This Week At VOMP Studios - I’m currently writing this at a coffee shop witnessing a tough break-up conversation that started with a noticeable disagreement of where they should even sit.

So that just happened to me.

Anyways… The Yankees are in the World Series. Life’s fuckin’ rad. Let’s roll.

This week’s riffs for the creative vandals, outlaws, misfits, and pirates of the internet:

• Create Cooler: How this one dude captures the music vibe of a street corner in San Francisco

• Build Better: WTF is chaos packaging!?

• Earn Easier: 6 brutal truths about life - revisited after 12 years

• Break The Rules: New York's 1st members-only, NFT Restaurant

• The Hit List: Music to turn up and tune out

When Surveillance Becomes A Mixtape

The Mission District in San Francisco is a chaotic symphony of car horns, chatter, and music blasting from every corner—basically a raw, non-stop soundtrack of life.

And smack dab in the middle of it, there’s a sneaky little device listening in on all that sweet, sweet noise.

Don’t worry—it’s not another Big Brother stunt (it probably is if we’re being honest).

It’s Bop Spotter, a random-ass box strung up a light pole capturing the musical heartbeat of The Mission District.

And who’s behind it?

Riley Walz, a 22-year-old software engineer who’s got way too much free time and a knack for turning absurd ideas into reality.

He sounds fuckin’ rad if ya ask me.

So, what’s the deal with this box?

Picture this: a plastic electrical box, an old phone running Shazam (yes, that Shazam), and a solar panel slapped on top for juice.

Sounds like a hacked-together project from your friend that’s always the first to bring up conspiracies at a party, right?

Well, this broke friend stuck it near the top of a light pole on Sept. 28, without so much as a side-eye from passersby.

*I checked to see if I used “passersby” correctly. I’m still unsure. What a stupid fuckin’ word.

Anyways…

San Francisco is it’s own kinda weird.

What the Hell is Bop Spotter Anyway?

Bop Spotter is like Shazam’s rebellious cousin, but instead of ID’ing songs for curious humans, it’s snooping on the neighborhood jams 24/7.

It logs everything from Nipsey Hussle to Celine Dion (what a combo, right?), clocking in about 150 tracks per day.

This isn’t some high-tech government thing tracking your every move; it’s more like a cultural mixtape of the streets—free of charge, courtesy of your local weirdo, Riley.

And here’s where it gets fun.

The system’s plugged into the Mission District’s free public Wi-Fi, because of course it is.

Some professor dude, Nate Sloan, even called it “a living time capsule.”

Which sounds fancy, but let’s face it, he’s really just saying it’s a cool way to know what bangers are playing while you’re waiting for your overpriced latte.

When Surveillance Gets a Fun Makeover

Okay, now for the part that makes people squirm—surveillance.

I know… creepy vibes, right?

But relax, no one’s tapping your phone calls here.

Bop Spotter is eavesdropping on music, not your drama.

It’s like if the NSA had a groovy little cousin who just wanted to vibe and watch music videos at the crib (we all have this dude in the friend group).

Still, some scholars like Sarah Koellner are raising their eyebrows and wondering if this is “fun” or just another form of digital lurking.

Is it art? Is it creepy? Or is it just a tech nerd playing DJ with the city’s sounds?

Maybe it’s all of the above.

Turning Surveillance Capitalism into a Party Trick

Artist Rachel Stoll, who’s out in Seattle, sees Bop Spotter as the “fun part of surveillance capitalism.”

Now, if “surveillance capitalism” doesn’t send a chill down your spine, congrats—you’re already dead inside.

But hear her out.

Rachel’s point is we’re all being watched anyway—by our phones, by cameras—so why not have some fun with it?

It’s like taking the fact that every platform from Facebook to Google is tracking your every move, and instead of screaming into the void, you get a playlist of your neighbors’ music tastes.

And Riley? He’s loving it.

He’s getting hit up by people in New York, Boston, even Berlin about setting up their own Bop Spotters.

Why stop at songs though? Riley’s already joking about a version of Bop Spotter that tracks sneezes and yells “bless you!” in response.

Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past him. The dude is on a roll.

Embrace Your Weird, Kid

Riley’s got a backlog of bizarre inventions he’s itching to make, and each weekend he’s knocking one off the list like it’s his personal to-do list of chaos.

From a fake restaurant to a random route generator for lost pedestrians, Bop Spotter is just another wacky pit stop on his journey to “the corner of get a map and fuck off.”

All we know is, it’s going to be a wild ride, and you’ll want to keep an ear out for what’s next.

So, next time you stroll through the Mission and hear Celine Dion blaring from someone’s car, remember: you’re not alone.

Bop Spotter’s listening too.

What The Duck Is Chaos Packaging?

Olive oil in a can? Tampons in an ice cream carton? A drink in a hand soap dispenser?

Was the title a typo!?

So many questions.

And if you’re scratching your cranium pondering, “What in the holy-britney-spears-shaved-head-fuck is going on!?”…

Welcome to the world of Chaos Packaging.

It’s like chaos theory for your monthly subscriptions… kinda.

Not really. But kinda.

Let’s be real: when you see tampons in a carton that should be holding Rocky Road, you’re going to look twice. Maybe even three times.

That, my friends, is the whole point.

This crazy trend of putting everyday products in WTF containers is flipping traditional packaging on its head, and it's here to stay.

Why?

Because it makes you stop and stare in an oversaturated market.

So if you're a founder and you’re still slapping labels on boring boxes—*tsk, tsk*—it’s time to get wild.

Why You Should Start Embracing Chaos Packaging:

It Screws with the Shelf.

We’re talking total shelf anarchy.

In a world where every damn product blends in like it’s on the world’s worst Tinder date, chaos packaging grabs you by the eyeballs.

And in this scroll-happy, look-away culture, you need every possible edge to make people stop and notice.

Want your product to stand out like a peacock in a chicken coop? Slap it in some chaos packaging and boom—instant spotlight.

You Become “That” Brand.

Forget “some toothpaste in a tube” or “milk in a boring ol’ carton.”

Chaos packaging makes you memorable.

You’ll become “that” brand—the one with coffee in a freakin' tube or tampons in a tub of Ben & Jerry’s look-alike.

It sticks in people’s heads like a bad song from the ‘90s (or any Neil Diamond song, ever).

Your design doesn’t have to do all the work because your crazy packaging does half the heavy lifting.

I mean, who could forget about tampons disguised as ice cream? Not me.

Innovation Shouts ‘We Give a Shit. And We’re Cool AF.’

Doing something different shows you care.

You could’ve stuck with the usual suspects—regular bottles, boring boxes—but na… You went rogue. Typical you.

It signals to your customers that you didn’t settle, that you’re not some basic, status quo company.

For example, that wine in a pouch?

Yeah, it’s not just for kicks—Medly’s pouch is actually more eco-friendly and keeps the wine fresher.

So, not only do they look cool, but they’re saving the planet one sip at a time.

It’s Category-Crossing Wizardry.

Packaging your drink in a soap pump? Genius.

It borrows visual cues from another category, making people think they’re buying something more premium.

You’re suddenly playing in the skincare field without even competing with other drink brands.

It’s like dressing up for the wrong party but still being the best-looking guest there.

Social Media Crack.

Need to go viral?

Chaos packaging is like handing your product a megaphone and telling it to scream on Instagram.

That coffee in a tube or olive oil in a can? People will post about it, tweet about it, and make TikToks about it.

It’s the stuff social media dreams are made of because nothing sparks conversation faster than seeing something out of place and thinking, is this real life or have I entered an alternate universe?

It *Can be Cheap AF.

You don’t need to sell a kidney to pay for some crazy new packaging design.

Chaos packaging just borrows existing formats from other categories, so no fancy custom packaging is required.

Milk in a pouch? Yup, it’s a thing and it’s cheap.

And it’s probably not going to blow your budget like some pretentious bespoke design.

Big Brands Can’t Play This Game.

Here’s the kicker: huge multinational corporations are stuck in the mud.

They can’t pivot fast enough to test out wild new packaging ideas like you can.

As a start-up, you’ve got flexibility on your side. You can try stuff out.

You’re not burdened by the slow, clunky machinery of corporate bureaucracy.

You can be nimble, scrappy, and daring, while the big guys look on and think, “Why didn’t we do that?”

Why Chaos Packaging is Marketing Gold

Chaos packaging is proof that you don’t need to just look at your competition and copy what’s already being done.

It forces you to think differently, to ask, “Is there a better way to package this thing?” Whether it’s for style, convenience, sustainability, or just to keep people guessing, chaos packaging turns the mundane into the memorable.

So, let’s leave the boring boxes for the corporations and have some fun with this—because nothing screams, “We’re here to shake things up!” like wine in a pouch or soap-pump smoothies.

Now, go be chaotic.

6 Harsh Truths I Was Just Reminded Of

I just revisited one of my all-time favorite articles (written in 2012) from Cracked titled, “6 Harsh Truths That Will Make You a Better Person.”

Let me tell you…

The original hits harder than Tyson coming outta prison.

You might want to strap in because we’re diving into some brutally honest reality checks that Goggins himself would pause at.

Think of this as your personal pep talk from the inner Deadpool you never knew you needed.

Here’s a caffeine and beer-induced summary written 8 years after reading it for the first time:

1. Comfort Zones Are For Cuddly Kittens

First up, let’s chat about those warm, cozy comfort zones.

Spoiler alert: they’re so ass.

Staying comfy means you’re probably not growing.

Remember, no one ever achieved greatness by lounging on the couch like a potato.

Get off your ass, Richie!

Embrace the discomfort, and level up.

Growth happens when you’re sweating bullets and questioning your life choices. So, trade your Netflix binge for some actual, spine-tingling challenges.

Your future self will thank you—maybe even throw you a parade.

2. Failure Is Your New Best Friend

Next, we need to discuss failure.

Yeah, that dreaded F-word. But guess what? Failing is the real MVP in the game of life.

You can’t dodge it; it’s like that weird cousin at family gatherings—always lurking in the poorly-lit corner of the dining room.

Embrace the faceplants, the epic fails, and those moments when you thought you’d nail it, but instead, you just nailed your own coffin.

Each misstep is a stepping stone to greatness, so take those faceplants and turn them into your personal trampoline.

3. Your Self-Perception Is Probably Full of Shit

Here’s a revelation: your view of yourself is likely as skewed as a funhouse mirror.

You might think you’re the next superhero or a total flop.

The truth? You’re somewhere in between.

Time to ditch the distorted lens and see yourself as you truly are.

Accept the good, the bad, and the weird—because that’s where the magic happens.

Strut your stuff with confidence, even if it’s a bit wobbly at first.

Own your shit.

As McConoughey would say…

Salute your distinction.

4. You’re Not The Only One Having A Tough Time

Now, let’s tackle the blame game.

If you’re pointing fingers at the world, it’s time to stop.

Personal responsibility is your golden ticket to growth.

You can’t keep blaming your boss, your ex, or that one friend who still owes you twenty bucks.

Own your choices, embrace the chaos, and realize that your actions determine your fate. So, put on those big-kid pants, and take charge of your life like the badass you are.

Chin up, kid.

Fault and responsibility are not the same thing.

5. Seeking Approval Is a Trap

Seeking validation from others is a slippery slope straight to disappointment city.

AKA: “Ouch Town! Population, you, bro!” - Dodgeball

Trying to please everyone is like trying to juggle flaming chainsaws—dangerous and downright ridiculous.

Focus on being your authentic self, not a carbon copy of someone else.

The world doesn’t need more clones.

“Ain’t a motherfucker you-er than you!” - Dr. Seuss, probably at some point.

6. Change Is the Only Constant—So Embrace It

Finally, change is like that annoying friend who never leaves.

You can either cry about it or learn to dance with it. Change is what keeps life spicy, like adding hot sauce to your bland burrito.

It’s inevitable, so get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Adapt, evolve, and let the winds of change guide you to unexpected awesomeness.

So there you have it—six harsh truths that might sting a little but will make you a better person in the long run.

If you haven’t read the original article yet, you’re missing out.

This article came from Jason Pargin 12 years ago but hit more corners of the world than COVID did.

Check it out here and get ready to kick some names and take some ass.

Wait.

What…?

Gary Vee’s Fishy New Venture Is Here

The Flyfish Club is a fascinating blend of high-end dining and the wild, digital world of NFTs, spearheaded by the infamous Gary Vaynerchuk and his crew - including one of my favorite dudes to follow on IG, Nick Dio.

It’s like a private members-only club for foodies that you can access with a crypto wallet instead of an overpriced Rolex.

Here’s the lowdown:

What's Cooking at Flyfish Club?

Imagine a fancy restaurant where you can only get a seat if you own a specific NFT.

Sounds absurd? Well, welcome to the future, Doc Brown.

For a cool 2.5 to 4.25 Ethereum (about $8,400 to $14,300), you can snag a token that grants you access to a slick seafood joint in NYC, complete with a cocktail lounge and exclusive omakase room serving fish so fresh it practically swam in this morning.

The catch? You still need to pay for your sushi and drinks in good old-fashioned cash, like a peasant.

The Business Side: Turning Foodies into Crypto Connoisseurs

So far, Flyfish has generated a staggering $14 million in funding, showing that the blend of food and crypto can be quite the lucrative venture.

It’s not just about chowing down on gourmet grub; it’s also an investment.

You can lease your NFT to others looking to flex their dining status without the hefty upfront cost.

It's like an Airbnb for food—who wouldn’t want that?

Who's Behind This Culinary Circus?

Gary Vaynerchuk, the king of hustle culture and social media savant, is the mastermind here.

With a following larger than the GPD of most countries, his name alone adds a sprinkle of credibility (or chaos, depending on your perspective) to the venture.

Partnering with culinary heavyweight Josh Capon and others, Vaynerchuk aims to create a dining experience that melds the best of the real world and the virtual one, making it a must-see spot for both food lovers and crypto enthusiasts.

Why Should You Care?

If you're not paying attention, you might miss out on the next big trend in dining—where tech-savvy foodies wielding NFTs dine with crypto zeal.

Flyfish Club is proving that the future of dining isn’t just about the food but also about the experience and exclusivity that comes with it.

The restaurant opened its doors in early 2024 and it's already shaking up how we think about eating out.

So, if you’ve got the Ethereum to spare, why not trade in your boring dinner plans for a night at Flyfish Club?

Just remember - While you’re nibbling on that omakase, don’t forget to tell your friends you’re living the NFT dream.

Because…

Pics or didn’t happen.

Obviously.

Different creative pursuits call for different music to jam to. Here’s what I jammed to this week on The Vomp Playlist: