Indy Livestreaming Startup ‘Elected’ for Free Voting Concert
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs you head to the polls today to cast your vote, a selfie to prove you took part in the civic process can also serve as your ticket to a big music event. The selfie gives voters access to free concerts from 600 performers as part of the #iVoted Festival, billed as the largest single-day digital concert on record, and produced by Indianapolis-based startup Mandolin.
The live concert streaming service is managing the technical operations of webcasting performances from across the country on election day.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Mandolin Chief Marketing Office Meghann York explained the origin of the program.
“The festival started many years ago, trying to get people to come out and vote. People could prove that they voted, and they were able to go to a free concert and venues,” said York.
The COVID-19 pandemic struck a chord as music venues and concert halls were shut down. Mandolin was created as an opportunity for musicians to still perform to fans in the virtual world.
“The pandemic has really sort of decimated the music industry and our co-founders saw a really, really great opportunity to be able to bring live music back into fan’s homes. You know, nothing connects us like music does,” said York.
As the pandemic continued, festival organizers decided to stream the festival from multiple locations and tapped Mandolin for the task.
“They wanted to take that festival digital this year, and we were chosen as a platform. It’s going to be the largest digital festival that’s ever been held,” said York.
York says voters can take a self-photo with their ballot or at the polling station. Fans can then share the selfie on social media by tagging @iVotedFestival.
This event will raise the profile of the Indiana company which only got started in March. But even before being selected to drive the massive concert event, the company has been enjoying success.
Last month, the company announced it had landed $5 million in seed funding for its live-streaming music platform.
“We’re bringing live music back to people. And then we’re also giving artists and venues, that have really been hit economically by the pandemic, the opportunity to perform again and sell tickets again and prosper from their art. So, it’s very exciting to be doing that here in Indianapolis,” said York.
To learn more about the festival, click here.