PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Cakewalk by Bandlab goes bye bye in August. Sonar?

Participating in this forum requires access to technology. To walk over to the acoustic piano and play something does not.

Technology is a choice we make.

If all the technology that was invented in the last 80 years was to go away in the morning suddenly, the only thing I think I would truly miss would be air conditioning...lol

The latest thing I got for free was a GPS from a friend of mine. I spent $ 1,650 to install the wiring to operate it. It turned out that it would not work with my current unit. I then had to buy a new one for $ 2,890. That is $4,540 that I likely would not have spent if I hadn't gotten something for "free."

There are free things that, on rare occasions, do come along. A school teacher in another city, where I happened to be, was at the checkout at the grocery store. She was stressing out over the cost of supplies for a party for her 41 students, including food, drinks, and other essentials which most of it she was paying for out of here own pocket. I asked the cashier how much the total bill was, and I paid it. I don't know the teacher or the students, and they don't know me.
It just was the right thing to do.

The evolution of "Cakewalk". A guy named Greg started the company and then sold it to Roland, who sold it to Gibson. In November 2017, Gibson ceased active development. A few months later, BandLab, a company from Singapore, acquired all the Intellectual Property Rights to Cakewalk.

The product continued to be developed by both Roland and Gibson while they owned it. By the time Gibson decided to stop development, "Cakewalk, Sonar, X1" had become a full-function DAW that many people liked. There was intense competition among the major DAWs, and it's unclear how the outcome would have been if Gibson had been able to continue. I assume BandLab thought they could capitalize on Gibson's misfortune.

Corporate America has only one requirement. That is to make money for their shareholders. If the end user of their product or service was treated fairly or not is irrelevant.

Here's how they made money:
Freemium Model: Offering a free tier with robust features attracted a large user base. This model maximizes accessibility and encourages engagement, acting as a foundation for their other monetization strategies.
Subscriptions: BandLab offers premium subscriptions (like BandLab Membership) for users who want to unlock advanced features and services. These include enhanced audio processing tools, exclusive content, artist services, and additional storage.
In-App Purchases: Users can purchase various digital assets within the app, such as professional loops, samples, and virtual instruments, to enhance their music projects.
Advertising: BandLab strategically places advertising on its platform to generate revenue without disrupting the user experience.
Artist Services: BandLab offers services like music distribution, allowing artists to release their music on major platforms and keep 100% of their earnings (often requiring a Membership). These services also include features for promoting music and growing fanbases.
Hardware and Software Sales (from the parent company): As part of the Caldecott Music Group, BandLab benefits from the sales of music hardware and software from its other brands

Here's an overview of their current economic condition:
Strong Funding & Valuation:
BandLab Technologies successfully raised $25 million in Series B1 funding, which boosted their post-money valuation to $425 million.
This builds upon their previous $65 million Series B funding round.
They have raised a total of $143 million in funding across three rounds.
Growing Revenue:
While BandLab offers a free core platform, the company generates revenue through various channels, including subscriptions, in-app purchases, advertising, and artist services.
As of June 2025, their annual revenue has reached $75 million, with $8.66 million reported for December 31, 2023.
Expanding User Base:
BandLab boasts a massive global user base, exceeding 100 million registered users by late 2024.
The platform saw a 30% increase in user activity in 2024, demonstrating strong user engagement.
Strategic Investments & Acquisitions:
BandLab has strategically expanded its offerings by acquiring companies like ReverbNation, Airbit, and Cakewalk, broadening its service offerings and strengthening its market position.
Focus on Innovation:
The company actively integrates new technologies, including AI, into its platform to enhance user experience and remain competitive.
They invest in strategic partnerships and alliances to drive growth and expand their reach.
While some sources suggest the BandLab platform itself doesn't directly generate profit, its diverse revenue streams, coupled with strategic investments and a growing user base, indicate a positive economic trajectory and a strong position in the music technology landscape.

So, this is not some poor mom and pop company that is running out of money and has to quit making Cakewalk. Welcome to 2025.

Billy