Beta Acid

Triumphs and Trolling

Triumphs and Trolling

  • Business & Culture
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Ryan Vanderpol

September 17, 2023 • 3 min read

We’re kicking off our 4th season of MusicLeague over here at Beta Acid and I thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about how we use the music competition platform to enjoy time with each other.

If you’re not familiar with MusicLeague, I’ll give you a recap of how we play. Each season lasts about 8 weeks. Each week, the MC of the league picks a theme and everyone that’s playing that season has to submit a song that they think matches the theme. Here’s a recap of some of the themes we’ve had in previous seasons (and which song won that round):

  • Earworms: Songs that you can't get out of your head.
    • Winner: Luis Fonsi - Despacito
  • Worst Song Ever: Submit the worst. Vote for the worst.
    • Winner: Rebecca Black - Friday
  • It's a rainbow 🌈: Song titles must have a color in them.
    • Winner: Rolling Stones - Paint it Black
  • Location: Songs that have a location (city, country, landmark) in the title
    • Winner: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
  • 1980s: Songs released from 1980-1989
    • Winner: Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

There’s strategy involved, though, because it’s not just about what song you think is best, you have to pick a song that everyone else will think is the best, too.

Through the various themes, we've learned unexpected facts about our colleagues. Who would have guessed that our quiet back end engineer was a hardcore metal fan? Or that a surprising number of people love Black Pink? These revelations spark conversations outside of the game, allowing us to connect with each other on a personal level.

MusicLeague is a platform where titles and positions don't matter and each song is submitted anonymously, the submitter is only revealed after voting is complete. It doesn’t matter if you’re an engineer, a designer, a project manager, or the CEO (although the CEO has been accused of cheating multiple times). This leveling of the playing field fosters a sense of unity and ensures that every voice is valued.

With each song submission, team members have a chance to share and discuss the reason behind their choice. These anecdotes, ranging from heartwarming to hilariously absurd, provide a glimpse into each person's life, bridging the gap between professional acquaintances and genuine friends.

At Beta Acid, MusicLeague has become more than just a game; it's an avenue for strengthening relationships, understanding diverse perspectives, and fostering a cohesive team culture. As we continue to grow and evolve, MusicLeague will be there with us. It isn't just a game for us; it's the unofficial glue holding our wacky, wonderful team together. Rock on! 🎸🤘