Samuel OConnell

As CEO and co-founder of TuneFly, Samuel led the vision of this innovative music eco-system, which served as a social platform for musicians and music enthusiasts. Dubbed “the Instagram of music,” TuneFly provided a platform where users could record and share original songs, discover new artists locally and globally, and connect over their shared passion for music. Tunefly’s  community-first approach, allowed independent artists to gain visibility, Venues to discover and book new talent and audiences to explore diverse musical content.

TuneFly garnered significant traction, supporting grassroots musicians and fostering connections that celebrated independent music culture. The app’s intuitive interface and commitment to community drove its success, ultimately reaching 20,000 global users by the time it concluded operations in 2019.

The User Types

TuneFly was designed with three user types: Artists, Fans, and Venues, each supporting the local music ecosystem. Artists could share their music and gain exposure, Fans discovered and engaged with new music, and Venues connected with artists to promote events, fostering a thriving, interactive community.

The TuneFly Tour

The TuneFly Tour of March 2017 embarked on an ambitious journey to discover and showcase America’s indie music scenes. With a mobile music studio and the team from Going Up? Records, they traveled coast-to-coast, capturing performances, interviews, and impromptu recording sessions. The tour highlighted stops in vibrant cities like Philadelphia, Nashville, and Austin, featuring talented artists like The Medium and Tranche. The documentary captured the raw, behind-the-scenes experiences of a dedicated crew navigating challenges, meeting local musicians, and celebrating diverse sounds in unique settings nationwide.