Bodega FC: A Digital Home for Independent Music

A comprehensive web platform built for Bodega FC, an independent record label, featuring seamless integration with music streaming services, dynamic content syndication, and an immersive dark aesthetic that reflects the label's underground identity.

Project Overview

Bodega FC needed more than a website—they needed a living, breathing digital presence that would automatically surface their artists' latest releases, videos, and upcoming events. The platform serves as the central hub connecting fans with the label's roster while reducing the manual overhead of content updates.

Strategic Partnership

This project emerged from a strategic collaboration between my development practice and LTMA, a grant writing firm I co-founded. The partnership allowed us to approach the project holistically—from initial concept and funding strategy through to technical implementation and launch.

Technical Architecture

API-First Content Strategy

Rather than requiring manual content updates, the platform pulls directly from the sources of truth:

class SpotifyIntegration:
    def get_artist_catalog(self, artist_id: str) -> ArtistCatalog:
        """
        Fetches complete discography including albums,
        singles, and featured appearances
        """
        albums = self.client.artist_albums(artist_id)
        top_tracks = self.client.artist_top_tracks(artist_id)

        return ArtistCatalog(
            albums=albums,
            top_tracks=top_tracks,
            monthly_listeners=self.get_monthly_listeners(artist_id)
        )

Spotify API Integration

The Spotify integration provides:

• Artist Catalogs: Complete discographies pulled dynamically
• Top Tracks: Featured songs with embedded players
• Monthly Listeners: Real-time popularity metrics
• Album Artwork: High-resolution imagery for visual consistency

YouTube Data API

Video content syndicates automatically:

• Latest music videos and visualizers
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Live performance recordings
• Automatic thumbnail generation and metadata

Interactive Event Discovery

Built a custom event mapping system using Mapbox GL JS:

map.on('load', () => {
  events.forEach(event => {
    new mapboxgl.Marker({
      element: createCustomMarker(event.type)
    })
    .setLngLat([event.longitude, event.latitude])
    .setPopup(createEventPopup(event))
    .addTo(map)
  })
})

Features include:

• Custom markers differentiated by event type
• Interactive popups with event details and ticket links
• Clustering for regions with multiple events
• Responsive design for mobile discovery

Design Philosophy

Dark Mode Native

The music industry operates in darkness—clubs, studios, late-night sessions. The design embraces this:

• Deep blacks (#0a0a0a) as the primary background
• Subtle gradient accents reflecting genre aesthetics
• High contrast typography for readability
• Strategic use of color to highlight key actions

Content-First Layout

Every design decision prioritizes the music:

• Large album artwork displays
• Embedded players that don't interrupt browsing
• Video content that loads progressively
• Artist profiles that tell stories

Artist Profile System

Each artist on the label receives a dynamic profile page featuring:

• Biography & Story: Editorial content managed through Django admin
• Discography: Automatically populated from Spotify
• Videos: Latest content from YouTube
• Social Links: Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp, and more
• Upcoming Events: Filtered to show only their performances

Technology Decisions

Django + HTMX

Chose Django for its robust admin interface and ORM, enhanced with HTMX for dynamic interactions without the complexity of a full SPA:

• Server-rendered pages for SEO and performance
• HTMX for interactive elements (filters, infinite scroll)
• Progressive enhancement for resilient UX
• Admin interface for non-technical content management

PostgreSQL on Heroku

Database architecture optimized for content relationships:

• Artist ↔ Release relationships
• Event ↔ Venue ↔ Artist connections
• Cached API responses for performance
• Full-text search across catalog

Twitch Integration

For artists streaming live sessions or DJ sets:

• Embedded Twitch player on artist profiles
• Live indicator when streaming
• VOD archive access

Results & Impact

For the Label

• Zero Manual Updates: New releases appear automatically within hours
• Centralized Presence: All content accessible from one platform
• Professional Credibility: Modern platform matching major label standards
• Fan Engagement: Direct connection between releases and listener discovery

For Artists

• Always Current: Profiles stay updated without artist intervention
• Cross-Promotion: Appearing alongside labelmates increases visibility
• Event Discovery: Fans can find upcoming shows easily

For Fans

• One Destination: Everything about the label in one place
• Discovery: Find new artists through the roster
• Stay Informed: Events and releases surfaced automatically

Challenges Solved

API Rate Limiting

Implemented intelligent caching to respect Spotify and YouTube rate limits:

• Background jobs refresh data during off-peak hours
• Cached responses serve most requests
• Graceful degradation if APIs are unavailable

Content Moderation

Built approval workflows in Django admin:

• New content flagged for review before publishing
• Artists can request profile updates
• Label maintains editorial control

Future Roadmap

Planned enhancements include:

• Merch Integration: Direct sales through the platform
• Newsletter: Subscriber management and campaign tools
• Analytics Dashboard: Insights for label management
• Artist Self-Service: Portal for artists to manage their profiles

The Partnership Model

This project exemplifies the value of strategic partnerships. By combining LTMA's grant writing expertise with full-stack development capabilities, we delivered a platform that serves both immediate needs and long-term growth objectives for independent artists.