Beatselecta Readies US Launch Of Operator-Run Background Music System Retains Bob Cooney

SAN CLEMENTE, CA -- UK-based Beatselecta, which developed a background music app under the same name, is planning to introduce its product to the U.S. market at next week's Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas. Beatselecta said it will offer its music system exclusively through music and games operators. Ecast veteran Bob Cooney will aid the launch as a consultant.

Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Chris O'Farrell, Beatselecta is described by its founder as a social music-marketing tool that connects listeners' smartphones to a public location's existing music library. The service reportedly was tested in bars and restaurants in India, where Beatselecta's development division is based. The U.S. will be the first nation outside India to offer the technology. The app is supported by iPhones and Android phones, and the monthly subscription fee is $19.99.

When loaded on a location's computer or tablet, the Beatselecta platform plays a location's music and reports play history through SoundExchange, a nonprofit collection organization. SoundExchange administers the statutory license that authorizes services to stream artistic content. The royalties that it collects and distributes are for featured artists and sound recording copyright owners. Performing rights groups ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, in contrast, collect and distribute royalties for songwriters, composers and publishers. Because they use a statutory license, Satellite radio providers and webcasters pay SoundExchange when they stream music.

According to Cooney, Beatselecta will enable jukebox operators to offer background music to new markets and locations. "Jukebox revenue has been declining for years now, and traditional jukebox locations are drying up," he claims. "The bar business is moving to serve the millennial generation with high-end micro-breweries and other new bar/restaurant concepts. When bar owners spend millions of dollars designing and building venues to meet a very specific brand standard, they are carefully curating the consumer experience, right down to the music. The last thing they want is a jukebox on the wall with an unlimited music selection."

Amusement Expo-goers who sign up for the service in booth No.1322 at the Las Vegas Convention Center will receive Beatselecta preinstalled on an Android tablet for only $99 and get the first month's service free. The show takes place on Mar. 16 and 17.

"We want the amusement operators to be an integral part of our offer," O'Farrell said. "That's why we decided to launch at the Amusement Expo. We provide the product, and they tailor it to their locations' needs, and offer services and support. We've priced it to be competitive with other background music services, but packed it with features that today's customers really want."

Cooney represents Beatselecta through his creative firm, Blue Laser Consulting, which was inspired by his role as a change-agent for arcade videogames, laser tag systems, Internet jukeboxes and restaurant tablets. He founded Laser Storm, an Inc. 500 and Nasdaq-traded laser tag manufacturer. BLC consults for other early-stage high-tech companies, including PayRange, which is bringing mobile payments to vending and amusement machines.