Sep 8 2011

Boombotix – Interviews Plus Some Bangers

by Westhead • Dubstep, Tech House • Tags: Boombotix, Caspa, Diplo, Dubstep, Duke, Electro, Electronic, Noob, Tinie Tempah 0

What happens when you take cutting-edge technology and intoxicate it with the alien substance that is the San Francisco urban art scene?

BOOMBOTS, there’s your answer.

Boombotix is not your average Sony or Panasonic speaker companies’ attempt to create something “hip.” No, it’s much simpler, much more organic than that. There are no multi-national corporate backings, just a few guys who love electro, love dubstep, and just wanted to find a portable, durable, and reliable way to jam on the go. I hate to sound cliche, but the rest is history, with the skate, surf, and snow scene’s backing these little bots are invading your house parties, skateparks, campuses, bicycles, and backpacks alike.

We recently did an interview with two of the great minds that have brought Boombotix to the level it is at today: CEO and founder Lief Storer, age 28, and brand strategist Chris McKleroy, age 23.

Interview with Lief:

BB: What was your moment of inspiration?

L: The idea came to me over the course of 4 months. I was biking to work from Berkeley to Richmond as an engineer. During a trip to Taiwan, I discovered these urban vinyl toys and started customizing them as a side-business/hobby. When I came across a toy called the Skully, it simply begged to become a speaker. Over the next several months, I realized that I wanted a speaker that I could bike and skate with, so I refined the design to be exactly what I wanted…and I knew others would want it too.

BB: What was the moment when you most questioned yourself/your vision?

L: The point at which we had to seek investment was always the hardest point in the project. We were always wondering if we could get enough money to back it…and the toughest thing is that with the increasing success, you’re confronted with new challenges that go beyond your everyday struggle. I guess that’s what we live for.

BB: What was the moment when you realized you were onto something?

After posting a photograph of my concept on my vinyl toy blog, I came to work to find that my product concept has spread like wild fire all over Gizmodo, CNet’s Crave blog, as well as over 10,000 other sources. At that point, I at least knew there was significant interest. Every time I saw someone’s face when I demo’d my prototype, that also brought a lot of confidence.

BB: “If had decided to get a job working for someone else, it would probably be…

L: For sure doing product design. I love just thinking about how people use products, and how I can evolve user experience. No gadget/invention is ever perfect which gives me a sense of purpose in making products better and better.

Interview with Chris:

BB: What was it about the company that peaked your interest and served as the impetus for your involvement?

C: The moment I skated through campus with a prototype and saw the reaction- smiles and fist pumps, I knew we were on to something. Ever since then Ive been putting in as much time as possible to make this operation HUGE!

BB: What is your vision for the future of the company? Can you give us any hints of things to come?

C: We are going to continue to push the envelope with products that will enhance the users lifestyle in ways never thought possible. keep a lookout on kickstarter.com for some upcoming projects.

BB: How does the increasingly viral and increasingly portable nature of the music industry (i.e. spotify, music blogging, apple products) help to develop further your already very unique niche in the speaker industry?

C: We help bridge the gap between viral media and the end user base- with the Boombots we have created a way to make sharing viral media with those around you faster than ever. Instead of two people listening to a song on Spotify mobile sharing a pair of headphones, entire groups of friends can hang out and all listen to the same music, without being inside or hauling around a giant boombox.

BB: What kind of music do you have bouncin’ in your BoomBotix right now?

C: Heres a couple of bangers you are likely to hear around the office

Break Yourself (Diplo Remix) – Gucci Mane Feat. Lil B

Pass Out – Tinie Tempah

Serenity (Noob Remix) – Popof

Geordie Racer – Caspa Feat. Subscape

BB: Other comments?

C: Follow us on www.facebook.com/boombotix for content, downloads, product sneak peeks and even jobs! Anyone up in San Francisco needs to check out our new HQ in the mission. The door is open just about every day, stop by any afternoon and mention Bouncebug and we’ll give you $5 off any product you’d like!

Web: www.boombotix.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/boombotix

Facebook: www.facebook.com/boombotix

- DuKΣ