The Loop Machine
NESTA project: Starter for 6
Almost two years ago when sound designer, Yann Seznec made music software for the Nintendo Wii controller as part of a university project, he was overwhelmed by the speed in which it was received once he put it on his website. From 50 -10,000 hits in just a matter of days, he knew he was on to something.
What is the Loop Machine?The Loop Machine enables users to dub audio files, like a drum pattern or baseline, on to their computer, which then automatically sync together to create a musical sound. The unique part of Yann’s design, however, is that these musical samples can be manipulated by moving the Nintendo wiimote around. This means the user can move about with the wiimote in their hand, making music and performing at the same time. |
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“I wanted to create something that would let users make their own music without keyboards, or a mouse. The Loop Machine can be used to make beats, remix tracks, perform, or just explore music and sound through movement,” says Yann.
“The Loop Machine will appeal to people in their teens to mid-twenties who want to make their own music without having to learn a new instrument. It is really sparking some interest and has been used in concerts (and bedrooms) all over the world.”
Business barriers
Yann knew he had created an exciting product for the market, but says it was difficult to get buy-in from the large companies that control the gaming market.
“It was a real challenge to get the companies that control getting a console in the market to sit up and take notice. They didn’t care much for a small and independent new guy on the block.”
Yann didn’t realise at the time, but appearing on Dragon’s Den, albeit unsuccessfully, would have a major effect on his company’s success.
“While the Dragon’s didn’t like it, big developers saw me on the show, understood the product and recognised it as having a powerful place in the market. Ironically, an unsuccessful result on the show has actually been the best thing for my product,” he says.
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Starter for 6Being on shows like Dragon’s Den meant Yann had to have an unbeatable pitch. The selection process and interviews for Starter for 6 turned out to be the best practice.” Yann says the assistance from Starter for 6 has provided impetus for sourcing funding elsewhere. |
“Being able to say, ‘I’m supported by NESTA’, is priceless. NESTA is a huge name, and their support of my product creates credibility.”
The road ahead
Yann will continue to sell the Loop Machine online, and is looking to officially launch a licensed version of his software next year.
In the meantime he plans to secure deals with major console companies, as well as work on the next version which may include a visual component.
Written: September 2008