As a part of our series covering NFT Artists and Collections in the spotlight we are delighted to interview Clem Chambers, Founder and mastermind behind the Rocky Horror NFT Collection. View the collection here.
Can you tell us your background and work with the iconic Rocky Horror Show?
I founded CRL Group in the early 80s, which was one of the first British computer games companies. After releasing a number of hits, we were approached by the rights holder for The Rocky Horror Show and from there we developed and published The Rocky Horror Show video game. It was released for Apple, Commodore, ZX Spectrum and Amstrad. I subsequently co-founded On-line Plc.
The company was a pioneer of massively multiplayer games and CD-ROM boxed products. We re-branded as Online Blockchain in late 2017 to reflect our increasing work in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Earlier this year Online Blockchain entered into a worldwide licence with Interfishnet Limited, rights holders of The Rocky Horror Show IP, to create and market a range of Rocky Horror character NFTs. So our relationship with Rocky Horror now spans almost 40 years.
Can you tell us a story about what brought you to the world of NFTs?
The journey is non-linear and several paths have led to NFTs. Creating computer games is a great prelude of course as Massively Multiplayer Online Games are metaverse prototypes. Back in the mid-80s I was also working on several series of watercolours and ceramics and experimenting with the animation of old films. That was the art/graphics side, then there’s the financial and tech side…
My father was a commodities trader, which fascinated me, and I’ve been involved in the financial markets for more years than I care to remember, not least as founder and former CEO of financial information website ADVFN.
In 2015, Bitcoin began to pique my interest. This parlayed into cryptocurrencies in general and the blockchain technology underpinning it all. Blockchain is so much more than cryptocurrency: logistics, supply chain, gaming and the smart contracts, which have opened up a whole galaxy of DeFi opportunities to name a few. Then it was a step across from the fungible to the non-fungible. NFTs have functions across all sorts of industries and interest areas, and as a bit of a polymath that’s my rock’n’roll.
What or who inspired you to enter the NFT arena? We’d love to hear the story.
NFTs have increasingly interesting use cases beyond their intrinsic scarcity and being used as PFPs. NFTs – as well as collectibles and proof of ownership of a digital asset – are keys. These keys can unlock in-real-life and virtual experiences and merchandise, unleash financial applications, provide access to token-gated benefits, can use a phygital model, the list goes on.
They speak to a new generation; a new and intrinsically art-loving generation. The untapped application of NFTs remains gigantic; there’s a huge and varied audience, which NFTs are only beginning to scratch the surface of and that’s very exciting.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting NFT projects you are working on now?
It’s all about the Rocky Horror Show NFT project right now as the cult classic celebrates its 50th anniversary. The whimsical world Rocky Horror encapsulated back in 1973 continues to fascinate, captivate and titillate to this day and has earned it millions of fans worldwide. The Rocky Horror Show was so far ahead of its time. It led the way in promoting individuality and self-expression.
Its depiction of non-traditional relationships and gender identity would have been positively groundbreaking 50 years ago. The real world is slowly catching up but
we (Online Blockchain plc) will take it forward with the metaverse where fiction and reality merge; it’s the perfect place for the avant garde Rocky Horror and its legion of fans to inhabit. It’s all about pushing boundaries, immersing, disrupting, heightening experiences and having fun.
From June 19th (launch date) anyone can be a part of it. The collection will allow people to buy unique Rocky Horror Show characters as NFTs. Holders might want to strut online like Frank-N-Furter, rock like Eddie, be old school and stiff like Brad or Janet, play peek-a-boo as Magenta, toy with oblivion as Riff-Raff, blend in with the orgy of characters as one of the Rocky Horror Party goers. Whatever they choose, they can be their fluid Rocky NFT avatar self and enjoy the fun and games.
Rocky Horror NFTs will have value as an artwork but additional value because they’ll carry an absorbing meme power. As well as being a highly desirable collectible, the NFTs will give holders a part in The Rocky Show story and be the keys and tickets to anywhere.
Was there a time when you did not believe in yourself? How did this impact your choices?
I was away from school the day they taught ‘existential angst.’ I don’t really understand the concept of ‘believing in yourself.’ I’m post-post-modern. Here I am, let’s go! The world doesn’t revolve around me, it doesn’t have a view on me, come on, let’s go! Let me go ‘third person’ on you: the only thing that matters is how hard you try, the rest is out of your hands. You can succeed or fail for all sorts of reasons, no one cares, but give it your best shot and see where you end up.
So, how are things going today? What is your recipe for success?
Great, awesome, any superlative you like, but in the back of my mind the recipe for success is not counting your chickens, its persistence and consistency. Working with a great IP like Rocky Horror and great people makes it fun, and fun makes it easy.
Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Never give up, never give in, keep going, work with great people. It’s nearly 40 years since I started working on Rocky Horror Show digital IP and here we are with another fun hit on our hands.
Which tips would you recommend to NFT creators starting out?
There is so much creativity out there I wouldn’t recommend anything to anyone except perhaps ‘be strong, be productive.’
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I would have loved to have someone mentor me. How great would that be?! I must be un-sympatico because no one ever offered. I think it is perhaps a big company thing or an academic thing, because I haven’t seen much of it in the hard scrabble world I’ve operated in.
What are your “3 things I wish someone told me before I minted my first NFT,” and why?
There is only one regret. I’d wish I’d known about NFTs the first time they appeared and had got myself a few CryptoPunks and a Bored Ape or twenty.
Can you tell our readers what it is about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
Anything new is disruptive. I’m not proud of that aspect. When I was 19 I created some software that disrupted a hardware segment. I/it put a small hardware company out of business. The owner lost his house. Should I be proud? Disruption is kind of vain-glorious. What is wrong with innovating or improving? There is no difference except ‘disruption’ is more ‘back-hairy.’
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by artists and the NFT industry today?
Spam. The world is drowning in spam. Not just the email sort, but artistic spam, text spam, philosophical spam, buzzword spam, music spam, TV spam, movie spam. Our culture is drowning in spam, and now with AI the floodgates are opened. As such, the artist has to somehow float above it and they will need to be even more extraordinary to do so.
How can our readers collect your art or follow you online?
You can find out more about The Rocky Horror Show NFT project on the website. However, in this constantly evolving brave new world our socials are the best way to get the latest news.
