Austin Millz Dishes on the Meta Sonic Listening Party at Miami Art Week and the Power of Meta
Meta truly is an innovator in the technology space, and on Dec. 9, they showed off how impressive their music tech is at the Meta Sonic Listening Party at Miami Art Week.
The party transformed Miami Art Week into a groundbreaking mixed reality event and jam session, with a little help from Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, as part of their "It's Your World" campaign. Meta has been partnering with artists, sharing access to new technologies that allow genuine creative expression and the creation of their own worlds, and the crowds got to see just how that happens at the listening party.
Utilizing Meta Quest 3, the PianoVision app and a keyboard, DJ and producer Austin Millz took on the role of house pianist, teaching Victoria Monét, Vashtie, Cristina Martinez, DJ Millie and more how to play using Meta tech, expressing their one-of-a-kind musical visions through mixed reality. Sweety High had the chance to ask Austin himself all of our most burning questions about the event and his music, which he shared with us in the interview below.
Sweety High: Is this your first time at Art Week?
Austin Millz: No, it's not. I've actually lost count of how many times, but I've been coming here for a while—since 2015, maybe? I've loved seeing what's happened and how big it's gotten over the years.
Also read about: Everything You Might Have Missed at The Imagine Ball 2023
SH: Tell us about teaming up with Meta and how you think this could help fans experience your music or capture content in a new way.
AM: This Meta concept is amazing because my music career—the digital media and social aspect of it—is so pertinent, and I feel like PianoVision is allowing fans to use the app in a way where you can feel very comfortable using the keys, and I think it's an amazing platform offered through Meta Quest 3. It's great because you can implement your favorite songs into it and it connects fans closer to the music and the artist.
(Photo credit: Arturo Homes/Getty Images for Meta)
SH: What are you playing today?
AM: Today I'm gonna be really hands-on with other creators and help them figure out their new piano journey. No solos, but I'm definitely helping out with new skills.
SH: We heard you have an upcoming headlining tour. Congrats! How many stops, and what city are you most excited about? Anything special we can share with our readers?
AM: It's about 20 stops, just announced this week. I'm really excited about all the cities and not just one in particular because I treat each experience like its own, and I'm excited to meet new fans and old fans and connect with the people and give them a good show. So come through and get ready to dance!
Also read about: Lori Harvey and PrettyLittleThing Celebrate the Launch of Another Gorgeous Capsule Collection
SH: What else do you have coming up in 2024?
AM: For 2023, I have a new remix of Bill Wither's "Lovely Day." It's coming out next week [Dec. 15], and the sample got cleared so it's coming out officially on all music platforms. And in 2024, just expect new music and more shows!
SH: Can you share any tips and tricks for the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and why we all need to run—not walk—to grab a pair for ourselves?
AM: Wearing these glasses is gonna change your life! People already capture content every day, so just think of it as not having to use your hands anymore or think about it with your phone. It's just on your face. your eyes are the content and you can capture it 24/7. I love it.
(Photo credit: Arturo Homes/Getty Images for Meta)
SH: Feel free to add anything else you would like Sweety High fans to know!
AM: Get you a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses, keep using Meta to shape your world, and live a good life!
Missed the Anyone But You red carpet? Check out our exclusive photos from the event HERE.