
Innovative Startups Celebrate Success at Music Tectonics
At the recent Music Tectonics conference, Roxxem and Music League emerged as the standout winners of the annual Swimming with Narwhals startup competition. This event highlights the intersection of music, technology, and innovation—a crucial area for professionals in the music industry.
Roxxem, an application that leverages music to enhance language learning, secured the Jury award for its creative approach. Meanwhile, Music League, a social music game platform, took home the People’s Choice award, voted on by attendees. Both startups have made impressive strides, each boasting over a million registered users.
The competition featured a rigorous selection process, narrowing down a large pool of applicants to four finalists. At the conference, these finalists pitched their innovative ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors, including representatives from notable firms like the Yamaha Music Innovation Fund and Structure Capital.
Sponsored by Troy Gould, a law firm specializing in the music and entertainment sectors, the final competition was a significant event for both startups and investors. Participants also engaged in discussions about the implications of AI in the music landscape, presenting a vital learning opportunity for all involved.
Dmitri Vietze, founder of Music Tectonics, expressed pride in the winners, stating that their projects exemplify how music can enhance everyday experiences, from language acquisition to social engagement. He emphasized the importance of innovation in expanding the music industry’s reach and impact.
Shawn Lee, co-founder of Roxxem, remarked on the value of the connections made during the conference, noting that the exposure to industry leaders would help shape the future of their product and business model. Eric West, founder of Music League, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of having seasoned industry professionals validate their approach.
The competition also featured other finalists, including Plates, which offers innovative marketing solutions for labels, and Sesh, a platform aimed at building fan communities for artists. Previous winners of this competition have included successful apps like Audioshake, showcasing the potential for transformative ideas to emerge from these events.
As the music tech landscape continues to evolve, the diverse approaches taken by this year’s Narwhal winners underscore the exciting possibilities ahead. Shayli Ankenbruck, head of events at Rock Paper Scissors, noted that every year brings new and unexpected innovations, and she looks forward to seeing what next year’s competition will unveil.
For more information about Music League, visit Music League, and to learn about Roxxem, check out Roxxem. Their success is a reminder that creativity and technology can come together to enhance the way we experience music and learning.


