Along the way with our mission to empower the world with web3 tech, Gala has learned many lessons. One of the most resounding is the importance of fostering the next generation of builders in this constantly changing world of immersive technology. We’re looking to support the upbringing of new innovators in web3 tech, inspiring creativity on new levels, building careers and creating new ways for GalaChain to change the world.
We’re incredibly excited to kick off Gala Music’s University empowerment initiative by hosting a special FIT “Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition” to be held during the school’s spring semester of 2024. Any undergrad student from the Fashion Institute of Technology is eligible to participate, with cash prizes provided by Gala for the top 3 contestants..
What is FIT?
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a public college in New York City with a focus on art, business, design, and technology related to the fashion industry. Established in 1944, it boasts a vibrant, creative environment for its over 9,700 students. FIT offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving creative economy. Its strong industry connections and New York City location set it apart, making it a leader in fashion education.
How was this Competition Born?
Gala wants to partner with secondary education institutions and programs that share our values of empowerment through new tech and decentralization. FIT’s Entrepreneurial program was a perfect fit for this competition, which we hope will be the first of a series of different competitions around the world, sponsored by Gala and built to show tomorrow’s entrepreneurial innovators practical applications for their brilliantly creative spirits.
Participating students will work with faculty mentors and Gala Music team members, getting to know the ins and outs of GalaChain and becoming familiar with the core Gala principles of decentralization and interoperability. By envisioning and pitching a project for the GalaChain ecosystem, students will learn valuable practical skills that guide them through the highly marketable process of web3 development.
How does it Work?
The Student Pitch Competition will be presented to undergrad and graduate students in a handful of Entrepreneurship classes during the spring semester:
EP 311 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship EP 321 – The Business Plan EP 360 – Social Enterprise EP 362 – Introduction to Blockchain EP 452 – Entrepreneurship Practicum
Participants will create video pitch decks and presentations for new entrepreneurial business concepts, projects, products and services, giving them an exceptional opportunity to put FIT’s entrepreneurial principles into practice.
With 2 rounds of submission and presentation, the field of participating contestants will ultimately be narrowed down to three overall winners. First place will receive a prize of $3000, 2nd place will receive $1500 and third place will receive $500. As the host of this competition, Gala will provide prizes for the winners.
With the spring semester already underway, the initial submission round deadline is April 4th. Ten contestants will move on to the 2nd round and submit their final pitch presentations to the panel of judges, made up of Gala representatives and select industry community members.
We look forward to sharing the winning entries with the community next month, as well as the invaluable opportunities unlocked by participating students.
Gala is creating a web3 world of innovative new ideas, led by the visionary minds of tomorrow. Join us at Gala Music to start empowering emerging artists and creators today.
This past weekend Vallejo, California was abuzz with riveting entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere, celebrating Black History at the Ethnic Notions Fine Arts Gallery. With sponsorship from Gala Music, this event was masterfully hosted and produced by Lecrecia David Evans and Askari Sowonde (Mz. Askari).
The spotlight illuminated prodigious talents from the Aim4thehearth organization, featuring performances that left the audience spellbound. Artists familiar to fans of Gala Music like Louis King and Stu Summerville appeared alongside talented individuals who will soon be seen on our platform, such as Courtney Mims and Keki Dexter.
The event was more than just a showcase of musical prowess; it was an intimate gathering that peeled back layers on the struggles faced by the Black and local Vallejo communities. A panel discussion with the artists offered a deeper dive into their musical motivations and reflections on the current hip-hop scene across the nation.
The underlying message? A resounding call to bolster local communities by nurturing arts programs – broaden the horizons of younger generations, foster emotional intelligence, and forge deeper connections. The night absolutely underscored the power of community, music, and meaningful dialogue.
Partnering for a Cause
Gala Music was thrilled to join forces with Leila Steinberg’s non-profit aim4theheart, which uses music and art to promote emotional literacy and positively impact communities. We appreciate everyone who attended the event to help support this meaningful organization and its mission.
More than just a music platform, Gala Music is committed to empowering communities and fostering cultural appreciation. This partnership and event may be at the end of Black History Month, but that doesn’t mean our mission of representation and empowering artists and fans stops – We are entirely dedicated to bringing the value and benefits of web3 technology to a wider audience, giving artists a platform to share their music.
The Power of Music
Music isn’t just a shared interest, it’s common blood. Music unites us – a diverse and harmonious ancestral heritage that unites the whole world far more than it separates us. Music has the power to change hearts and minds, to instigate personal growth, and to bring people together in a way no other form of expression can.
We talk a lot about how we can change the world of music for the better, but it’s important to remember the bigger conversation is about music changing the world for the better.
We’re always ready to be part of that conversation.
Louis King is making major noise with his triumphant return to the Gala Music ecosystem. This time, he’s bringing a list of major heavy hitters from the hip hop world.
Famous in the Metaverse
This 10-track Gala Music exclusive album is jam packed with all stars. The list below should speak for itself.
DMX
Snoop Dogg
Wiz Khalifa
CURREN$Y
Pusha T
Benny the Butcher
Ab-Soul
Big Krit
Royce Da 5’9
Conway The Machine
Boasting a combined 105M+ monthly listeners on Spotify and 120M+ Instagram followers, this roster of featured artists is nothing short of legendary for a web3 exclusive album drop.
Each track on “Famous in the Metaverse” is a testament to Louis King’s prowess and adaptability, blending unique styles seamlessly with the futuristic beats that characterize the album. Rap and Hip Hop artists have historically been the pioneers that have pushed the music industry forward and this album is doing just the same. This iconic album serves as a beacon, guiding the way for future generations of artists to embrace the limitless possibilities that technology and artistry can achieve together.
With hip hop stars like these on the featured list, we couldn’t resist spreading out the excitement a little. Let’s give each new weekly exclusive track pair the attention it deserves and invite the followers of hip hop megastars to empower themselves for the first time with web3 track ownership on Gala Music.
Individual tracks hit the store in limited supply (Only 100 of each Signature Edition track) at a price of $200 each. Keep in mind that these tracks are reward enabled—When paired with a Jukebox Node, owners receive $MUSIC rewards based on the number of listens. With nowhere else to hear them, you better believe these tracks will get some serious listening action from Gala Music OGs and newcomers alike.
What’s Already Dropped?
February 6 – 1pm PT
Stand Out (feat. Conway the Machine & Monia Ashibi)
Signature Edition Sold Out
Next drop: Pioneer Edition (300 Supply)
“Stand Out” is a smooth yet high flying shoot out of a Hip Hop introduction featuring Griselda Records’ own Conway the Machine & Gala Music’s Monia Ashibi. “Stand Out” transcends genres, taking elements of hardcore Hip Hop, conscious rap, and contemporary R&B. The chorus, beautifully sung by Monia, serves as a melodic interlude that adds a touch of vulnerability to the track. Her soulful voice carries a sense of longing and hope, providing a contrast to the explosive verses of Conway and King. The soothing vocals act as a musical bridge, connecting the diverse elements of the song into a cohesive and emotionally charged experience.
“4Eva in LA” is a monumental collaboration between two rap titans, Big K.R.I.T. and Louis King, paying homage to their shared experiences and celebrating their rise in the rap game. The beat kicks off with a soulful, bouncy southern-inspired melody, layered with deep bass lines and smooth percussion, creating a hypnotic backdrop that captures the essence of their Mississippi and California origins. As the track unfolds, the production mixes classic Southern vibes with West Coast, along with innovative elements, setting the stage for the lyrical mastery to come.
February 11 – 1pm PT
Sweet Music (feat. Snoop Dogg and Hope) Signature and Pioneer Editions Sold Out
Next drop: Limited Edition (1000 Supply)
Welcome to the sonic landscape of “Sweet Music”, a collaborative masterpiece that brings together the iconic Snoop Dogg, the poetic brilliance of Louis King, and the ethereal enchantment of Gala Music’s own Hope. This soulful rap symphony harmoniously blends West Coast Bounce with introspective lyricism creating a smooth and jazz-infused backdrop in an otherworldly atmosphere.
Two lyrical maestros bringing together the timeless essence of Nostalgic LoFi Hip-Hop with an infusion of radioactive lyricism and soulful vocals from Alianna. As the beat kicks in, a smooth, laid-back groove takes over, echoing the golden age of hip-hop with a modern twist. Royce da 5’9 and Louis King effortlessly ride the wave with their intricate wordplay and reflective storytelling. The chemistry between Royce’s gritty, seasoned flow and King’s introspective cadence creates a dynamic interplay, elevating the track to new heights.
Benny the Butcher & Louis King ignite the metaverse with this interstellar street anthem dressed with creamy vocals from the talented Leven Kali. A poignant reflection of the struggles and triumphs of life in the streets, blending Benny’s raw street narrative with King’s introspective storytelling. The track explores the complexities of life, offering listeners an experience that is both profound and exhilarating. “Best Life” is a testament to the power of collaboration, as three of the industry’s most innovative artists come together to create an ambient treasure.
What’s Up Next?
February 27 – 1pm PT
Dorothy (feat. Pusha T & Courtney Mimz)
Anybody (feat. Ab-Soul)
March 5 – 1pm PT
Spotlight (feat. Curren$y)
Make it Pay (feat. Wiz Khalifa)
March 8 – 1pm PT
Anthem 4 the Underdawgz (feat. DMX)
Q&A with Louis King
Why was this project created?
Famous in the Metaverse breaks through the boundaries of traditional projects and sets the tone for a world where artists are given the opportunity to take back control of their ownership, where artists are judged for who they are and what they are bringing to the world instead of how much clout they have on social media.
Why did you choose these featured artists?
Each specific artist was chosen based on a connection I have to the artist or their music. Something in each of these artists speaks to me and the message I wanted to send in Famous in the Metaverse. Also these legendary artists were bold enough to take a chance on an independent artist, prioritizing my music, lyrics and who I am as an artist over the fame (or lack thereof).
What was it like working with these collaborators?
Ab-Soul and Krit were the first to jump on the project. Soul doesn’t do many features in general so that was very special! Krit said he wasn’t doing any features because he was focused on his album but said once he heard the song he couldn’t help but write a verse.
Snoop has always been a great support in my career and he was a dream to work with on this project. I will always value kindness over fame. A coach of mine used to say “it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice,” and Snoop is an excellent example of that.
How has it been working with Gala?
Working with Gala Music has changed the way I think about music, art and entrepreneurship. Gala helped me to shape my vision and execute it every step of the way and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fantastic, innovative and hardworking team.
Turn up the volume to empower your fellow listeners with the new Gala Music referral program!
We’re better together.
In the web3 world, that rings true like a perfectly placed power chord at the moment the crowd goes wild. That’s why we’re bringing back some classic referral rewards, encouraging each of you to share the love and spread the music, so that we can all make more music–together.
Don’t worry. This isn’t some corruptible account farming situation where the bots will come in and ruin everyone’s fun. This is just a good ol’ gamified opportunity to spread the word and earn some additional MUSIC rewards when your referred users take action and start digging into the Gala Music platform. When you come back and tell them how excited you are to get some extra MUSIC, they’ll start sharing themselves. Hey, we all love music, and with a rapidly growing catalog of awesome emerging artists, Gala Music has something for everyone.
How It Works
The daily MUSIC distribution for referrals is based on a point system, and the total amount of MUSIC in the daily pool is determined by the total amount of MUSIC spent on the platform in each 24-hour period. There are a couple different actions from your referred users that will help you stash some points:
Run a Jukebox Node for the first time = 15 points
Node operators are the backbone of the decentralized ecosystems across Gala, whether they’re powering a game, forming the foundation of the network, or empowering listeners to earn rewards for the Gala Music tracks they own. When you refer a user that goes on to run their first Jukebox Node, this referral bonus is a token of our gratitude.
They Pair a Purchased Track with a Community Jukebox Node = 1 point
When your referred users start collecting tracks, they’ll want to pair them with active Jukebox Nodes to unlock daily MUSIC rewards for that track based on its popularity. When your referred user pairs their new track for the first time with a Jukebox Node, you’ll get a point in that day’s referral distribution.
Please note that these referral rewards are for the first time a user you referred performs these actions
You’ll find your unique referral link in the top right corner of each track page, as pictured below:
FAQ
Q: What if I already referred users to Gala using the social share link on Gala Games?
A: Those users will still qualify you for referral rewards if and when they ran a Jukebox Node for the first time or pair a track to a Jukebox Node for the first time.
Q: Is there a cookie referral window?
A: There is no cookie time duration currently. Referred accounts created are noted on your account forever as referred users.
Q: Is there a reward for referring listens?
A: No, this would be too easy to abuse, ruining everyone’s fun and rewards.
We’re psyched to offer a new way for casual users of the Gala Music platform to support their favorite artists and uplift the entire ecosystem while earning some MUSIC rewards for themselves. By referring your friends and inviting others to the Gala Music party, you can start to make some MUSIC of your own, and before you know it you’re building your Track collection!
