An engaging music show on social media invites participants, whether they are random individuals in New York, well-known celebrities, or even the Vice President of the United States, to guess the artist playing for a chance to win five dollars. Participants receive headphones and a microphone in hopes they can identify the song being played.
The show, named Track Star, is hosted by Jack Coyne. During an episode of The Vergecast, part of a three-part miniseries on the future of music, Coyne shares the story behind Track Star.
The discussion covers the show’s evolution from a New York trivia show called Public Opinion, exploring how Coyne and his collaborators established the show’s format and rhythm. He reflects on his responsibilities as the host and the surprising interest from prominent figures like Ed Sheeran, Olivia Rodrigo, Jack Antonoff, Nelly Furtado, Kamala Harris, and Oprah, who sought to participate in the show. Despite featuring such high-profile guests, Coyne notes that the essence of Track Star remained unchanged.
The conversation also delves into Track Star‘s success and its significance in today’s music industry. Coyne and his team are planning to expand the franchise, confident that Track Star has a unique position in an online space saturated with music content. They believe that with the right combination of music, conversation, and a curated playlist, there is substantial potential for growth.
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