Let's be blunt. As we know, for too long the music industry has been a rigged game. Artists put their blood sweat and tears into their art. Sadly, that’s only a drop in the bucket that goes back to them—the majority of the profit goes straight to labels and streaming companies. The worst part is that you, the listener, are stuck renting your music, never actually owning it. What if there was a way to take the whole damn thing and make it decentralized?

Enter Pacific Spirit, the latest collaboration by 747 (Ryan Chan), Enicoll, Art Blocks Studio and Aquaregia. It’s not just another NFT drop. It’s an explicit middle finger to the traditional music industry, all enclosed in an absolutely stunning generative art vinyl sleeve. That’s because it could be the beginning of something truly revolutionary.

Think about it. For decades, the music industry has been dominated by gatekeepers: labels, distributors, and now, streaming platforms. These organizations control what gets produced, where it goes, and who receives the money. Under the current system, artists are systemically coerced into signing away their rights and creative control in return for a fleeting chance at success.

Deregulation and Artistic Freedom

Pacific Spirit cuts through that red tape. 747 and Enicoll are creating more direct connections to their audience. They present collectors with a genuinely ownable piece of art and music. No intermediary, no censorship, just unfiltered artistic expression and direct public support. It’s the same as homeschooling your kids to save them from woke indoctrination factories. Or, it’s building a sustainable local food economy so you can grow your own food and avoid the pesticide-laden crap in the grocery store. That's freedom, baby.

This project embodies the spirit of deregulation. We provide artists with the tools to invest in their terms. This enables them to reap the benefits of their labor and liberate themselves from the oppressive hierarchies that have held them down for far too long. Isn't that what art should be about?

This NFT layer is a key feature of Pacific Spirit. It’s not simply the latest digital bauble, it’s actually a certificate of ownership to an original work of art. A verifiable, unique, and privately-owned deed.

Privatize Art, Own Your Culture

The hard thing about the traditional music industry is ownership is very fuzzy. When you “buy” a digital download, you’re not so much buying it as licensing the right to own the digital bitstream and listen to it. While streaming services provide convenience and access, you don’t own anything. In the case of Pacific Spirit, the collector receives full ownership of the generative artwork. Naturally, the DJ has the physical vinyl, and thus the piece of culture.

This is privatization in its purest form. Cut out the intermediaries! Rather than relying on mega corporations or universities to control the access and distribution of art, you can prioritize supporting artists directly and building your own collection. It’s an issue of reasserting control over our cultural space.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "NFTs are just scams!" Now, I get it—there are bad actors in any new technology. That doesn't invalidate the underlying principle. That does not mean we should waste it. It simply means we should be intelligent in how we apply it. Conduct your own research, ensure you are dealing with credible artists, and be willing to assume the risk of your investment. And like any other market, it’s buyer beware.

Blockchain technology, the distributed ledger technology that underpins all cryptocurrencies, is the pulse of this revolution. It provides transparency, scarcity, and authenticity to the art industry. Each sale is stored on an indisputable public ledger, ensuring that it would be nearly impossible to forge or tamper with the work.

Blockchain: Solution, Not Problem

It’s no wonder that critics often cite the environmental impact of proof of work blockchains as an insurmountable flaw. They are not wrong, some of them are real energy hogs. But let's be real: the traditional music industry is hardly a paragon of environmental responsibility. Imagine all that plastic CDs, the transport, shipping, coolers full of fish for overseas travel, CEOs and executives private jets.

The answer isn’t to reject blockchain, it’s to support more energy-efficient blockchains and encourage responsible use. Her vision for the future of art ownership is decentralized, transparent, and sustainable.

Pacific Spirit is not only a pretty artsy bow to tie around this initiatives’ example. It's a statement. It’s an assertion that artists and collectors alike are willing to reclaim power. It’s a snapshot of a possible future where art is no longer artificially encumbered by the stifling shackles of corporate greed.

Only time will tell. One thing is certain: The spirit of innovation is alive and well, and it's shaking up the music industry like never before. So, turn up the sound, put on the record, and let’s rock this revolution. Your wallet will thank you. (Maybe.)

The author holds a small number of NFTs and may or may not purchase a Pacific Spirit NFT. This is not financial advice. Invest at your own risk.

  • Will Pacific Spirit's approach become the new standard for music releases?
  • How will traditional record labels respond to this challenge?
  • Is this the beginning of a truly decentralized art market?

Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: The spirit of innovation is alive and well, and it's shaking up the music industry like never before. So, crank up the volume, spin the vinyl, and join the revolution. Your wallet will thank you. (Maybe.)

Disclaimer: The author holds a small number of NFTs and may or may not purchase a Pacific Spirit NFT. This is not financial advice. Invest at your own risk.