DubFiler: Brooklyn’s Little Rottweiler of Online File Sharing
PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN: At SonicScoop, we love things that work reel good. And we would certainly put DubFiler in that category. Released from the mad mind of Corey H. Maass, this Brooklyn-based file-sharing service just might take over the world and vanquish all its inhabitants.
OK, it will probably never commit any acts of violence. But Maass is right when he says he came up with a workflow that’s really fast for DJ’s, musicians, producers, audio post pros and indie labels for file sharing. Don’t believe us? Try the free demo yourself – Maass’ new take on this important process makes it faster, easier and more affordable do to more with your files than other file-sharing services we’ve experienced. Here’s our ode to his code:
DubFiler is for YOU.
Q: What were you doing before you founded DubFiler? Both professionally and/or on a musical basis.
A: I started learning web design to promote myself as a musician around 1996 — I make electronic and dance music under the name Secret Agent Gel. Music has always been an avocation, and web design and programming have always paid the bills — I love them both. Lately I’m making less music, and concentrating more on running my labels, radio show and DubFiler.
Q: Everyone I know is either doing lots of things, or just one thing. Sounds like you’re in the diversified category! So from that musical/Web start, what led to DubFiler being founded?
A: DubFiler solved a real problem I had. I would finish a track, or have a musical idea I’d bang out, and then I’d want to send it to people for feedback. But some folks weren’t on IM, or couldn’t receive large email attachments. And using the file sharing services were obnoxious – ads, waiting for downloads, etc. So I built DubFiler to make it quick and easy to share my tracks. Then it made sense to make it into a real web app.
Q: Fair enough, but why is the music production community due – or overdue — for DubFiler? What makes you different/unique from other file-sharing services?
A: I think overdue. It’s not a new idea, but we’re doing it better, and just for folks like us. DubFiler is dedicated to musicians. We want to help you get famous. We focus on a clean, professional design and only the features you need so you can share your tunes, then get on with making more.
Q: I do dig on the interface, myself. So who uses your services the most? Who isn’t using a service like and Dubfiler and should be – they just don’t know it yet.
A: Most of our users are bedroom producers and aspiring musicians. We also have a good number of small labels. All of these people are who we’re trying to reach, which is hard. Everyone’s online, but usually tucked up in their own forum or community.
Q: SonicScoop relates, ja. So what did you learn in putting the application together? What was the most rewarding aspect of the process, and what made it particularly challenging?
A: It was the first full application I finished and got out the door. Finishing a project like this, even if it’s only version one, is a big hurdle. But when it is out the door, that’s the best feeling. And of course having people use it and tell me they love it — that means a lot.
Q: Congrats on getting it going! The Internet is, like, worldwide, but why do you think NYC a good place for a small, pioneering music-related company to be starting up?
A: There are so many start-ups and small businesses here. There are so many creative, interesting people and a lot of them are thinking about music. The tech community is strong, and we’re getting better about sharing ideas, putting people together and helping each other out. And living in Brooklyn is the best feeling.
Q: How is this sector of the business going to evolve in the next five years, in your opinion?
A: You could even limit it to five months. Watching the music tech space change, constantly, is fascinating – there are so many good ideas and so many bad ones. There are a lot of resources for the indie musician, but not all of them great, or right for everyone. I honestly feel bad for musicians trying to make it now. It’s tough. That said, though, there are infinite possibilities. It’s not just about making music anymore.
I try to use DubFiler as a resource for musicians – it’s a tool, but since I’m paying attention to the music industry, I hope to help musicians with links and information, too. Check out the blog for inspiring stories and interesting ideas, and follow us on Twitter for links that you might find interesting. – David Weiss