Elevating a music software icon through harmonized strategy and design for a new generation of producers

Who is Cakewalk?

Cakewalk has been a significant player in the music production software industry since its inception in 1987. Acquired and passed through various corporate hands, including Roland and Gibson Brands, the brand is currently under the umbrella of Singaporean music company BandLab Technologies. Cakewalk's flagship product, SONAR, has long been recognized as a top-tier digital audio workstation (DAW), widely used for its seamless integration of multi-track recording and editing of digital audio and MIDI.

Bridging the past and future

Our first step was to understand the legacy of Cakewalk. We conducted an in-depth discovery phase, combining strategy and design research methods to explore the brand's history, its current positioning, and its future trajectory. This included engaging with both employees and long-standing customers to capture diverse perspectives and insights.

Democratizing music production

We developed a new visual brand strategy for Cakewalk that focuses on being accessible and inclusive, creative and authentic, and easy yet powerful. Cakewalk's refreshed identity aims to empower 'bedroom producers,' a growing demographic that makes music from the comforts of their home. The brand aspires to meet customers where they are, connecting with them in a relevant and authentic manner.

Expanding the brand language

The final deliverable was a comprehensive brand identity and design language, adaptable across Cakewalk's product suite and beyond. Our work set the visual and tonal groundwork for Cakewalk to communicate its core values and to resonate with both new and existing users.

By unifying strategy and design, we've equipped Cakewalk with the tools to navigate its rich past while steering towards an inclusive and innovative future.