about Press Play

our purpose is to connect people deeply through their shared musical tastes & experiences.

“I’m excited to see how we can shake up the music industry, give artists what they truly deserve, and build a new home where music lovers unite to support and celebrate them.”

Tina Houser

Tina's Story

Almost immediately after my first steps my mother put me in skates. When I discovered dance, all I wanted was to be a Solid Gold Dancer. My early years were spent skating under disco lights, choreographing routines in my basement, and begging my parents to order albums from Columbia House every time we got a new ad in the mail. Music was everywhere in my life, shaping who I was even before I knew it. Thanks to my parents, I grew up with the sounds of The Beatles, ABBA, Meat Loaf, Rush, AC/DC, and countless rock legends from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

By the time I was a teenager, music wasn’t just a part of my life—it was life. I had a personal soundtrack that followed me everywhere. Some of my best memories are soaked in music: sneaking out at 13 to catch KISS’s Crazy Nights tour, ugly crying to “Read ‘Em and Weep” after one of my first heartbreaks, and working on the local coliseum’s security team, which gave me backstage access to meet bands. Every moment had a song, and every song held a memory.

But my story with music didn’t stop there—it’s been a constant companion. I’ve leaned on music for emotional support, for joy, and as an outlet for self-expression. Now, I want to take this passion to the next level. My mission? To disrupt the music industry, create meaningful connections between fellow music lovers, and give back—tenfold—to the artists who make it all possible.

The soundtrack of my life is still playing, and I’m ready to invite others to join the party. Let’s connect, vibe, and change the way we experience music—together.

– Music Lovers Unite!

“today, we’re proud to connect all people more deeply with themselves, and with the world.”

Caitlin Alexander

THe Importance of Music

When I first started attending live music events and festivals, I found my people. Music builds community… we can track the role music has played in developing ancient cultures, teaching cooperation, and honoring the passage of time.

This is why I’m inspired to provide a platform to help people find each other and discover common ground through the most universal language of all – music. Because music is a supreme vehicle for expressing emotion, music is one of the best tools we have to share how we’re feeling through a screen… even better than emojis ¯\_(ツ)_/¯️️.

So we’re not stopping at dating app, and we’re not just hyping what’s trending. Today, we’re proud to connect all people more deeply with themselves, and with the world. And as we consider the importance of music and its impact on our own lives, we’re inspired to place the vitality of the industry first in every decision we make.

"Press Play creates a deeper, more meaningful, authentic, lasting, and instantly comfortable connection between two people"

Rich Taylor

our matching philosophy

What intrigues me the most about Press Play, is the unique way in which it connects people through music. Press Play is not just about matching people who like the same favorite songs, bands, artists, or genres.

 

It is really all about matching people who have shared life experiences and moments with the same music that has accompanied them. It is through this unique approach that Press Play creates a deeper, more meaningful, authentic, lasting, and instantly comfortable connection between two people. whether you are looking for love, dating, or just want to find a “music buddy” out there who not only loves the same music you do, but the same passion for it as well.

our team is comprised of music lovers - just like you.​

we’re a majority women-owned business supported by world-class experts in the music & tech industries.

Tina Houser

Founder & CEO
Favorite Genre: 80s hair bands
Plays: Piano, vocals
Music Fact: Karaoke
connoisseur / loves to dance

Rich Taylor

Founder & President
Favorite Genre: Classic Rock
Plays: Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Music Fact: Been in
multiple bands over the years

Caitlin Alexander

Founder & CCO
Favorite Genres: Folk & EDM
Plays: Clarinet, Ukulele, Voice
Musical Fact: Live painter at
festivals & concerts nationally

Jim Gatwood

Founder & Cybersecurity
Favorite Genres: Electronic / House
Plays: Mix Table (Disc Jockey)
Music Fact: Professional DJ

Wes DeKoninck

Chief Technology Officer
Favorite Genres: Rock & Classical
Plays: Trumpet, Piano, Drums
Music fact: Listens to film scores to focus

The Advisors

Dennis Gillespie

MTV, Tribune, Sony/Liberty

Jay Cooper

Greenburg Traurig, LA Entertainment Practice.

Michael Garbutt

Notting Hill, Virgin Records, Stones, Bowie, Robin Gibb.

Peter Sloterdyk

Netflix, Grindr, Koala.

Harrison Long

eHarmony, Grindr, PuppySpot, J2 Global.

Special Thanks

  1. Rich Taylor
  2. Eugene Bonfiglio
  3. Mike & Mary Dwyer
  4. Peter Taylor
  5. Esther Smith
  6. Winfred Honaker
  7. Damien & Jamie Perry
  8. Cory B Clay
  9. Nick Henny
  10. Bryan Graham
  11. Emer Rosales
  12. Miles Funk