Open Source Orchestra: Music Space at Devcon 8 Mumbai

Devcon Improvement Proposals (DIPs)
1

Open Source Orchestra: Music Space at Devcon 8 Mumbai

Title: Open Source Orchestra: Music Space for Devcon 8 Mumbai

Authors:

Resources Required

  • Full production backline (sound system, mixing console, monitors)

  • Rented instruments (guitars, bass, drums, percussion, keyboard)

  • DJ decks and controllers

  • One or two sound engineers from production team

  • Dedicated open space (ideally 100+ sq meters, soundproof)

  • Power distribution (20+ circuits for multiple simultaneous inputs)

  • Stage management area

  • Storage for instruments overnight

  • Prominent location near community hubs, meal area, or main circulation areas

:brain: What do you suggest?

Simple and short

Create an open, inclusive music space where all Devcon attendees can participate, collaborate, and experience the universal language of music. The Open Source Orchestra brings together Ethereum musicians, local Indian artists, and spontaneous community jams—powering collective creativity through the principles of openness, shared spotlight, and collaborative tradition. Just as we’ve successfully hosted at Devcon Bogotá, Bangkok, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and Buenos Aires, we propose bringing this beloved tradition to Mumbai with enhanced local collaboration.

:bullseye: Motivation & Rationale

How does this improve the attendee experience?

Music is the heartbeat of community. When we play together, positive vibrations strengthen and create profound connections. Open Source Orchestra provides a sacred space where attendees can:

  • Recharge between technical sessions through creative expression

  • Collaborate spontaneously across cultures and skill levels

  • Experience Ethereum values embodied in real-time (openness, collaboration, shared success)

  • Build lasting relationships outside traditional networking contexts

The OSO space becomes Devcon’s cultural heart—a place where decentralized philosophy meets human harmony.

What Ethereum use case does it showcase?

We are a beautiful metaphor for the power of open-source technology and decentralization:

  • Permissionless Participation — Anyone can join, just like open-source protocols welcome any contributor

  • Base Layer Protocol — Music as a universal language主张 shared and expanded upon collaboratively

  • Copyleft Approach — All contributions, improvisations, and creative moments belong to the commons

  • Network Effects — The quality and magic grows exponentially with more participants

  • Community-First — Creativity serves the whole community, not individual extraction

This demonstrates Ethereum’s core technology philosophy through the most human medium possible: collaborative sound.

:hammer_and_wrench: Implementation

Have you done this before at another event?

Yes, extensively:

  • Devcon 6 2022 (Bogotá) — Full collaboration with Devcon team, first official music stage

  • Devcon SEA 2024 (Bangkok) — Major activation, overwhelming positive community feedback (“My first ever DevCon experience!”)

  • Devconnect Amsterdam 2022 — Closing ceremony performance (Shaka + Justin Holmes)

  • Devconnect Istanbul 2023 — Open music jam in main co-work lobby

  • Devconnect Buenos Aires 2025 — Dedicated music space collaboration

We’ve refined the protocol through 3+ years of global activations across 6+ countries.

How will you make it happen?

Phase 1: Pre-Event (Months 3-1 before Devcon)

  • Coordinate with local Indian musicians (already recruited network)

  • Finalize equipment wish list with production team

  • Create collaborative planning committee (artists, volunteers, coordinators)

  • Launch call for participation on Devcon forums and social media

Phase 2: Day 0 (Setup)

  • Oversee equipment installation and sound check

  • Train volunteer team on OSO protocol and facilitation

  • Set up instrument management and storage systems

  • Test all technical systems

Phase 3: During Event (4 days)

  • OSO team present continuously as stage managers/facilitators

  • Open jam sessions mixed with curated artist performances

  • Instrument checkout system for participants

  • Document moments for community archives

Phase 4: Post-Event

  • Compile documentation and learnings

  • Share recordings and highlights with community

  • Gather feedback for continuous protocol improvement

:gear: Operational Requirements & Ownership

What’s needed to make this work at Devcon 8?

From Devcon Team:

  • Space allocation (100+ sq meters, soundproof or isolated location)

  • Production equipment budget (backline, instruments, DJ setup)

  • 1-2 dedicated sound engineers from production provider

  • Power distribution support

  • Storage security for instruments overnight

  • Website/program promotion and scheduling coordination

From OSO Team:

  • Pre-event musician recruitment and coordination

  • Stage management and facilitation around the clock

  • Instrument maintenance and organization

  • Community engagement and onboarding during event

  • Volunteer coordination and training

  • Documentation and post-event content creation

Who will be responsible for running it on site?

Core On-Site Team (10-12 people):

  • Shaka Lei Kaumaka — Leading contributor and artistic steward

  • Local Indian Musicians (3-4) — Cultural anchors and expert facilitators

  • OSO International Members (3-4) — Protocol maintainers, stage managers

  • Volunteer Coordinators (3-4) — Instrument management, event flow, participant support

  • Devcon-provided sound engineers (2) — Technical support

Everyone will have designated shifts to ensure the space remains welcoming, safe, and musically grounded throughout all 4 days. We operate as facilitators of spontaneous collaboration, not gatekeepers.

What other projects could this integrate with?

  • Community Hubs — OSO can serve as the cultural heart connecting multiple hubs

  • Local Artists/Galleries — Live painting during sessions

  • DApp Projects — Token reputation systems for creative participation

  • Recording Studios — Document and archive musical moments for community

  • Workshop Tracks — Integrate with ethereum music culture presentations

  • Food/Court Spaces — Strategic placement near refreshments for foot traffic

  • Blockravers/DJ Communities — Electronic music collaborations

  • ETHGlobal Mumbai (Nov 6-8) — OSO traditionally bridges into the hackathon venue for
    3am jam sessions, hackathon stress relief, and pre-demo-day creative clarity. Seamless
    cultural infrastructure spanning Devcon → ETHGlobal provides continuous community heartbeat.

:link: Links & Additional Information

Social Media:

Previous DIPs:

Past Events:

Website:

Additional Context:

The Open Source Orchestra has become one of Ethereum’s longest-running cultural tradition, evolving through 4+ years of global activations. Our protocol embodies the ethos that built Ethereum: open participation, shared contributions, and collective success.

For Devcon 8, we’re particularly excited about Mumbai’s position as the first Devcon in India—a country with deep classical music traditions that resonate perfectly with open-source principles of collective creativity and shared expression. We’ve already established relationships with extraordinary local musicians who are eager to collaborate with the global Ethereum community.

This isn’t just a music space; it’s Ethereum’s heartbeat. Where code meets consciousness. Where protocols become poetry. Where we prove together that open-source belongs to everyone.

Aloha, and let’s make beautiful music together. :guitar::sparkles: