Musician and entrepreneur Tom Vek is building a digital music player, but don’t call it retro

Tom Vek emerged in 2005 with his debut album *We Have Sound*, which received a 7.6 rating from Pitchfork. The infectious blend of danceable indietronica earned him a spot on *The OC* and inclusion on the *Grand Theft Auto IV* soundtrack. His second album, *Leisure Seizure*, followed after a lengthy development period and reached No. 79 on the UK charts in 2011.

Over the past fifteen years, Vek has consistently released new music, most recently issuing *Newer Symbols* in 2022. In 2020 he began developing a digital music player named Sleevenote, inspired by the aesthetics of vinyl album packaging and aimed at preserving the visual and textual richness of cover art and liner notes. He encountered challenges obtaining square display components, and the initial prototype was large—approximately the dimensions of a 7‑inch single but thicker and heavier.

Vek has now introduced a revised Sleevenote that is more compact and affordable, with a limited run of Day One Editions currently offered at $349. He is now focusing on the next phase of his media‑player venture, sharing insights into its core features, his personal passions, and the challenges he faces as both a musician and an entrepreneur.

What is your most indispensable tool (analog or digital, app or hardware)?

My essential tool is a MacBook. Whether I’m designing user interfaces, crafting graphics, editing photos, or producing videos, it serves as the central platform for visualising and refining my ideas. I find its industrial design particularly appealing in the current M‑series models, which I consider the most refined.

How many tabs do you have open right now?

I keep numerous tabs open across several Chrome profiles, a habit that sometimes leads to very narrow tabs where I must rely on favicons to identify each page. This setup lets me quickly return to frequently used resources and stay organized for posting the latest Sleevenote graphics on social platforms.

Which tech trend do you wish would go away?

I’m frustrated by the surge of retro‑styled CD and cassette players. While it’s encouraging that listeners seek offline, dedicated music experiences, I hope for fresh, innovative concepts that promote digital music purchases—offering better support for artists than reselling physical media. I’d like to see a generation that moves beyond nostalgia and embraces thoughtfully designed indie technology, rather than being trapped in a retro loop.

What is one thing you wish you had created?

If I could have written a song, it would be ‘Jump In The Pool’ by Friendly Fires, whose unforgettable synth solo I heard shortly after my debut album. At that time I imagined taking my manager—fully clothed—into a pool, yet I never captured that experience in music.

What is your current obsession?

My current obsession is carports in architecture. As a car enthusiast, I’m captivated by the visual design of automobiles rather than performance metrics. I envision homes that showcase cars openly, protected by carports rather than concealed in garages—mirroring the aesthetic of mid‑century desert architecture while allowing convenient, weather‑proof access in the UK climate.

What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?

I frequently purchase paperback fiction. I recently acquired *The Cowards* solely for its cover. After finishing several Steinbeck titles, I’m seeking my next read. While I sometimes liken Sleevenote to a Kindle for music, I’ve never embraced digital books; most readers consume one book at a time, whereas a fully digitised music library offers continuous access to an entire collection.

What do you think is worth splurging on?

I believe digital music downloads are worth the expense. Contrary to the notion that digital purchases lack value, buying music directly supports artists more effectively and provides offline, time‑stamped access to curated artwork—benefits that enrich both mind and soul. My goal for Sleevenote is to facilitate this experience.

What would the tagline for your biopic be?

I think the tagline would be ‘Nothing But Green Lights,’ the title of one of my songs, reflecting my approach to all my projects. It captures the idea that, despite challenges, one can move forward unimpeded toward desired goals.

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