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We all know what it is like to be at a party or a club where the music is loud and pulsing but just not that inspiring. Maybe we try to get over to the DJ to request a different song, but even though we yell in their ear, they can’t hear us, so we give up. All we want is for our favorite song to be played, which will lift our mood and make the whole party look a lot different. If you can relate to this scenario, you will be interested in One28, whose new apps for listeners and DJs are taking the club scene by storm worldwide. We dropped in to talk with Adrien Crastes, the Founder and CEO of One28, to learn more about the app and his plans for changing how music is requested by audiences.
“One28 is solving a very common frustration: how to easily request your favorite songs to DJs in the most optimal manner for all parties involved,” says Adrien. “DJs do an awesome job of picking out music for a party, of course, but with hundreds of people in attendance, they face an uphill battle when trying to play songs that everyone will like. Our app facilitates that communication so that they can hit the center of the dartboard more often.”
He explains that behind the name of the company lies the adrenaline rush a listener experience when they hear their favorite song. “Picture this,” Adrien says. “You’re at a nightclub, perhaps a little bored because the music is flat. Your heart rate is likely around 60-100 beats per minute. Then your favorite song comes on. You perk up, and you feel happier. You are caught up in the memories that song brings back, or it just really triggers your emotions. You feel a lot of happiness, and your heart rate goes up to 128 beats per minute. That is the peak we are helping more people reach with our app and web app.”
Adrien states that through One28, listeners can request songs that will make their nights unforgettable. DJs set the minimum request price and receive tips to play the songs; they are able to accept or decline song requests. If they do, the requester will be refunded instantly and can request another song or increase their bid in order to incentivize the DJ to accept the song and play it.
One28’s presence can be felt in renowned clubs across the globe, making it a true global force. From L’ARC Paris to Palm Beach Club Cannes, Just Me Milan to Tape and Maddox London, Twiga Monaco to 1Oak Tokyo, Lavo NYC to Faena and Story Miami, and Toy Room and Shoko Madrid, One28 operates in an impressive 46 countries and collaborates with over 4,000 clubs. With such a wide network of clubs, One28 offers DJs an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their talent and earn income through song requests. This unique concept has revolutionized the way DJs monetize their skills, allowing them to connect directly with their audience and provide an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Adrien says that he is an avid music fan. “I have always loved the club atmosphere and admired the work of DJs who can create such energy in the room simply through the music they choose,” he reveals. “Like anyone, however, I have felt let down when a party didn’t have great music.”
Solving this problem would involve earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and Economics from Bucknell University, where he was recruited as a Division 1 tennis student athlete. Adrien says that while he concentrated hard on his studies, he was also pondering how to bridge the gap between partygoers and DJs. The app was the perfect answer. He ultimately decided to become a graduate school student at Institut de Science Financière et d’Assurances in France, where he is now pursuing his three year actuary diploma and running One28 at the same time.
“You could call me a very driven person,” he acknowledges. “Whether I am on the tennis court, in the classroom, or in front of my computer, I give everything 100%. I have got a lot of energy that just keeps me going until I achieve what I am working on, including One28.”
One28 is also preparing to debut the Mac OS version of One28 DJ app and is exploring the possibility of bringing its services to artists.
“Our future is wide open,” Adrien believes. “One28 will continue to lead the industry because our app helps people leave parties saying that they had a great time – because of the music, they were able to reach that priceless, indescribable 128 bpm heart rate, which is what we are ultimately selling.”
