“Music Should Be a Conversation, Not an Algorithm” - Hangout.fm brings communal music listening back to the digital world
Music has always been a social glue—something we’ve shared around campfires, at concerts, and in living rooms. Yet in the age of streaming, the communal joy of music has been overshadowed by solo playlists and algorithm-driven recommendations. Enter Hangout.fm, a bold new platform that’s reimagining how we experience music online.
Unveiled at the Creative Summit, Hangout.fm brings together Joseph Perla, the platform’s visionary Founder & CEO, multi-platinum artist Daniel Bedingfield, and Lars Murray, host of the Unlimited Supply Daily podcast. With the backing of global licensing deals, gamification, and a focus on human connection, Hangout.fm is turning music into the ultimate social experience once again.
In this Q&A, the trio dives into the platform’s mission, its game-changing features, and why Hangout.fm is set to reshape the music industry—and the way we connect.
From Solo to Social
Hangout.fm turns music into a shared experience, not a solo act.
Q: What is Hangout.fm, and why is it different from existing music platforms?Joseph Perla: Hangout.fm is a social music platform that focuses on connection. Right now, music streaming is a solo experience. Think about it: you wouldn’t go to a party and wear headphones, but that’s how we listen to music online. Hangout.fm brings people together to discover and enjoy music socially, like we’ve done for centuries before streaming took over.
Timing Is Everything
Why Hangout.fm is succeeding where others failed.
Q: Social music platforms aren’t new—why hasn’t this idea taken off until now?Joseph Perla: Timing is everything. In 2010, I created Turntable.fm, which went viral but couldn’t last due to licensing and tech limitations. Now, music subscriptions and virtual goods are mainstream. We’ve secured licensing deals in 180 countries, so Hangout.fm is built to last.
Artists Reclaim Their Fans
Daniel Bedingfield on direct fan connection and creative freedom.
Q: Daniel, what excites you about Hangout.fm as an artist?Daniel Bedingfield: For me, it’s the fan connection. I can create a room, share a new track, and get direct feedback from listeners. It’s like doing my own market research but in a way that feels organic and exciting. It also lets me interact with fans globally in a way that’s fun, not awkward like a Zoom call.
Fans as DJs, Artists as Leaders
Hangout.fm bridges the gap between listeners and creators.
Q: How does Hangout.fm enhance fan engagement?
Daniel Bedingfield: Before my concerts, I can host listening sessions where fans vote on tracks, build playlists, and connect with each other. It’s a way to build hype and create a sense of community before the show even starts.
Joseph Perla: Fans can DJ alongside their favorite artists and earn points for playing tracks others love. It’s gamified but deeply human, focusing on shared moments over algorithms.
The Human Touch
Why Hangout.fm is prioritizing people over algorithms.
Q: Why is this human connection so important to Hangout.fm?Joseph Perla: Social media thrives on division, and music should be the opposite—uniting people. AI can recommend songs, but it can’t replicate the joy of discovering music with friends or strangers. Hangout.fm is about putting the human back in music discovery.
The Future of Fan Engagement
Hangout.fm gives artists new ways to connect and build buzz.
Q: Lars, what makes Hangout.fm a game-changer for the music industry?Lars Murray: Direct-to-fan engagement is the big thing right now. With Hangout.fm, artists can host listening parties and gather instant feedback. It’s a new way to launch records, create buzz, and connect directly with fans without relying on gatekeepers.
Music’s Cultural Revival
Hangout.fm is bringing back the communal joy of music.
Q: What’s next for Hangout.fm?
Joseph Perla: Today, we’re launching globally on iOS, Android, and web. We’re also integrated with Discord. Long-term, this isn’t just a platform—it’s a cultural shift. Music has always been social, and we’re simply bringing it back to its roots.
Daniel Bedingfield: I’ll be in my room spinning tracks and connecting with fans. And who knows—you might hear some exclusive previews of my next big hits!
Final Thoughts: “Just Have Fun”
Joseph Perla on why Hangout.fm is music’s next evolution.
Q: Final thoughts for anyone curious about Hangout.fm?
Joseph Perla: Just have fun. Music is meant to be shared, and with Hangout.fm, we’re bringing that joy back to life.
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