Musician and entrepreneur Tom Vek builds Sleevenote music player
Musician and entrepreneur Tom Vek is building a digital music player called Sleevenote, but he insists it is not retro.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Tom Vek is developing a dedicated digital audio player named Sleevenote.
- The final batch of Day One Editions is priced at $349.
- The concept is inspired by vinyl record packaging and liner notes.
- Vek actively discourages the current trend of retro cassette and CD players.
Tom Vek, the musician who burst onto the scene in 2005 with his debut album We Have Sound, has transitioned into tech entrepreneurship by developing a digital music player called Sleevenote. Originating the idea in 2020, Vek wanted to bring the aesthetic and magic of album cover art and liner notes back to digital audio, drawing direct inspiration from vinyl packaging.
Initially, the project faced major hurdles in sourcing parts like square screens, and the first prototype was excessively bulky, roughly the size of a 7-inch single. However, Vek has returned with an updated Sleevenote iteration that is smaller, more affordable, and currently available as the final batch of Day One Editions for $349.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
A musician stepping into hardware development highlights a unique shift in the modern audio landscape dominated by smartphones. By focusing on offline listening and direct digital music purchases, Sleevenote aims to create a sustainable model that benefits independent artists directly, setting itself apart from mainstream streaming services or second-party physical media sales.
In an interview with The Verge, Vek shared insights into his daily operations as a musician-turned-entrepreneur. He noted that his most indispensable tool is a MacBook, which he utilizes for UI design, graphic creation, video editing, and executing design concepts. He also humorously admitted to keeping an overwhelming number of tabs open across multiple Chrome profiles to manage his workflow and promotional tasks.
"This is a bit salty, but the trend for new retro-style CD players and cassette players. It is a great sign that people want offline dedicated music experiences, but I want to see new ideas."
Tom Vek
Vek emphasized that he does not want his device categorized as retro. Instead, he advocates for thoughtfully crafted indie tech products that promote digital music purchasing, which he believes is far more beneficial for musicians than buying second-hand CDs, aiming to steer future generations away from predictable tech and nostalgia cycles.
Source: The Verge
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