Tutorial on deploying smart contracts with @kelvinfichter and @chainlink

**Soneium is launching on the Superchain**, targeting three major industries where participants create value but rarely capture it: automotive, entertainment fandom, and music. **The core problem**: These industries have traditionally extracted value from user participation without fair compensation. Fans stream music, engage with content, and build communities—yet most revenue flows to platforms and intermediaries. **Previous context shows the opportunity**: A 2025 report by 51 Insights demonstrated that 600 superfans can generate more value than a million streams. Republic Film recouped capital in months through fan-funded models, outperforming traditional platforms like Spotify and Netflix. **Soneium's approach**: By building on the Superchain infrastructure, the platform aims to "rewire who gets paid"—potentially enabling direct value capture for participants and creators rather than centralized platforms. This represents a shift from extraction-based models to participation-based economics in major consumer industries.

**The Problem with Traditional Music Platforms** Spotify and major labels continue extracting value while paying artists fractions of pennies per stream. Musicians struggle to earn sustainable income despite platforms generating billions in revenue. **A New Model from Tokyo** @cooprecsmusic launched "Midnight Diner" - an NFT-based system that fundamentally changes the artist-fan relationship: - NFT holders unlock live shows, early track releases, and direct artist access - Fans truly own their support through blockchain-verified tokens - Artists retain their revenue instead of surrendering it to intermediaries **Why This Matters** This approach eliminates the extractive middleman model. Fans become stakeholders with tangible benefits, while artists maintain financial control over their work. The Tokyo collective demonstrates how web3 tools can create sustainable economics for independent musicians.

**Record Protocol** has partnered with Japan's largest fashion and idol event, **IDOL RUNWAY COLLECTION**, to launch the **IRC APP** on Soneium. The platform addresses a gap in entertainment: fans drive IP growth but receive little recognition for their contributions. IRC APP changes this by: - **Attesting** fan activity on social media through Record Protocol - **Scoring** contributions via IRC Score - **Rewarding** fans through the official IP ecosystem Major Japanese idol groups participating include **AKB48**, **Nogizaka46**, **FRUITS ZIPPER**, and **CUTIE STREET**. The initiative represents a shift toward treating fans as stakeholders rather than just consumers, creating what Record Protocol calls an "IPFi market" where fandom contributions generate measurable value.

Sony Honda Mobility is launching AFEELA, a vehicle with integrated blockchain technology that rewards drivers for their data and usage. **Key features:** - Drivers earn onchain rewards for driving and charging - Vehicle customizations are owned by the user - Car sharing enabled through smart contract payments - Data ownership shifts from automaker to driver **Timeline:** Deliveries begin in the second half of 2026 This follows Sony Honda's announcement at CES 2025 about their onchain mobility plans, positioning them alongside Toyota's blockchain initiatives in the automotive space. The AFEELA represents a production vehicle, not a concept, marking a practical application of blockchain technology in consumer automobiles.

Sony Group and Startale Group launched **Soneium**, an Ethereum-based blockchain platform addressing a fundamental issue in entertainment: the industry currently rewards ownership but lacks mechanisms to reward participation. The platform aims to create new incentive structures for fans and participants in the entertainment ecosystem, moving beyond traditional ownership models. - Users can start earning points through the [Soneium portal](http://portal.soneium.org/en) - Built on Ethereum infrastructure for stability and scalability - Focuses on solving participation economics rather than technical innovation The project represents Sony's approach to bridging traditional entertainment with blockchain-based reward systems.