AT SXSW, POPINS DEBUTS 3D LIVE “FUTURE REALITY SESSIONS”: A MULTI-ARTIST EVENT IRL AND IN AR

On March 16th, Austin-owned British indie music magazine LICKS, Big Indie Records, and Popins collaborated to present five amazing artists to fans IRL and in the metaverse during the first Future Reality Sessions from SXSW. The private and intimate IRL event took place at Austin’s Vine Recording studio and was simultaneously seen around the world by fans who tapped their phones to conjure the artists as lifelike holograms in their own homes.

New York City artist Nisa kicked things off with her first ever trip into AR. She was followed by web3 pioneer Rae Isla, Liverpools’ TikTok beloved Crawlers, North London indie pop artist Natalie Shay and Oxford rocker Ulysses Wells.

The artists performed, joked, and interacted with fans, creating an electric energy as both audience and artist embraced the idea that 3D holograms were appearing in each fan’s unique environment.

POPINS CONTINUES ITS GROUND BREAKING 3D LIVE SERIES WITH SASSYBLACK

• SassyBlack joins the series on March 8th and demonstrates why she is the Goddess of Hologram Funk.

• Popins’ new media format, 3D Live, brings creators and viewers together to perform, talk, and connect in real time as if they were really in the same room.3D Live brings creators and viewers together to perform, talk, and connect in real time.

On Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30pm PT, SassyBlack, the Goddess of Hologram Funk, will take her fans on a hybrid IRL (in real life) – metaverse journey with Popins. A select group of VIP guests will gather at a secret location in Seattle, WA and enjoy an intimate evening with the electronic psychedelic soul Goddess. Simultaneously, patrons and fans around the world will conjure a live fully 3D version of the performance to create their own personal house concert.

POPINS PRESENTS THE WORLD’S FIRST 3D LIVE SERIES

• Live music meets the metaverse.

• 3D Live brings creators and viewers together to perform, talk, and connect in real time.

• RAE ISLA kicks off the series on February 5th.RAE ISLA kicks off the series on February 5th.

On Sunday at 5:30pm PT, Rae Isla will step into a Popins studio at The Crocodile in Seattle, WA. When she does, she will put one foot into the metaverse while keeping the other IRL as she becomes the first to perform in an entirely new entertainment mode that blends the lines between real and virtual. VIP guests will sip drinks and watch from a few feet away as she is instantly and simultaneously livestreamed as a fully interactive volumetric hologram into the homes of remote fans anywhere in the world.  

MUSIC ALLY SI:X FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS STARTUPS INNOVATING IN AND AROUND MUSIC

Popins is honored to be a finalist in the Music Ally SI:X global showcase, contest and mentorship support program for early-stage music startups.

Today, Music Ally announced their 36 2022 finalists.

Music Ally SI:X, and their six sponsors - Amazon Music, FUGA, PRS for Music, The Raine Group, Reed Smith and Universal Music Group - will be selecting a winner in each of the categories, who'll get a mentoring program from those sponsors and Music Ally; other business and educational resources; and presenting spots at the NY:LON Connect conference in London in January.

SASSYBLACK, GODDESS OF HOLOGRAM FUNK, BOWS “WILD” HOLOGRAM MUSIC NFT

3-IN-1 NFT INCLUDES AR PERFORMANCE AND EXCLUSIVE METAVERSE MEET-UP WITH SASSYBLACK

SassyBlack has been breaking the status quo and creating new art forms all her life, and on August 8th, she is doing it again with the Popins “Wild” NFT.

“I’ve been manifesting a hologram version of my art for many years” says SassyBlack, “I can’t wait for my fans and collectors to experience this in their own homes and spaces, and to see what they do with this new technology.”

Each of the twenty-two one-of-one music NFTs are a gateway to a larger media experience, which includes the NFT, an original AR (augmented reality) performance of Sassy’s original song “Wild” and an exclusive invitation for token-holders to meet up with SassyBlack in real time in the metaverse via Popins Live. SassyBlack will appear as a hologram via AR or VR in Quest 2 and other head mounted devices to perform and answer questions. The NFTs will be available from SassyBlack at Artiva.app.

UKRAINIAN SINGER PERFORMS AS HOLOGRAM AROUND THE WORLD

#SHAREFORUKRAINE ON CONSTITUTION DAY

Support Ukraine starting on Constitution Day by placing and sharing this holographic performance of the State anthem in cities around the world.

Since 1996, Ukrainians have celebrated Constitution Day on June 28th with concerts, parades, fireworks and lots of anthem singing. While traditional celebrations will be unsafe this year, people around the world can now invite a lifelike 3D Roman Vashchuk into their homes via Popins’ technology to bolster spirits and inspire strength and community through song today and in the days to come.

POPINS RECEIVES ASCAP LAB & THE NYC MEDIA LAB GRANT AS 1 OF 4 STARTUPS UNITING MUSIC AND THE METAVERSE

DEMO DAY PREMIERES ON ASCAP EXPERIENCE ON AUGUST 10

NEW YORK, June 14, 2022 – At its core, the metaverse is an immersive platform for creativity, community and identity — and rich in potential for music creators and their fans. To deeply engage with the tech community and help shape the development of this promising new sector, The ASCAP Lab is partnering with the NYC Media Lab (NYCML), led by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering,to conduct a “Music in the Metaverse” challenge for startups that are exploring new ways to create and experience music, express digital identity through music, and connect music creators and fans in the metaverse.

SIR MIX-A-LOT DROPS THE NEEDLE 2022 STYLE

“BABY GOT BACK”: HOLOGRAM MUSIC VIDEO WRAPS PRODUCTION

Get ready - multi-platinum and #1 artist Sir Mix-A-Lot is about to shock the world, delivering his music in groundbreaking ways 30 years after the release of “Baby Got Back”.

We know Sir Mix-A-Lot likes ‘em round, but 2D video has always struggled to capture that concept in its full glory.

On March 15th in Seattle, Washington, Sir Mix-A-Lot and Popins completed the principal photography for an original 3D live performance of “Baby Got Back” in a volumetric video capture studio. The result will be a photorealistic hologram of Sir Mix-A-Lot performing the song that anyone with a smartphone or other smart device will be able to view and interact with.

February 16, 2022 - For Immediate Release

WORLD’S FIRST: 3D AR COMEDY FROM GABRIEL RUTLEDGE

"Gabriel Rutledge is a quick thinking, fast talking, hardworking badass." - Louisville Weekly

Comedian Gabriel Rutledge is delivering his stand-up comedy as a 3D hologram from Popins for the first time.

His 3-minute set “Good For You Body” will become Gabriel’s first NFT and will be released in the coming days on Rarible.com. Fans around the world, whether they own his NFT or not, can conjure him whenever they need a friend and a laugh.

February 9, 2022 - For Immediate Release

TOMO NAKAYAMA HAS A SWEET SYNTH-POP AR VALENTINE FOR YOU

Indie artist Tomo Nakayama, in partnership with Popins, has created a joyful 3D video Valentine for fans meant to get everyone on their feet and dancing. Anyone in the world with a smart device can click a link or scan the QR code on a physical Valentine to bring Tomo and his music to life.

“Recording a song in 3D that people can bring up whenever they want and watch in their own space is a new way of performing music for people and I’m excited to be one of the first to do it.” - Tomo Nakayama

January 19, 2022 - For Immediate Release

2022: ThE YEAR OF MIXED REALITY

What’s to come in 2022? Mixed reality will reach the mainstream, and soon people won’t remember a time when video was flat. Artists and creators will continue to surprise us by taking emerging tools and molding them to tell their stories and communicate their ideas in ways we haven’t seen before. We can’t wait! 

City of Hope Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital of Mississippi are among those bringing Santa and Shutterbug the Elf into rooms with patients this holiday. Popins characters can be conjured on-demand and photographed in any size, anywhere, anytime, and can be shared on socials or sent privately to family members across the globe.

“We appreciate Popins for thinking of our young patients and for bringing a little joy into their lives during a most difficult time,” comments Yolanda Guerrero, Sr. Director, Annual Philanthropy Operations at City of Hope National Medical Center.

December 15, 2021 - For Immediate Release

ADDITIONAL AR SANTA ARRIVES WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLODAY

“Santa is a well-loved symbol of the holidays in households around the world, and we want our Santas to reflect that diversity,” comments Bryan Lee, co-founder of Popins. “No matter how your family experiences the holidays, Popins is hoping to provide a fun and realistic AR experience in a time where crowded malls and events make yearly photos less accessible.” Popins offers a variety of Santas and other holiday characters to celebrate the assortment of families across the world.

“I was honored to portray Santa for Popins,” said part-time Santa and full-time minister Pastor Reginald “Reggie” Avant. “Growing up I never experienced a Santa that looked like me and my family. If giving children a black Santa allows just one additional child to connect with the Christmas community more deeply, then this work was a blessing. Santa is a symbol of love and love comes in all colors, shapes and sizes.”

December 13, 2021 - For Immediate Release

HOLIDAY MISCHIEF WITH SHUTTERBUG THE ELF, A 21ST CENTURY AR TOY

Bored with holiday toys? Take it to the next level with Shutterbug the Elf from Popins, a 21st century toy that will entertain for hours.

“Shutterbug the Elf is a lifelike 3D hologram who can spread the holiday spirit in a brand new way,” commented Christina Calio, co-founder of Popins. “Just don’t give her nutmeg.”

This Elf can hide in your stocking or tower over your tree, sneak in the corner or dominate your street to provide whimsical entertainment throughout the season. Position her in any room in any size, from any angle.

Shutterbug joins the first virtual AR Santa from Popins in their holiday collection, with new characters arriving throughout the holidays.

December 7, 2021 - For Immediate Release

VIRTUAL SANTA FROM POPINS SOLVES THE SANTA SHORTAGE OF 2021

The cascade of headlines lamenting the Santa shortage of 2021 is inescapable. Retail outlets and party planners have been left scrambling for less-than-ideal ways to hire Santa substitutes or are even facing cancelling Santa altogether. 

Fear no more! Seattle startup Popins has the answer to the Santa shortage, delivering a 3D virtual Santa.

“Last holiday season we saw family traditions interrupted by the pandemic. We knew we could help in 2021. This year anyone, anywhere, anytime can conjure Santa and other seasonal characters for an instant photo session,” commented Christina Calio, co-founder of Popins. “And Popins’ Santa can go places and do things your traditional Santa can’t, to provide whimsical entertainment throughout the season. Position him in any room and in any size, from any angle.”

November 23, 2021 - For Immediate Release

POPINS PREMIERES VIRTUAL ARTIST MEET AND GREETS AT NOV 20th SMASH BENEFIT CONCERT

• Lifelike 3D videos of performing artists appear next to fans to their surprise and delight

• Popins joins robust Seattle community in supporting local artists and music 

On November 20th at the star-filled SMASH benefit concert, Seattle start-up Popins premiered a new fun way for people to connect with artists and amplify their concert experience. Moore Theater attendees were the first to participate in a virtual “Meet and Greet” and instantly receive a photo branded with the event name to keep and share.

Fans stepping into the Popins Photo Booth area at the Moore were all smiles as the artist of their choice suddenly appeared next to them on screen as a realistic 3D hologram. Because these videos are captured using volumetric video and AR technology, the artists can be made to appear at any angle and in varied sizes, and many chose to hold a mini artist in their hands, something they might find difficult in real life. Minutes after choosing between artists Alec Shaw, Zan Fiskum, Tomo Nakayama, or special guest Santa, concert goers received a digital copy of their own via text. Each video and photo is tagged with SMASH 2021: Songs of Hope Live and the AR links to the SMASH website to commemorate the night and to spread awareness for the excellent work the non-profit does. People generously donated hundreds of dollars at the booth, with 100% of the contributions going to SMASH.

The fun continues post the concert, as everyone globally has access to these Popins and can bring their favorites into their home. Simply click on the images to access a SMASH Popin. And check out our SMASH Photo Gallery to see more Popins pictures from the event.

November 11, 2021 - For Immediate Release

7HORSE DEBUTS AUGMENTED REALITY MUSIC VIDEO

• 7Horse joins a select group of musicians pioneering new ways to engage with fans, and continues to challenge the traditional music business 

• Fans and collectors celebrate the 10th anniversary of 7Horse’s first album release which featured “Meth Lab Zoso Sticker”, featured in The Wolf of Wall Street

On November 11th, 2021, at 11:11am PT, 7Horse will debut an AR video to celebrate the 10th anniversary of 7Horse’s first album release. Let The 7Horse Run was first made available on 11/11/11 and includes the Martin Scorsese-blessed iconic hit “Meth Lab Zoso Sticker”.

October 29th, 2021: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEATTLE START-UP POPINS DEBUTS FREE AR CHARACTERS

• Augmented Reality adds new depth to storytelling

• 4 new individual characters from Lightfield City — Sister Judith Byrne, Diane Lynn, Savannah and Melody Waltz — just in time for Halloween

• Popins AR provides a rich canvas for artists, fans, and collectors

Podcasts, Dungeons and Dragons, Magic, fan creation/fanworks, advances in gaming and the Metaverse have all contributed to a renaissance in storytelling rich in creativity, dynamic twists, plot changes, and captivating play. Popins is taking storytelling to another level by making available the first augmented reality characters for the creation of a variety of mixed reality experiences, accessible to all.

July 27th, 2021: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POPINS RELEASES NEXT LEVEL NFT: DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION AND AUGMENTED REALITY PAIRING

PROCEEDS BENEFIT SUMMIT ASSISTANCE DOGS

Combining the best of traditional and emerging worlds, Popins is introducing a multimedia NFT project utilizing AR and traditional media. Popins partnered with non-profit Summit Assistance Dogs to create a realistic augmented reality video featuring a highly skilled mobility service dog who is trained to assist people living with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest and tapped local up-and-coming artist Julian Peña to create an original work inspired by the dog. The result is Poppy, an NFT combining a unique and stunning digital illustration and avatar as well as an interactive augmented reality experience.

July 2, 2021 - For Immediate Release

SEATTLE START-UP POPINS AND ARTIST ZAN FISKUM DEBUT WORLD’S FIRST AR-IRL DAY

ZAN PERFORMS LIVE AS SEATTLE’S MUSIC SCENE OPENS; POPINS RELEASES ZAN’S EXCLUSIVE 3D HOLOGRAPHIC PERFORMANCE OF “LEAN IN” THAT TURNS ALL THE WORLD INTO A DIGITAL STAGE AS AN NFT

Once in a while there’s a voice that seems to strike a chord with a generation. A voice that takes you to a place more intimate than public, and more expressive than what you expected. Zan Fiskum is that voice. “You have that ethereal quality…it feels angelic”, said coach John Legend. Kelly Clarkson added “…you sound magical”. When you couple Zan with Popins, a new technology that brings the artist into your world in a more intimate way than was ever possible before, the result is pure delight.

June 16, 2021 - For Immediate Release

SEATTLE START-UP POPINS DEBUTS THE WORLD’S FIRST AR MUSIC VIDEO YOU CAN OWN

GENESIS NFT COLLECTION SELLS OUT IN LESS THAN 24-HOURS

• Next level music video lifts the artist off the 2D screen

• Digital collectors’ name and image displayed on owned NFTs

• Direct revenue for artists and a step toward the metaverses

When The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” played as the first video on MTV in 1981, the way we listened to music changed forever. 40 years later, we are on the cusp of another visual music explosion with the beta release of a new series of augmented reality videos, “Popins”. On Thursday, June 10th, the genesis project from Popins dropped, an AR performance of Alec Shaw’s “Nobody But You” as an NFT on Rarible, selling out all available NFTs within 24 hours. If you don’t know what an augmented reality music video is, try it here.