Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, left, and Matt McGloin, right, present a count Business Improvement Grant check for nearly $5,000 to Dave Yeager, founder and CEO of Showcase Ventures, Tuesday at the company office in the Chamber of Commerce Innovation Center, Lackawanna and Franklin Avenues in Scranton.

Showcase’s app is a human-curated, rather than algorithm-driven, streaming music-discovery platform that features new artists every day.

Meet Dave Yeager, founder of Showcase Ventures Inc.

Dave Yeager is the founder and CEO of Showcase Ventures Inc., the creator of the Showcase app. The app introduces one emerging artist each day and users can read the artist’s brief biography and like their favorite songs to create a playlist. We took a few minutes to chat with Dave and talk about his journey, his love of music and the Showcase app.

Tell us about the Showcase app. What’s unique about it?

The Showcase app is a human-curated music discovery platform dedicated to shining a spotlight on emerging and underserved artists. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, Showcase is all about the personal touch. We handpick and highlight a new artist every day, ensuring that the focus is on their story and their music. This approach creates a more meaningful and authentic connection between artists and listeners, offering a fresh, engaging experience that goes beyond what’s currently available in the market.

What was your path to get here?

My journey into the music industry has been anything but easy, but my passion for music has always driven me forward. Moving to Los Angeles, the biggest city I had ever visited, was daunting. I started out homeless, living out of my van, but I was determined to break into this crazy industry. Over time, I was fortunate to land key roles at companies like Universal Music Group, Zoom and Beats by Dr. Dre, where I played a pivotal role in the development of Beats Music and its $3.2B acquisition by Apple. I then spent several years at Apple, contributing to the launch and scaling of Apple Music. These experiences gave me deep insights into the industry and ultimately inspired me to create Showcase — a platform designed to put artists first and make music discovery more authentic and accessible

How is Showcase different than other music streaming platforms?

Showcase is different from other music streaming platforms because it’s entirely focused on discovery rather than just streaming. Unlike most platforms that rely heavily on algorithms, we believe in the power of human curation. Showcase was built to put developing artists on center stage, giving them their moment in the spotlight without all the noise that typically surrounds them on other platforms — they are truly the focal point. Every artist featured on Showcase is handpicked by our team, ensuring that listeners get a high-quality, personalized experience. Additionally, we lean into the microlearning and microengagement trends, with many users making it a part of their daily routine to engage with the Showcase artist of the day. We also work closely with the artists to craft their bios and present them in the best possible light, making the platform a true champion for emerging talent.

What does the future hold for Showcase?

The future of Showcase is centered on growth and expansion. We aim to become the go-to platform for music discovery by enhancing the app with new features like genre-specific showcases, live streaming, and integration with additional social platforms. We’re also exploring innovative ways to support artists through new revenue streams, such as a tip jar and other monetization tools. Beyond the digital space, we host three live weekly showcases in Los Angeles, featuring talent from the app. Our goal is to replicate these events in other metropolitan areas and expand globally, partnering with more industry leaders to broaden our reach and impact.

Why do you love music?

I love music because it’s one of the most powerful forces in the world. It has the unique ability to connect people, evoke deep emotions, and tell stories like nothing else. Music has been my unwavering companion through every high and low—there’s always a song that resonates with whatever I’m going through. It creates moments, memories, and movements, and is deeply woven into every aspect of my life. I can distinctly tie pivotal moments in my life to the music that helped me through them. I believe music transcends cultural, social, and linguistic boundaries, uniting people in a way few other things can. It’s a universal language that allows us to express our deepest feelings, share experiences, and connect with others on a profound level.

What artists are on your favorite “mixtape?”

I love this question. Back in the day, one of my favorite pastimes was making mixtapes for all my friends. I’ve always had a diverse taste in music across many genres, and I love being on the cutting edge of what’s next. During my DJ days, I took pride in introducing new music and artists to different crowds, and it was amazing to watch those artists’ popularity grow over time. These days, my mixtape always includes a few emerging artists from Showcase — those on the brink of making their mark on the world.

Find out more at www.showcasedaily.com.