In this comprehensive AMA Hang, Lars Rasmussen—co-creator of Google Maps and core architect of Google Wave—shares the full story of turning a post-dot-com-layoff project into a global mapping phenomenon, the funding and technical hurdles they conquered, hard-earned lessons from Wave, his role in building Canva’s first engineering team, and his ambitious revival of the ancient Panathēnea innovation festival in Athens.
Hangout blog
In this in-depth AMA Hang, Rob Reid—co‑founder of Rhapsody and bestselling sci‑fi author—takes us from the early days of MP3 piracy to today’s AI‑driven remix culture. We explore how unlimited streaming was born, why we still cherish our vinyl and MP3 collections, and what storytelling and technology can teach us about navigating future risks.
Stefan Heinrich walked us through the evolution of fan‑driven remix culture, from his early days in music tech to building covers.ai, a tool that lets anyone swap lyrics, genres, and voices with one click. We dove into how AI is democratizing creativity—turning passive listeners into active creators—and the importance of building social, closed‑circuit streaming communities where friends share and co‑create. Along the way, Stefan shared hard‑won marketing lessons from YouTube to TikTok to AI and even launched a Discord karaoke game that brings Hangout’s community vibe to life.
Join Hangout.fm founder Joseph Perla for an expansive, music‑fueled AMA Hang with producer‑drummer‑label‑owner Kerry Brown as he traces his journey from teenage hustles at SoCal record stores to overnight $50 demo sessions in Chicago and landmark sessions on Smashing Pumpkins classics. Discover how Kerry’s signature Big Muff tones caught Billy Corgan’s ear, learn the untold backstory behind reviving the iconic Licorice Pizza Records & Pressing, and relive full‑circle collaborations with Mick Fleetwood, Gretchen Rhodes, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s film soundtrack. Through rare anecdotes—from trading a pinball machine and buckets of licorice for studio time, to launching micro‑labels with one‑sentence branding—Kerry offers hard‑won lessons on speed‑production magic, balancing art and business, and building community in every groove. Featuring a curated 13‑track playlist of demos, deep cuts, covers, and vinyl‑first releases, this immersive conversation weaves storytelling, live Q&A, and collaborative mixtape moments into a celebration of DIY spirit and the enduring power of music to connect us all on Hangout.fm.
Lars Murray traced his journey from college radio to pioneering digital strategy at Pandora, highlighting the pivotal moments—like early MP3 licensing deals and algorithmic breakthroughs—that shaped streaming as we know it. He emphasized the critical role of direct‑to‑fan engagement, data ownership, and building artist communities beyond mere algorithmic discovery, drawing on experiences with legends such as Gorillaz and Daft Punk. Looking ahead, Lars argued for a more human‑centered streaming future—where real‑world events, charitable collaborations, and artist‑driven experiences reclaim the emotional heart of music.
We've lost something in the streaming era. Music used to be more than something we consumed alone in our headphones. It was something we **shared** — at parties, over dorm-room speakers, scribbled in Sharpie on burned CDs. We passed around songs like notes in class. We made each other tapes, playlists, and memories. Streaming changed everything. The stories behind our mixes, our 'liner notes' got lost.
Many of us struggle to stay motivated when we're locked into solitary study sessions, staring at the same old playlists that barely keep our eyes open. If you crave a more dynamic way to tackle reading lists, assignments, or coding projects, **Hangout** might be exactly what you need. Far from being a static music app, Hangout is a virtual DJ lounge that encourages you to share music, collaborate in real time, and feed off a collective energy that makes studying feel less lonely.
Hangout and Co-Working Spaces: Elevate Your Workspace with Collaborative Soundscapes
Hangout and Coffee Shops: Brew Up a Community-Driven Musical Experience
Hangout and Chat: Your Digital Living Room for Authentic Conversations
Hangout and Festival Reconnect: Keep the Vibe Alive After the Headliners
Hangout and Gaming: Level Up Your Multiplayer Experience
Hangout and Gaming: Level Up Your Multiplayer Experience
Hangout and Karaoke: Bring the Joy of Singing Together Anywhere
Hangout and Retail: Transform Your In-Store Experience with Live Music
Hangout and Pre-Game: Elevate Your Night Out Before You Even Leave the House
Hangout and Love: Create Intimate Moments No Matter the Distance
If you’ve ever tested new headphones or a microphone only to realize static sample tracks don't do them justice, you know the frustration of lacking a real demo experience. That’s where **Hangout** comes in—an interactive, music-driven platform that doubles as a live, communal testing ground for the latest audio gear. Whether you’re an up-and-coming hardware brand or an audiophile eager to put new equipment through its paces, partnering with Hangout creates a dynamic, engaging showcase unlike any static ad or standard review page.
Hangout and Creativity: Fuel Your Artistic Flow
Hangout and Relax: Find Your Chill Zone in a Virtual Soundscape
Hangout and Museums: Enhance Visitor Experiences with Ambient Audio
Hangout and Fitness Studios: Elevate Your Workout with Live Music Vibes
Hangout and Bars: Amplify Your Nightlife with a Digital After-Hours Lounge
Introducing Hangout
Here are some different settings you can change to make your hangout a more unique experience