s leading way to unite an artist’s listeners into a collective community, whether they are NFT holders, [POAP](https://poap.xyz/) collectors, [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/)followers, [Snapshot](https://snapshot.org/) voters, have a [Lens](https://www.lens.xyz/) profile, or more. With Guild, an artist is empowered to create the community parameters that work best with them, and then enforce those parameters by gating either a [Discord](https://discord.com/) or [Telegram](https://telegram.org/) chat. For example, I have created a community in Telegram with my NFT holders called [The Rose Garden](https://guild.xyz/the-rose-garden). It’s a place where I can create the vibes that I want to see in the world, preview early access to songs, and share behind-the-scenes documents like music video treatments, etc. Guild allows artists to know and communicate with their community in ways that more centralized social media or streaming platforms haven’t allowed artists to do yet. This is part of the power and allure of web3.

## **Token-Gated Websites**

While Guild.xyz gives artists the tools to token-gate a Discord server or Telegram chat, there are also native web3 website builders that allow you to token-gate specific content on your website. The two most prominent and current examples of this are [Bonfire](https://www.bonfire.xyz/) and [Tellie](https://tell.ie/). Both platforms work like traditional website builders (such as Squarespace or Wix), where you can drag and drop to design your site without having to code. However, where these two web3 website builders differ is that they also allow you to embed content from native web3 platforms, showcase your NFTs, and token-gate exclusive content (such as unreleased music, downloads, forms, performance streams, and more). Bonfire also allows you to mint NFTs directly from your page and airdrop tokens, empowering artists to be their own platform. To see examples of how artists have used Bonfire, you can click [here](https://www.bonfire.xyz/showcase), and to see examples of how artists have used Tellie, click [here](https://tell.ie/examples).

## **Laylo**

[Laylo](https://laylo.com/) is a platform that empowers artists to communicate with listeners via texts or email. While this functionality itself isn’t novel, one of the areas where Laylo sets itself apart is its web3 integration. For example, after prompting a listener for their mobile number or email, Laylo will then allow a listener to connect their crypto wallet. Laylo’s web3 integration allows artists to build an allowlist for their drops, token-gate drops, and text or email with NFT holders. To learn more, click [here.](https://laylo.notion.site/Web-3-Laylo-994f3bb08b8443499e5686b6dbc7dac3)

## **Oncyber**

[Oncyber](https://oncyber.io/) is a metaverse platform that we’re beginning to see web3 artists and collectors experiment with as a way to create a communal and special listening party experience. For example, Daniel Allan and Reo Cragun recently used the platform to kick off the public mint of their Criteria project (click [here](https://oncyber.io/criteria) to visit). Listeners could explore a custom metaverse world prior to the mint going public and even mint directly from the metaverse itself. In addition, there is live chat functionality, so artists can communicate with the community during the experience.

## **Conclusion**

In summary, web3 is ushering in a new paradigm for artists and listeners that is less hierarchical and more community-focused. As web3 culture has become more prominent, we’ve seen a host of new tools emerge that allow artists to communicate with their listeners directly and more effectively. The result? Artists can create real, human, and more 360°relationships with their listeners.

Utilizing Web3 Tools for Effective Artist-Community Communication

Reaching Your Listeners Directly

We all came here for different reasons. The promise of financial independence and creative freedom are an enticing lure, but once we’ve caught the bait, we realize how much bigger this movement really is. For the first time in my career as a musician, I have seen innovation, self funding and an alternative route to record deals emerge all through the implementation of this new technology.

But isn’t cryptocurrency dead? Aren’t NFT’s a scam? These are the responses most of us receive when trying to explain ourselves to others. The mainstream media has always spread FUD, just like they did with the creation of the internet in the mid 90’s (look how that turned out) but there are clear reasons for skepticism here. Confusing jargon, the steep entry curve and no long term guarantee is enough for some people to give up before they’ve even started; however those that climb this hill now could be speeding down the other side before the rest of the world has even put their shoes on.

My journey started in January 2021 when I was onboarded to the crypto space by a friend who helped set me up with the basics. This was enough to send me down my own rabbit hole, which led me to find my own motivation. Eventually, I lost interest (in both definitions) until I rediscovered the music NFT space in late November 2022. This sent me down an even greater rabbit hole and I spent the next month researching everything about the growing scene, compiling my research into a resource to help onboard artists which can be found [here.](https://mirror.xyz/elcee.eth/JKnhQMT3l0zFAVw1zbVXeEdFK7z3CyYe5lZaBEGh5zM) 3 months later, I debuted on Sound.xyz and my genesis drop sold out almost instantly, generating 1 Ethereum (~$1,600).

Having made it through the onboarding phase, I’ve felt compelled to onboard more artists myself. The idea of paying it forward came from my own entry into the space, where I was overwhelmed with the immediate support and selfless help I received from people in the online communities I joined. From the outside, Web3 can seem techy, disconnected and money oriented, but in my experience, I have found deeper connections, friendship and support here than in any other community. This is not confined to online either, with IRL events happening every day across the world.

To head towards mainstream adoption I believe that we need to take the tech out of the limelight. No one cares how Instagram works, they just like using it. To make Web3 more accessible to musicians, we need to shift the conversation towards how it directly applies to the artist's career and how it can help solve problems that traditional methods cannot. By making the music the primary focus, it’s familiar and applicable. As a curator for Catalog, I selected artists that were already somewhat familiar with Web3, as I found that no matter how passionate I am, some artists just aren’t interested. I learned that it’s not my job to convince anyone, but whoever reciprocates my energy will be met with open arms.

Fundamentally, we need to help musicians find their "why" for joining Web3. By understanding their motivations and goals, we can help them navigate the learning curve and make informed decisions about their participation in this emerging scene. This idea of Web3 being segregated is an illusion, it’s just an additional layer of tech on top of existing Web2 platforms, and we are all still part of the same digital universe.

Anyway, no one said “Web2” until “Web3” came along, it was just “the internet”. This is where we need to get to again before blockchain becomes the norm. So, aim for normality, approach with familiarity and execute with sagacity.

A Look into the Web3 Music Onboarding Experience 

Artists' Journey

For many reasons, blockchain technology can provide services traditional web2 technologies and applications cannot offer. In short, these services include an ideal delivery of data and information. This information, stored on an immutable ledger, or public, unalterable record book, is entirely transparent, secure and can be viewed or shared by anyone. 

It's okay not to know everything about blockchain; taking the first step in understanding it can be daunting. My goal is to point you in the right direction with some notable and relevant developments. Let’s get started!

#### **Decentralization for Musicians: Tools, Communities, and Marketplaces**

For musicians, decentralization in web3 means that musicians can operate outside the confines of the traditional music industry and create their communities and revenue streams. By using blockchain, musicians can create a decentralized marketplace for their work, allowing them to bypass intermediaries such as record labels and distributors. Previously, this required artists to understand and know how to code to get their web3 homes set up, but protocols like [Decent ](https://decent.xyz/)and [Bonfire](https://www.bonfire.xyz/) are making it easier to be onboarded with the tools you need to succeed. These tools allow for greater control over your work in the web3 space. 

Alternatively, other blockchain protocols also allow artists to interact with fans and build a community around their work. As far as communities go, you'll notice a lot of web3 communities composed of fans, application users, investors, and developers. These communities are critical to the success of blockchain projects, as they help create a network effect that drives adoption and innovation. Everyone has value. 

When leveraging this aforementioned blockchain protocol, artists can use marketplaces, like [Sound](https://www.sound.xyz/), to connect with fans and share their work. These platforms ensure that artists maintain control over their content and are compensated for their work. With this ability to create or leverage existing decentralized marketplaces for your work, you can bypass these intermediaries and sell their work directly to fans. This can lead to more significant profits for artists, as they can keep a more substantial portion of the revenue generated from their work.

You can also web3 [metalabels ](https://releases.metalabel.xyz/r01/introducing-metalabel)and other resources like [DreamsNeverDie](https://beacons.ai/dreamsneverdie), [DAO Records, ](http://www.daorecords.org/)[Venice Music,](https://www.venicemusic.co/) [Coop Records](https://www.cooprecords.xyz/), [Vol Records,](https://www.volrecords.com/) [Player Zero,](https://playerzero.xyz/) [Nvak Collective,](https://nvakcollective.xyz/) [Hume,](https://wearehume.com/) and[ Leaving Records](https://leavingrecords.com/) to assist you with your potential web3 music release. 

Another benefit of blockchain technology for musicians and artists is the ability to protect their intellectual property. By storing information about their work on the blockchain, artists can prove ownership and prevent others from copying or using their work without permission. This can be especially important for musicians, who often face issues with copyright infringement and unauthorized sampling. 

Stellar! You're now familiar with a few mechanisms leveraged by web3 artists, which provide new ways to distribute work, interact with fans, and protect your [intellectual property. ](https://beincrypto.com/can-intellectual-property-rights-protect-web3-nft-evolution/)

#### \
**Ethereum and Other Chains (Layer 1s)**

When it comes to the underlying technology these applications are built on, you'll notice Ethereum being one of the more well-known base layer (or Layer1) blockchains. While there are many chains like Avalanche, Solana, BinnaceChain, Polkadot, etc., each of them accomplish the same goal with varying efficiencies. 

Think of these chains as coding languages. At the end of the day, each of these chains are simply code to build decentralized applications (dApps). Similar to how most websites and applications use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and React, dApps use these languages, and leverage varying blockchain coding languages to develop dApps that interact with the blockchain. 

For our music producers, think of these on-chain coding languages similar to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase, Logic, or FL Studio. Even though each DAW is used for the same goal of creating music, each one has varying efficiencies for music production and performance. 

#### \
Where is the Space Going?


Decentralization is a key aspect of blockchain technology. We can now see how this aspect of blockchain gives rise to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). DAOs are organizations that are managed by code and project contributors and run autonomously without the need for a centralized authority. Similarly, DeFi refers to using the blockchain to create financial applications that operate in a decentralized manner. 

The question arises whether we are meant to go fully decentralized or not. While that's up for debate and practice, we still see a potential future for less-centralized, more-autonomous organizations to adopt this idea to improve their community base with more forward-thinking, decentralized business practices.

#### \
**Conclusion**

In conclusion, starting your Web3 journey can be challenging, but it is a worthwhile endeavor that can provide many benefits. Blockchain technology offers musicians and artists a range of benefits, from creating a decentralized marketplace for their work to protecting their intellectual property and interacting with fans. As the technology continues to evolve, we will likely see even more innovative ways that artists and musicians can use blockchain to further their careers and reach new audiences. 

The EQ and YouniDAO instruction manual is an excellent resource for learning more about Web3 and how to get started. 

Remember, the Web3 community is all about helping one another, so don't be afraid to ask questions and seek support.

Navigating Common Challenges and Addressing Key Questions

Starting Your Web3 Journey

*Please read the numbered documents in order for a smooth onboarding process. However, if you need help, have further questions, or want a partner in this, please join the HIFI Labs Discord or YouniDAO Twitter (@YouniDAO) and someone will be happy to assist. Happy exploring!*

<Section>

# 1. Why Web3?

Although most contemporary artists are aware of web3, they might not know where to start or how their work might fit in. The Web3 network of developers, artists, and other business partners is utilizing blockchain technology to enable all artists, particularly *independent musicians*, to establish a socially, financially, and artistically sustainable career in the music industry. 

People in web3 firmly believe in the potential of sharing information and resources with everyone who is interested in this subject. The best ways to learn about web3 are through exploration and experimentation. To make this manual useful to all artists, we included information, recommendations, and sources from the huge web3 community. 

> *“Make mistakes without fear!”*

[Read this: Why Web3 Continued](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tb_uE9trHdBR7iGaEGZbc2bbTKPUN76INOTfIAVRgC4/edit?usp=sharing)

</Section>

<Section>

# 2. What is Web3 music?

The term "Web3 Music" describes the use of decentralized technology, such as blockchain, to produce and disseminate music in a secure, open-source, and transparent manner. The objective of Web3 Music is to develop a more just and long-lasting music industry that benefits both musicians and fans. 

Given that Web3 Music is not dependent on centralized platforms like record labels or streaming services, one of its main advantages is that it enables artists to more directly control the distribution and monetization of their music. As a result, artists may have more control over their creations and be able to interact with fans more directly. 

Web3 Music offers more convenient and safe ways to exchange and license music, which has the potential to open up new possibilities for cooperation and creativity within the music business. Additionally, it might open up fresh revenue sources and business models. 

[Read this: What is Web3 and music?](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bHyZ1mFa4ZUgdnIVDs_VkxAlBguS0mIdejqqYhbm_D4/edit?usp=sharing)

</Section>

<Section>

# 3. How to Interact with Web3? Wallets!

Setting up your wallet allows you to start experimenting in the web3 space. [What is a wallet?](https://www.odysseydao.com/articles/how-to-use-a-hot-wallet)

Although there are many wallet options, MetaMask is the most widely used. Start off by setting up a [Meta Mask 1 wallet](https://metamask.io/), which you will download as an extension for your web browser. 

[Read this: How to Set up Your Wallet](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14bBzsfeYvHpMTejVoadvFnyQt92I-OhbPugfvrA19dA/edit?usp=sharing)

</Section>

<Section>

# 4. Tips to keep your wallet secure

In order to set up your Web3 wallet securely, read through [these tips](https://docs.google.com/document/d/160yTxjWgshbrEyb7G_xTLsfwUu22ClTiJ_Oobg05xsc/edit). With tremendous freedom comes great responsibility.

</Section>

<Section>

# 5. Communities, People and Resources

Guide: [Trusted Places, People, and Information on the Internet You Can Learn From.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vN847dGV4OtPyPXGRmxD8yk4Py3sCA-_MjdnihVk8Es/edit?usp=sharing)

</Section>

<Section>

# 6. More Definitions and Terms

Guide: [To Help you Navigate Through the Web3 Community](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IERB5WerATxDUdmNYPY3eyO5GdZziTmryO9Cks9g6LM/edit?usp=sharing)

</Section>

Web3 101 Manual 

Starting Your Web3 Journey ft. Ladi and Isadore

Ladi Twitter

Isadore Twitter

The Power of Collaboration and Support in the Decentralized World

Web3 Music Community ft. Isadore and X&ND

X&ND Twitter

Case Studies and Tools ft. Black Dave, Mike Daley & Karma

How Have Artists Used Web3 by Raul Guerreo

Black Dave Twitter

Raul Guerreo Twitter

Mike Daley Twitter

Karma Twitter

A chat with Ricky Lake about his journey through web3

Conversation with Ricky Lake 

Ricky Lake Twitter

We sit down with Carla and Pat to talk through their experience going through web3, what helped them and how you could get started!

Conversation with Carla the Poet and Pat Junior

Carla the Poet Twitter

Pat Junior Twitter

Boy Untitled & Andrea Di Giovanni talks about Web3 onboarding.

ISSUE 005: Web3 101

Web3 101

fullscreen

Onboarding Guide

Web3 101 Manual

Conversations on Web3

Starting Your Web3 Journey ft. Ladi and Isadore

Web3 Music Community ft. Isadore and X&ND

How Have Artists Used Web3 by Raul Guerreo

Conversation with Ricky Lake

Conversation with Carla the Poet and Pat Junior

Reaching Your Listeners Directly

Artists' Journey

Starting Your Web3 Journey

Web3 101 Manual

Do any resources come to mind for any of these issues? You can submit your illustrations, books, poems, whatever it may be, using the submission portal below!

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