Founders Ben Dills and Sean Schmidt chatted about River Beats TV, the first electronic-music focused, live music streaming platform.
Since launching in 2016 as a New Orleans-based entertainment and event enterprise, River Beats Digital Group has evolved into an electronic music digital media titan, and an impressive roster of events across the United States.
What inspired you guys to start River Beats TV?
Sean Schmidt: We always envisioned River Beats as a mobile app and its own platform. We’ve talked about this for 6 plus years now and it wasn’t until 2020 that we realized the streaming component was possible. COVID took down barriers that prevented us from doing this before 2020.
There was a clear void for an app solely devoted to the music of our community. Dance music fans now have a home to build a collection of some of their favorite live music sets, artists, and festivals.
What do you love most about electronic music?
Sean Schmidt: It brings a unique sense of nostalgia and excitement every time I go to a show — it’s an exciting feeling that I still get to this day. I fell in love with the community of dance music fans, and just the music alone. It’s been fun.
How does it feel to be founders in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Ben Dills: Being a founder in the digital age comes with pros and cons. You find yourself in constant contact with very little opportunity to shut off the stream of information.
On the upside, you can build a team that’s spread out all over the world, thus broadening the pool of talent one can seek as a business owner and entrepreneur.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
Sean Schmidt: Unfortunately there’s too much technology in our daily routine, haha. I think our ability to use a multitude of different mediums is an impressive feat. We work on so many different platforms and devices, it’s crazy to think about what all goes into it.
Ben Dills: Technology runs my work life. Without it, I would be lost..
What do your plans for the future include with River Beats TV?
Sean Schmidt: Streaming music festivals, and large events. Working with some of the biggest artists on the planet. Not just in dance music, but in all genres.
What motivates you each day?
Sean Schmidt: It never feels like the job is done. I think the journey is special and the results take so much time and effort, and that’s ok. The motivation to provide something unique and special also makes us push harder and harder every time we venture into new territories.
What does the word success mean to you?
Sean Schmidt: An all-time great question. Gonna sum it up with a quote: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” ― Woody Allen
What would you like to tell our readers about River Beats TV?
Sean Schmidt: As the world moved to subscription-based streaming services, there was a clear void for an app solely devoted to the music of our community. Dance music fans can now come to our app to build a collection of some of their favorite live music sets, artists, and festivals.
Relive your favorite moments anytime On Demand or tune-in for live concerts from around the world.
River Beats TV is available for download on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire.
To learn more about River Beats TV, check out their Linktree page.
