Interview with Gary Archer

Jul 21, 2024

Lecture Notes: Interview with Gary Archer

Introduction

  • Guest: Gary Archer
  • Host: Party Boy Lawrence
  • Topic: Gary's journey, tech company, and experiences in the music industry.

Gary's Tech Company: Gauger (GAUGR)

  • Concept: An advanced feedback system designed initially for the music community.
  • Functionality: Gauger allows artists to get nuanced feedback on their music.
    • Users can rank aspects such as beat, lyrics, hook, and overall hit potential using a 0-100 sliding scale.
    • Solution to vague 'like' buttons, providing detailed, actionable insights.
  • Expansion: The tech is transitioning to other industries, e.g., restaurants, car dealerships, and more.
    • Enables detailed feedback on services, helping businesses understand strengths and areas for improvement.

Gauger's Feedback and Engagement Features

  • Uber of Feedback: Artists can pay to get their music reviewed by professionals using the Gauger feedback system.
  • Current Partnerships: Discussions with major platforms like Hulu, Yelp, and Spotify to license Gauger technology.

Gary’s Music Industry Background

  • Past Roles: Record label management, connecting dots between artists, DJs, and others in the music industry.
  • Notable Collaborations: Worked with various artists like Fab, Jacka, Mac Dre, etc.
  • Philosophy: Believes in teaching and sharing knowledge to help artists grow.
  • Talent and Fear: Many talented individuals are held back by fear; success requires overcoming fear and seizing opportunities.

Feedback System in Restaurants

  • Current Issues: Yelp and other platforms often have ambiguous ratings (e.g., 4.5 stars can mean many different things).
  • Gauger Solution: Adds clarity with specific categories like ambiance, service, value, and food quality.

Unique Insights from Gary Archer

  • Success Strategies: Emphasizes the importance of hard work, understanding the business, and forming the right connections.
  • Maintaining Humility: Stresses the value of humility in achieving long-term success.
  • Internet & Social Media: Internet makes world smaller but distances people around us.

Recognizing Hard Work in Bay Area Hip-Hop

  • Hardest Working Individuals: Named Master P, MC Hammer, and Sway Calloway for their enormous contributions and hard work.
  • Too Short: Discussed Too Short’s significant impact on hip-hop, pioneering a unique rap style.
  • Hyphy Movement: Gary elaborated on the Hyphy Movement’s roots and impact on Bay Area culture.

Thoughts on Industry Changes and Challenges

  • New Generations: Less focus on creating classic tracks due to internet trends and transient interests.
  • Gay & Cross-Dressing Artists: Supports self-expression but prefers genuine music over forced narratives.
  • Industry Dynamics: Highlighted the importance of real-life interactions and authenticity amidst internet personas.

Gary’s Advice to Up-and-Coming Artists

  • Work Ethic: Advocates for building a strong foundation before seeking a manager or major deal.
  • Creativity & Collaboration: Encourages artists to find their unique voice and be strategic about their collaborations.
  • Success doesn’t come easy: Importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

  • Gary’s Mission: Aims to revolutionize feedback systems across industries with Gauger.
  • Contacts: Follow Gary on Instagram @legendaryarcher and connect via the Gauger app.