Shows potential of new creator economy
The electronic dance music DJ Joel Zimmerman, known as deadmau5, has demonstrated the potential for NFTs with a number of releases over the past few years. His success has paved the way for other EDM artists, having proved NFT technology is the future of music and art. Given deadmau5’s heavy use of technology and software in music productions and shows it’s no surprise the leap into NFTs has been wildly successful.
More than digital collectibles
Music and web3 technology combine the best of music and digital art to those who are able to fulfill many artistic functions such as musical engineering and song writing. An artist will need to experiment frequently with NFT technology and go through many trials and errors to create a successful collaboration or air drop. Despite the risks of NFTs, a creator economy for artists has evolved.
deadmau5 has reportedly made $4M in sales through NFTs, thus proving to be an outstanding pioneer of music and digital art. Steve Aoki, another EDM DJ, has taken the leap into web3 technology with Aokiverse and has reportedly made millions in sales as well.
The application of blockchain technology with music, the music metaverse, gives creators more control over their work and the ability capture the lion’s share of their efforts through NFT airdrops and sales.
deadmau5 NFT drop
deadmau5’s first NFT collection drop date was in December 2020. The sale, a single edition audiovisual NFT named ‘In Titan’s Light‘. Created by artist Sutu, it sold at auction for $93.4k on SuperRare. ‘In Titan’s Light’, one of the earliest digital collectibles released by one of the highest profile DJs in electronic dance music.
The next NFT release was on the WAX (Worldwide Asset Exchange) blockchain. The collection, known as ‘Series 1‘, are artistic NFTs which sold in packs starting at $9.99. Selling out in less than 48 hours, the drop was a huge success.
WAX was the marketplace for the ‘Series 2‘ release in 2021. Series 1 and 2 have different attributes and qualities which determine rarity and price. The collectibles are here on WAX.
The artist Mad Dog Jones collaborated with deadmau5 on his next big NFT release. ‘Block Heater’ (edition of 1) and Park Place (edition of 5) sold at auction on Nifty Gateway. $66,717.66 was the winning bid for Block Heater.
Hypnocurrency, artwork and music videos
In April 2021, deadmau5 released the track ‘Hypnocurrency’ on the mau5trap label, a collaboration with DJ Rezz. An audiovisual NFT was part of the track release, a huge surprise for fans.
The ‘Hypnocurrency’ release contained four NFTs, all limited prints. One of the NFTs, ‘JPY‘, was an edition of one that sold for $8,540.49. Hypnocurrency NFTs were released on MakersPlace, another marketplace for digital art.
Other NFT sales
deadmau5 continued his journey into NFTs with a number of new collaborations. Take a look at secondary market sites for resales.
Blankos Block Party NFT release was part of the Blankos Block Party NFT game. The collectibles are purchased in-game and can be used as accessories or skins and can be resold to other players.
The Chronicles of Creation collaboration was with artist Alan Bolton. The NFT, an audiovisual collection, released on MarkersPlace.
head5, released on the polygon blockchain, is a series of 5,555 avatar style NFTs. The collectables are available to use throughout metaverse projects such as Ready Player Me and The Sandbox. Holders of the head5 collection are eligible to receive future mau5 integrations.
deadmau5 continued pushing the envelope with web3 technology on the ‘this is fine‘ track release with Portugal. the Man. The NFT track, released on Mintbase, is only available for streaming on the blockchain.
Slickmau5, a deadmau5 NFT collaboration with graffiti artist OG Slick released on Nifty Gateway. The collection includes music from an unreleased deadmau5 album. As a bonus, one of the NFTs included a numbered art print signed by both OG Slick and deadmau5.
Early and exclusive access
If still skeptical of NFT projects, think of the technology as an autographed fine art print or a limited art print. Owners of this digital art can get access to NFT project collaboration perks or VIP experiences created by the artist. NFTs can even replicate live show tickets, giving exclusive access to backstage experiences or show footage.
Secondary Market Purchases
Each NFT you own has a a certificate of authenticity which verifies your ownership of original art. Artists receive royalty fees with secondary market transactions, making it a fantastic way for fans to support their favorite musicians directly.
If you’re into EDM and NFTs keep an eye out for the next deadmau5 and DJ NFT project. The deadmau5 team is leading the intersection of electronic dance music and block chain technology.