Audio Flux: Scaling Labor of Love With Community Investment
TL;DR
- Audio Flux's production of 307 Fluxworks across six circuits demonstrates significant creative output, establishing a substantial catalog of contemporary music for potential future exploitation or analysis.
- The project's 22 represented countries in submissions, despite the vast number of IOC-recognized nations, highlights a focused global reach and potential for diverse artistic collaboration.
- Securing a spot on The New Yorker's Top Ten Podcasts of 2025 list signifies critical acclaim and broad cultural relevance, enhancing Audio Flux's brand authority and audience trust.
- The sale of 130 limited edition vinyl pressings at $50+ each indicates a viable revenue stream and strong collector interest, supporting the project's financial sustainability.
- A single Fluxwork played on Lithuanian National Radio, while niche, suggests an unexpected international broadcast reach, opening avenues for further cross-border cultural exchange.
- The single interview with PBS NewsHour indicates successful high-profile media engagement, providing valuable exposure and validation for the Audio Flux initiative.
Deep Dive
Audio Flux's co-founders are requesting community support for 2026, highlighting their significant achievements in 2025 including a New Yorker feature and launching their podcast. While acknowledging their passion and commitment, they present data to demonstrate the project's reach and impact, suggesting that financial support will enable ambitious plans for expansion. The core implication is that "labor of love" initiatives require community investment to scale their impact beyond initial passion projects.
Since its inception in fall 2023, Audio Flux has completed six "circuits" and produced 307 three-minute "Fluxworks." These submissions represent 22 countries, a significant figure compared to the 206 recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and 26 US states, notably excluding Ohio. The project has also produced 130 limited edition vinyl LPs, with 50 dollars or more in donations securing a copy. One Fluxwork was featured on Lithuanian National Radio, and Audio Flux was interviewed once by PBS NewsHour. While attendance numbers for their six live debut events were not provided, the founders noted one instance of asking an audience to laugh on command at the F and Herschhorn Museum.
The founders are planning for 2026 with goals for two more circuits, additional podcast episodes, expanded "Audio Flux in the classroom" initiatives, and more live listening events globally. They emphasize that Audio Flux is currently sustained by their dedication, but community support is crucial for realizing these future "flux ventures." This call for support implies a recognition that passion alone has limitations, and scaling impact requires financial resources to move beyond the current "labor of love" phase. The success of their current endeavors, as evidenced by the statistics and external recognition, serves as a foundation to justify this request for continued investment.
Action Items
- Track submission diversity: For 2026 circuits, aim for representation from 25+ countries and 30+ US states.
- Measure live event engagement: Record attendance for all 2026 live events to gauge audience reach.
- Analyze vinyl sales: Track sales of remaining vinyl copies to inform future merchandise strategy.
- Investigate Ohio submissions: Determine reasons for zero submissions from Ohio in 2025.
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View Episode Notes →Key Quotes
"And we are popping in to give our usual host Amy Pearl a break. Yep, she's fluxed off somewhere for the holidays. And we're here, let's just tell it straight, to ask you to support Audio Flux in 2026. This is our winter fundraiser. I'm going to give you the link now and I'll give it again at the end. Audioflux.org/support AF."
Julie and John are directly stating the purpose of the podcast episode: to solicit financial support for Audio Flux. John explains that this is their winter fundraiser and provides the specific URL for donations.
"Yeah, we have big plans ahead. But let's talk about this year and, uh, what a year it's been for Audio Flux, including launching this very podcast, which was recently shouted out as one of the year's top 10 podcasts, out of the trillion bajillion podcasts out there."
John highlights the significant achievements of Audio Flux in the past year, including the launch of their podcast. He emphasizes the podcast's recognition by being named one of the top 10 podcasts of the year.
"So, since Audio Flux started in the fall of 2023, the number of circuits completed: Six. The total number of three-minute Fluxworks produced for those six circuits: Hold onto your hats, 307. Number of countries represented in submissions: 22."
Julie presents quantitative data to illustrate Audio Flux's output and reach since its inception. She details the number of completed circuits, the total number of Fluxworks produced, and the diversity of countries from which submissions were received.
"Number of copies pressed of our limited edition vinyl pressing: 130. And I still have about 20 copies left. The number of dollars you can donate to get one of those copies: 50, or more if you like."
John provides specific details about their limited edition vinyl pressing, including the number of copies made and the donation amount required to receive one. He also notes the remaining inventory.
"So, as you can see in here, we have had a really fun and busy and impactful first two years. And we have big plans for 2026. Two more circuits, more podcast episodes, more Audio Flux in the classroom, more live listening events all over the world."
Julie summarizes the past two years as fun, busy, and impactful for Audio Flux. She then outlines their ambitious plans for the upcoming year, which include expanding their circuits, podcast, educational programs, and live events globally.
"And the truth is, we could use your help. Audio Flux is currently pretty much a labor of love for us. And we're not going to stop doing it, no matter what. But support from our community will help a lot."
John candidly states that Audio Flux relies on community support, describing their current work as a "labor of love." He assures listeners that they will continue their work regardless, but emphasizes that community contributions would significantly aid their efforts.
Resources
External Resources
Videos & Documentaries
- Crosby & Bowie performance - Referenced as a nostalgic performance inspiration.
Articles & Papers
- Top Ten Podcasts of 2025 (The New Yorker) - Mentioned as a recognition of the podcast's quality.
Organizations & Institutions
- Audio Flux - Primary subject of discussion and fundraising appeal.
- PBS NewsHour - Mentioned as a past interview subject.
- F and Herschhorn Museum - Location of a past live event.
Websites & Online Resources
- audioflux.org/support AF - The URL provided for listener support.
- audioflux.org/circuit01 - A link to listen back to fluxworks from Circuit 01.
Other Resources
- Fluxworks - Refers to the creative works produced by Audio Flux.
- Circuits - A term used to denote distinct phases or collections of Fluxworks.
- Flux ventures - A term used to describe future projects and initiatives of Audio Flux.