Innovation and Technology
311 Revolutionizes Music Industry With Tech And Independence

Introduction to Nick Hexum
Nick Hexum stands at the intersection of music and innovation, blending decades of creative evolution with a bold new vision for artist empowerment in the digital age. Some people talk about disrupting the system. Nick Hexum and 311 are actually doing it. 311 recently came through Houston on tour and played at the 713 Music Hall. I had the privilege of showing up a few hours before the band took the stage to sit down with the band’s founder and lead singer Nick Hexum.
We spent an hour or so talking about a wide range of topics. I was impressed with Hexum but left the interview feeling a little inadequate. Hexum and I are the same age (I have him beat by just a few months), but he has accomplished much more than I in his time on this planet. As the frontman of 311, Hexum has spent over three decades pushing musical boundaries—from funk-rock and reggae-punk hybrids to chill ballads that defy easy labels. But it’s not just the band’s sound that’s evolved. Hexum is also challenging the music industry’s outdated business models by using technology and taking a more independent approach.
From Rock Star to Label Founder
Today, Hexum isn’t just continuing to make his own music—he’s helping other artists do the same. With his new startup label platform called SKP, he’s giving musicians an alternative to traditional record deals. SKP provides digital distribution, promotional support and a way to stay independent—all without demanding ownership of an artist’s music. Hexum and I talked about the sometimes contentious relationship between artists and labels, and the traditional revenue model. This fresh model flips the typical record label arrangement upside down.
“Now, with this label platform we’re doing, we’ve been able to flip that in the opposite where the distributor and label services platform would take 12% and give the artist 88%,” Hexum told me. “Completely flipping it.” It’s a response to decades of experience where artists signed away their rights for small royalty checks, often without clear accounting or control. Now, Hexum wants to put power back in the hands of creators.
From Cassette Tapes to Airplane Studios
Hexum’s journey has adapted over the years with the evolution of technology. He started on a four-track cassette recorder, moved to eight-track tape and later recorded in iconic LA studios. But now? He writes and records from a laptop with a MIDI controller and a pair of headphones—often while flying. “That has been super helpful—the convenience that the new technology can give you,” he said. This shift has given Hexum more freedom to create, no matter where he is. And more importantly, it’s given artists everywhere the chance to make professional music without needing expensive gear or studio time.
Streaming, Vinyl and Changing How Fans Listen
Hexum uses Apple Music to stream lossless-quality tracks and manage demos. He values the convenience—but he hasn’t given up on physical music either. He and his band still release music on vinyl, recognizing how fans appreciate something they can see, hold and collect. Instead of focusing only on one-off singles, Hexum prefers releasing four-song EPs. These smaller collections give fans a more complete experience, including both catchy singles and deeper tracks that show a broader range of creativity.
Blockchain and Better Business Models
Hexum is also watching blockchain closely. He believes it can solve long-standing issues in music—like delayed royalty payments and ticket scalping. Through SKP, his team is developing “clever contracts”—a simpler alternative to Ethereum smart contracts. These digital agreements allow for automatic, transparent payments to artists without middlemen taking a cut. He also sees potential for blockchain to reduce scalping by tying tickets to verified identities, making resale more controlled and fair for fans.
Touring Through the Generations
While some bands only tour with a new album to promote, 311 has toured every summer—no matter what. That consistency, Hexum said, helped them stay strong even when CD sales collapsed and streaming changed everything. Their audience now includes both longtime fans and a younger crowd discovering songs like “Amber” and “Champagne.” Hexum said the band’s mix of rock, reggae, hip hop and pop has helped them stay relevant across decades. “We keep finding new eclectic ingredients to try sticking together and see how they fit,” he said.
Redefining What Success Looks Like
Hexum wants artists to think like owners, not employees. That mindset shift is key to building careers that last. When pop artist Chapel Roan recently said record labels should offer healthcare, Hexum saw it differently. “Why would you want to be an employee when you can be an owner?” Rather than rely on labels for support, Hexum believes in helping artists build their own businesses. His approach combines fair compensation, creative freedom and a model that rewards long-term thinking over short-term fame.
The New Rock and Roll Dream
For decades, going platinum was the goal. But in today’s music world, the dream has changed. Artists want control over their music, their money and their message. And thanks to technology, they don’t need a major label to make it happen. Technology empowers freedom for artists. Today, the smartest move an artist can make is owning the path they’re on.
Conclusion
Nick Hexum’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in the music industry. By embracing new technologies and business models, Hexum is not only pushing the boundaries of his own music but also empowering other artists to take control of their careers. As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Hexum will remain a pioneer, leading the charge towards a more equitable and sustainable future for artists.
FAQs
Q: What is SKP, and how does it help artists?
A: SKP is a startup label platform founded by Nick Hexum that provides digital distribution, promotional support, and a way for artists to stay independent without demanding ownership of their music.
Q: How has technology changed the way Hexum creates music?
A: Technology has given Hexum the freedom to create music anywhere, using a laptop, MIDI controller, and headphones, and has also enabled him to make professional music without expensive gear or studio time.
Q: What is the significance of blockchain in the music industry, according to Hexum?
A: Hexum believes blockchain can solve issues like delayed royalty payments and ticket scalping by allowing for automatic, transparent payments to artists and tying tickets to verified identities.
Q: What is Hexum’s approach to helping artists build their own businesses?
A: Hexum’s approach combines fair compensation, creative freedom, and a model that rewards long-term thinking over short-term fame, encouraging artists to think like owners, not employees.
Q: What is the new rock and roll dream, according to Hexum?
A: The new rock and roll dream is for artists to have control over their music, money, and message, and to own their path, without needing a major label.
Innovation and Technology
AI Revolution in the Workplace

As AI matures, the availability of so-called “digital labor” is exploding, expanding the very definition of a qualified workforce. What was once the exclusive domain of human talent has now been joined by AI agents capable of handling many tasks once considered beyond the reach of automation—and as a result, according to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars.
The Evolution of Automation
The evolution of automation has been a significant factor in the growth of digital labor. Tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence and expertise can now be performed by AI agents with a high degree of accuracy and speed. This has opened up new possibilities for businesses and organizations, allowing them to automate tasks that were previously manual and time-consuming.
Impact on the Workforce
The rise of digital labor is likely to have a significant impact on the workforce. As AI agents take over routine and repetitive tasks, human workers will be freed up to focus on more complex and creative tasks that require a higher level of skill and expertise. This could lead to the creation of new job opportunities and the development of new industries that we cannot yet imagine.
Benefits of Digital Labor
The benefits of digital labor are numerous. For businesses, it can increase efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer service. For workers, it can provide new opportunities for skill development and career advancement. For society as a whole, it can help to drive economic growth and innovation.
Challenges and Limitations
However, there are also challenges and limitations to the growth of digital labor. One of the main challenges is the need for significant investment in AI technology and infrastructure. There is also a risk that the rise of digital labor could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, particularly if certain groups are left behind in the transition to an automated workforce.
Future of Digital Labor
Despite these challenges, the future of digital labor looks bright. As AI technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more tasks and industries being automated. This will require workers to develop new skills and adapt to new ways of working, but it also has the potential to drive significant economic growth and innovation.
Total Addressable Market
According to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars. This is a significant opportunity for businesses and investors, and it highlights the potential for digital labor to drive economic growth and innovation in the years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of digital labor is a significant trend that is likely to have a major impact on the workforce and the economy. As AI technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see even more tasks and industries being automated. While there are challenges and limitations to the growth of digital labor, the benefits are numerous and the potential for economic growth and innovation is significant.
FAQs
- Q: What is digital labor?
A: Digital labor refers to the use of AI agents and automation to perform tasks that were previously done by humans. - Q: What are the benefits of digital labor?
A: The benefits of digital labor include increased efficiency and productivity, reduced costs, and improved customer service. - Q: What are the challenges and limitations of digital labor?
A: The challenges and limitations of digital labor include the need for significant investment in AI technology and infrastructure, and the risk that it could exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. - Q: What is the total addressable market for digital labor?
A: According to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, the total addressable market for digital labor could soon reach the trillions of dollars. - Q: How will digital labor change the workforce?
A: Digital labor will change the workforce by automating routine and repetitive tasks, and freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks.
Innovation and Technology
The Role of Gamification in DEIA Training: Engaging Employees for Success

With the help of software and platforms for DEIA, such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility training, organizations can create a more inclusive workplace culture. DEIA training is essential for promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding among employees. In this article, we will explore the role of gamification in DEIA training and how it can engage employees for success.
What is DEIA Training?
DEIA training is designed to educate employees on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. The goal of DEIA training is to create a workplace culture that values and respects all employees, regardless of their background, culture, or abilities. DEIA training covers a range of topics, including unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural competence.
Benefits of DEIA Training
DEIA training has numerous benefits for organizations, including improved employee morale, increased diversity, and enhanced creativity and innovation. DEIA training can also help organizations to reduce turnover rates, improve job satisfaction, and increase employee engagement. Furthermore, DEIA training can help organizations to comply with regulatory requirements and avoid potential lawsuits.
The Role of Gamification in DEIA Training
Gamification is the use of game design and mechanics in non-game contexts, such as training and education. In the context of DEIA training, gamification can be used to engage employees and make the training more interactive and enjoyable. Gamification can include elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards, which can motivate employees to complete the training and achieve specific goals.
Types of Gamification in DEIA Training
There are several types of gamification that can be used in DEIA training, including:
* Points-based systems: Employees earn points for completing training modules or achieving specific goals.
* Badge-based systems: Employees earn badges for completing training modules or demonstrating specific skills or knowledge.
* Leaderboards: Employees compete with each other to achieve the highest scores or complete the most training modules.
* Simulations: Employees participate in simulated scenarios that require them to apply DEIA principles in a realistic and interactive way.
Benefits of Gamification in DEIA Training
Gamification can have numerous benefits in DEIA training, including:
* Increased employee engagement: Gamification can make the training more interactive and enjoyable, which can increase employee engagement and motivation.
* Improved knowledge retention: Gamification can help employees to retain knowledge and skills more effectively, as they are more likely to remember information that they have learned through interactive and engaging experiences.
* Enhanced behavioral change: Gamification can encourage employees to change their behavior and apply DEIA principles in their daily work, as they are motivated to achieve specific goals and rewards.
Best Practices for Implementing Gamification in DEIA Training
To implement gamification in DEIA training effectively, organizations should follow best practices, such as:
* Aligning gamification with learning objectives: Gamification should be aligned with the learning objectives of the training, to ensure that employees are motivated to learn and apply specific skills and knowledge.
* Providing feedback and reinforcement: Employees should receive feedback and reinforcement on their progress and performance, to motivate them to continue learning and improving.
* Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity: Gamification should be accessible and inclusive for all employees, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Challenges and Limitations of Gamification in DEIA Training
While gamification can be an effective way to engage employees in DEIA training, there are also challenges and limitations to consider, such as:
* Overemphasis on competition: Gamification can create an overemphasis on competition, which can lead to a focus on individual achievement rather than collective learning and improvement.
* Lack of depth and complexity: Gamification can lack depth and complexity, which can lead to a superficial understanding of DEIA principles and concepts.
* Technical issues and accessibility concerns: Gamification can be affected by technical issues and accessibility concerns, which can limit the participation and engagement of employees.
Addressing Challenges and Limitations
To address the challenges and limitations of gamification in DEIA training, organizations should:
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gamification: Organizations should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gamification in DEIA training, to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the training is meeting its intended objectives.
* Provide ongoing support and resources: Organizations should provide ongoing support and resources to employees, to help them to continue learning and applying DEIA principles in their daily work.
* Encourage feedback and suggestions: Organizations should encourage feedback and suggestions from employees, to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the training is meeting the needs and preferences of employees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gamification can be a powerful tool for engaging employees in DEIA training and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding in the workplace. By aligning gamification with learning objectives, providing feedback and reinforcement, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, organizations can create a more interactive and effective DEIA training program. However, organizations should also be aware of the challenges and limitations of gamification, and take steps to address them and ensure that the training is meeting its intended objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DEIA training?
DEIA training is designed to educate employees on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
What is gamification in DEIA training?
Gamification is the use of game design and mechanics in non-game contexts, such as training and education, to engage employees and make the training more interactive and enjoyable.
What are the benefits of gamification in DEIA training?
The benefits of gamification in DEIA training include increased employee engagement, improved knowledge retention, and enhanced behavioral change.
How can organizations implement gamification in DEIA training effectively?
Organizations can implement gamification in DEIA training effectively by aligning gamification with learning objectives, providing feedback and reinforcement, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
What are the challenges and limitations of gamification in DEIA training?
The challenges and limitations of gamification in DEIA training include overemphasis on competition, lack of depth and complexity, and technical issues and accessibility concerns.
How can organizations address the challenges and limitations of gamification in DEIA training?
Organizations can address the challenges and limitations of gamification in DEIA training by monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of gamification, providing ongoing support and resources, and encouraging feedback and suggestions from employees.
Innovation and Technology
AI Weekly: New Energy-Efficient Chips, Microsoft-OpenAI Talks, and Chatbot Safety Concerns

Welcome back to The Prompt, where we discuss the latest developments in AI and large language models. Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a processing chip for large language models that slashes their energy consumption in half by solving a key problem in AI processing: corrupted data. Typically, a power-hungry piece of hardware called an equalizer corrects any corruption that happens when data is sent from one place to another. Instead, the researchers created an on-chip component that itself uses machine learning to identify and correct errors caused by transmission.
The Need for Efficient Wireline Communication Chips
“Large language models need to send and receive tremendous amounts of data over wireline, copper-based communication links in data centers, and that requires significant energy,” researcher Ramin Javadi said in a press release. “One solution is to develop more efficient wireline communication chips.” This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the power consumption of large language models, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Big Plays in the AI Industry
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a state-backed AI company called Humain, which will be chaired by Saudi’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and backed by the country’s sovereign wealth fund. Forbes reported yesterday that Humain will be headed up by former Aramco Digital and Rakuten executive Tareq Amin and will focus on building its own AI tech, promoting AI tool use and taking a role in the country’s data center projects.
Market Movement and Partnerships
OpenAI and Microsoft are renegotiating the terms of their partnership in a way that enables the AI company to launch an initial public offering at some point in the future, reports the Financial Times. The negotiations also reportedly include modifications to agreements governing Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s intellectual property. However, trouble is brewing for Stargate, OpenAI’s data center project with Softbank and Oracle. Bloomberg reported that Softbank is experiencing a slowdown in its attempts to raise capital to finance the $100 billion project, which will build data centers to power OpenAI’s expansion plans.
AI Deals of the Week
Forbes broke the news that AI startup Legora is in talks to raise $85 million in funding at a $675 million valuation in a deal led by General Catalyst and Iconiq. Existing investors Redpoint Ventures and Benchmark are also participating in the round. Google has signed a strategic agreement with nuclear power company Elementl Power to advance development of three nuclear power projects for data centers. Perplexity is reportedly in talks to raise a $500 million round that would value the AI search company at $14 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Concerns Over AI Safety and Misuse
KnowUnity’s “SchoolGPT” chatbot was found to be providing dangerous and potentially deadly advice to students, including a detailed recipe for synthesizing fentanyl. The company behind it, Knowunity, is run by 23-year-old co-founder and CEO Benedict Kurz, who says it is “dedicated to building the #1 global AI learning companion for +1bn students.” Backed by more than $20 million in venture capital investment, KnowUnity’s basic app is free, and the company makes money by charging for premium features like “support from live AI Pro tutors for complex math and more.” However, the company’s rules prohibit descriptions and depictions of dangerous and illegal activities, eating disorders and other material that could harm its young users.
Your Weekly Demo and Model Behavior
Insurance company Lloyd’s of London will now offer insurance coverage to protect companies from losses related to malfunctioning chatbots. These policies include the cost of court claims stemming from a lawsuit or other issues such as a chatbot hallucinating a discount code that doesn’t exist. Last month, Coca-Cola ran an ad campaign that celebrated famous authors–and its own brand–by highlighting when Coke was mentioned in classic literary works. However, the campaign, which used AI to generate the ads, got several basic facts wrong.
Conclusion
The development of more efficient wireline communication chips for large language models has the potential to significantly reduce power consumption and make these models more environmentally friendly. However, concerns over AI safety and misuse are growing, and companies must take steps to ensure that their AI systems are not providing harmful or dangerous advice to users. As the AI industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize safety, transparency, and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems.
FAQs
- What is the main goal of the researchers at Oregon State University?
The main goal of the researchers is to develop a processing chip for large language models that slashes their energy consumption in half by solving a key problem in AI processing: corrupted data. - What is Humain, and what is its purpose?
Humain is a state-backed AI company in Saudi Arabia that will focus on building its own AI tech, promoting AI tool use, and taking a role in the country’s data center projects. - What is the concern over KnowUnity’s SchoolGPT chatbot?
The concern is that the chatbot is providing dangerous and potentially deadly advice to students, including a detailed recipe for synthesizing fentanyl. - What is Lloyd’s of London’s new insurance coverage for chatbots?
The insurance coverage protects companies from losses related to malfunctioning chatbots, including the cost of court claims stemming from a lawsuit or other issues such as a chatbot hallucinating a discount code that doesn’t exist.
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