Over a year ago, an entrepreneurial-minded friend of mine came to me with this idea to create a social network that evolved around the question, “What are you listening too?”. It made sense, as most of us were using our Twitter and Facebook’s to tell people what we listen to while we drink latte’s, sit on the porch, or drive the backroads. Our Facebook walls were filled with music videos and new songs that we’d try to one-up each other with. Social Music was happening indirectly, but it didn’t seem like anyone had committed to the industry quite yet.

We talked about how we could sell this new social music idea to iTunes and make enough money to quit our jobs and live the dream, as it work be a viral form of music sales, an audio YouTube to say the least. (I guess we all watched the Social Network too many times) Unfortunately, our lack of experience in coding (none) and web allowed many others the chance to shine and our opportunity slipped on by. If I can’t create it, I’ll certainly play around and find out what’s already out there. Recent ASU grad Kirsten Stubbs of social media powerhouse Digital Royalty (known for their recent partnership with Shaq as he announced his retirement on social media first) posted on Twitter about a new social network that integrated avatars and streaming music playlists.  Turntable.fm is an exclusive online music streaming meets social networking created by Seth Goldstein and Billy Chasen. Users with a Facebook friend that is registered to the site are allowed access, otherwise they sit on a “waiting list” and anxiously wait on an invite.

The truth is, most of us think we are God’s gift to the world when it comes to our iTunes playlists. Turntable.FM allows users the opportunity to shine. There is already a database of user-uploaded music, or users can upload their own music to play in their DJ Queue. Each room, which reminds me of the popular days of chat rooms, features five spots on the table for DJ’s to share their music. The room playlist moves from left to right down the table, and users have the ability to rate the current song (Lame/Awesome). DJ’s are awarded points based off of positive reviews, but too many negative reviews skips the song and moves the party on to the next user. Not only do you get to build your own playlist, but you have the opportunity to share it with the world, as I recently found out in a dubstep room featuring three users from Europe. I’ve only been on Turntable for a day now, but I’ve spent over 5 hours investing into my playlist and interacting with current users, the early adopters. The options for customization and personalization are still young and minimal, however I anticipate the development of alternatives to the head bob seal of approval. (I’m shooting for a sponsored pelvic thrust option). Ultimately, Turntable.FM paves the road for music-saavy millenials to build a rapport and stream their favorite music, while meeting people with similar tastes. I even happened to meet some guys in Seattle that were hosting a room to listen to music while they were hard at work on their entrepreneurial startup. We were able to toss around some ideas for making the most out of this new media, and I wish them the best as they continue their startup. A simple edit to your DJ username and you’ve started promoting your twitter username for future connections.

You May Listen to Turntable.FM if…
1. You did a report in the 5th grade about being a DJ
2. You already use up 3-4 Pandora accounts each month
3. Your friends call you a music snob
4. You have a notebook of social media ideas
5. You have hipster glasses
6. You go to cheap bars trying to find the next band before someone else does.
7. You have a secret stash of glowsticks in your desk in case the right opportunity arises for a dance party
8. Your idea of a full-time job is attending Bonnaroo.

 Later this week, I will be hosting a “Songs of Summer” room featuring the mixes submitted by users in the Songs of Summer Challenge.