Máuhan M. Zonoozy, who led innovation at Spotify before departing in 2024, has launched A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya, a startup focused on experimental music-making tools, and secured $5.5 million in pre-seed funding, according to TechCrunch.
The backing includes Dawn Ostroff, Spotify's former chief content and advertising officer, as an advisor. Investors include Mantis VC, SV Angel, and BoxGroup.
Zonoozy told TechCrunch that streaming solved the access problem, but music interaction remained stuck in consumption mode. The startup's answer is a series of experimental apps that turn music creation into something interactive. Speed Surfer lets you tweak audio in your browser. Usersound turns letters into musical notes for audio usernames. Drops places marbles and plaques to generate melodies. Stacks is a stem player you manipulate like a grid game.
The flagship product, bop, is an iOS app where you place instruments and effects on a grid, adjust tempo, add effects, and export directly to TikTok or Instagram. A multiplayer remix version is in development.
Zonoozy's observation that "younger audiences growing up playing with culture through games, filters, and creation tools" reflects how Gen Z and Gen Alpha engage with entertainment. They do not passively stream; they participate. TikTok's dominance proves this.
Most music apps demand expertise or expensive equipment. These experimental apps lower the barrier to entry dramatically. You don't need to know music theory to create something shareable.
For Indian audiences and creators, this kind of tool could matter on platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, where music and remix culture already thrive. The fact that bop exports to TikTok means creators in India will be watching, especially if the app localizes features or integrates with regional music.
The $5.5 million funding and advisory board suggest investors see potential for growth. If Zonoozy can build out the multiplayer remix experience, A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya could change how people approach music interaction in the post-streaming era.
