The phrase 'You've got mail' became an iconic sound of the internet, voiced by Elwood Edwards.
The Electros Bit, an innovative instrument, is a modern version of the Talk Box, designed to inspire creativity in musicians.
Deep dives
The Iconic 'You've Got Mail' Phrase
In the first story, the podcast explores the origins and enduring popularity of the phrase 'You've got mail'. Elwood Edwards, a television broadcaster, became the voice of AOL's iconic 'You've got mail' message after his wife, who worked for America Online, recommended him. Unbeknownst to him at the time, his three simple words recorded on a cassette deck in his living room would become the defining sound of the internet in the 90s and beyond. Elwood Edwards still voices the 'You've got mail' message today, and while many celebrities have offered their voices for the message, less than 20% of AOL subscribers have chosen to switch from the default voice to any other alternative.
The Electros Bit: Singing Like a Robot
The second story features the Electros Bit, an innovative instrument created by Bosco and Maya Contee. The Electros Bit is a modern version of the Talk Box, an instrument popular in the 70s and 80s. The Contees, driven by Bosco's passion for replicating those unique Talk Box sounds he heard as a child, developed a more accessible and hygienic alternative. The Electros Bit replaces the user's vocal cords with sound cups worn around the neck, allowing the sound to be produced through the mouth. With the Electros Bit, Bosco and Maya hope to inspire creativity in others and see their invention embraced by new generations of musicians.
The Intersection of Music and Technology
The podcast episode concludes by highlighting the incredible nexus of music and technology. Bosco's background in music and engineering, as well as his family's musical lineage, played a significant role in the creation of the Electros Bit. The episode captures the Contees' excitement about the future possibilities of their instrument, envisioning young musicians mastering the Electros Bit and pushing its boundaries in ways they never anticipated. By combining their passion for music, technology, and entrepreneurship, the Contees have embarked on a remarkable journey, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of music innovation.
How a simple soundbite on America Online became one of the most recognizable sounds of the internet age, plus the creation of a whole new musical instrument. This episode features Elwood Edwards, the man behind the famous AOL “You’ve Got Mail” soundbite, and Bosco and Maya Kante, inventors of the ElectroSpit.