What if DJs could remix, monetize, and own music like never before? In this mind-expanding episode, I sit down with Jaime Schwarz — brand strategist, NFT patent holder, and founder of MRKD.dj — to explore how blockchain is redefining music ownership, IP, and co-creation. From remix rights to fan distribution and Keith Shocklee’s role in launching a new creative economy, this episode hits every note.

We dive deep into:
- Why Web3 needs better ownership models
- How MRKD.dj turns DJs into prosumers and remixers
- The story behind the first-ever NFT patent
- Rethinking the future of digital music, NFTs, and identity

Jaime believes blockchain is the missing layer for the IP economy — offering permanence, provenance, and programmable rights at scale. In a world where AI is eating the service economy, he sees IP as the next frontier of value — and music, with its deep-rooted remix culture and licensing complexity, as the ideal first use case. MRKD.dj isn’t just about tracks — it’s about unlocking a future where artists, DJs, and fans co-create, co-own, and get rewarded in real-time.

Tune in before their live launch at New York Tech Week on June 6!
(link to tickets: https://partiful.com/e/mFEMK9C7GHKoRw73ryVg)

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Bulgaria's History and Culture
01:46 The Intersection of Branding and Blockchain
04:24 The Birth of NFTs and Ownership in the Digital Age
07:04 Revolutionizing Music Ownership and Distribution
09:49 The Role of Centralized Institutions in a Decentralized World
12:28 The Future of IP and Music in the Blockchain Era
14:34 Pivoting from Art to Music: The Mark.DJ Journey
17:17 Unleashing Creativity through Sampling and Remixing
19:54 The Value of Digital Ownership and NFTs
21:57 Navigating the Challenges of Digital Immutability
24:42 The Economic Potential of Tokenized IP
28:25 Exploring the New York Music Scene
28:54 Innovative Music Experiences and Limited Editions
30:19 Remixing the Future of Music
31:24 Ticketing and Exclusive Access
31:53 The Role of Social Networks in Music
31:54 Future Plans for Mark DJ
33:00 Building an IP Economy
36:16 Startup Lessons and Team Dynamics
36:39 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

MY GUEST LINKS:
Jaime Schwarz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeschwarz/
Keith Shocklee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithshocklee/
MRKD.dj is the website

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