Stagecast takes the concert to a whole new level

Stagecast has been developing their idea in the KTH Innovation pre-incubator since this summer. The idea was hatched when three dedicated concert attendees realised that there was an opportunity to create a whole new experience for the audience by integrating them into the fabric of a concert or event.

– The younger generation i using smartphones everywhere today. It's not just  about the phone, it's changing behaviour and new habits, which we believe artists can make better use of than they are currently doing, says Jonas Hermann, CEO of Stagecast.

The platform is built around three main functions:

Stage Moments – enables integreation such as being a part of the illumniation by using various lighting functions.

Cast Moments - the audience can take photos from specific angles or at certain times to capture, for instance, a confetti rain, and then add filters. The pictures are tagged and only other members of the audience at the specific event can access them.

Message moments - allows organisers to send specific information to the audience and opens up for potential commercials or advertising.

Engaged audiences lift shows

Jonas Hermann explains that the team fell in love with the problem that became the foundation of their innovation. He maintains that people seem to try very hard to have an idea to realise, while it is much more important to be passionate about something and find a solution to a problem or need that already exists. An example is being able to ask the audience to use their mobile flashlights at a certain point in the concert, or play a particular sound simultaneously. This engages the audience and enhances their experience.

Recent changes in the music industry, such as the establishing of Spotify, force artists to view revenue and concert experiences in a new light. In the past, concerts have been a way for artists to market a new album but today it is the live experience in itself that can bring the artist revenue and create unforgettable moments for the audience.

– Today, artists can take control of the way audiences use their mobile phones during concerts so that it does not become distracting but rather an opportunity to guide fans in how and when they should ideally interact, and when they should not.  This will enhance the experience for all involved, says Jonas Hermann.

The team is key

Part of the team behind Stagecast is Hedvig Ahlgren who got to know Jonas Hermann when they studied for their master in Product Innovation at KTH. Jonas is originally from Germany but studied for his master here. Another team member from KTH is Markus Wallentin who is doing a master in Technology Design and works with product development. Robin Bugdahn, the fourth member, is an UX/UI designer and studies at FH Mainz in Frankfurt. Five programmers are currently working on completing the beta version of Stagecasts that is going to be tested for the first time with the band ”Bear with us” at a  live concert on 16th November in Stockholm , a long awaited event for the founders.

– This is a huge challenge for us because so many are involved. The venue, the band, the audience, audio/visual - everything must click into place! And we are going to make it work, says Hedvig Ahlgren.

Valuable support by KTH Innovation

The KTH Innovation business coach Anjali Paul Virmani has worked with this case from the beginning, Stagecast was accepted into the pre-incubator in July this year and the team are happy with the additional resource that a physical office space and working alongside like minded students and researchers mean.

– We love it! We learn from each other when we take similar steps and overcome the same hurdles on the way. The opportunity to go to Silicon Valley on the KTH Innovation Brighter Program was also very important to us, says Jonas Hermann.

A first Hackathon is now planned in order for the team to expand. Traditional job interviews are not Stagecasts tune.

– We want to employ our next colleague through a fun experience and a nice prize for the entrepreneurial mind. The one we select during the event not only wins a place on the team but also gets to go to Slush later in November! concludes Hedvig Ahlgren.