Meet Vincent Daubas | Founder and Partner at Millesim, Music Director, Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vincent Daubas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vincent, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Vision has always been at the core of our philosophy: it’s not just about identifying the essentials, but recognizing and valuing what is often ignored. In the world of hospitality, a crucial aspect is regularly underestimated: the power of music. It’s a missed opportunity, an untapped potential in enriching the customer experience, and consequently, a significantly neglected source of revenue.

Consider this: comfort and convenience are the keys to customer loyalty. Hospitality, Imagine a world where every detail matters, where the user experience is paramount. Every interaction, every moment is an opportunity to inspire, to connect, to make an impact. So, why is music so often relegated to the background, treated with less care than the design, the menu, or even the color of the sofas? The answer, I believe, lies in a lack of understanding. Often, the responsibility for music is entrusted to people who, although competent in their respective fields, do not possess the knowledge or experience necessary to fully grasp its potential.

The love of music is universal, but what is missing is an appreciation of its profound impact. We are sensory beings, living through our five senses. Yet, hearing is too often the most neglected. I like to tell restaurateurs that good music is like a delicious dish for our ears.

My professional journey has taken me around the world – from St. Tropez to Shanghai, from Dubai to New York, and now Miami. Everywhere, I have found that this is not a cultural problem, but a global challenge. Simple adjustments can make a significant difference. Often, it just takes adding a competent intermediary between the artist and the brand, someone who understands both the needs of the brand and the artist, and who can act as a bridge between these two worlds.

I have seen too many artists play music they do not like, simply to survive, and too many venues without a clear musical identity, struggling to find consistently high-quality artists. I was convinced there was a solution. Today, we help brands define their musical direction, find artists aligned with their values and image. It’s like going to a high-end tailor who understands your needs, your desires, and creates a custom suit for you – that’s the spirit behind Millesim.

I firmly believe that the “customer is king”, but the brand must remain the “emperor of the place”. The music played should not be what the customers want, but what they need. The results in terms of sales for the establishments are far more impressive when responding to a need rather than a desire.

This is just the beginning for Millesim. We plan to develop other facets of the business, both in the traditional digital world and in the emerging realms of Web 2.0 and 3.0. Our ‘why’ is clear: to restore music to the place it deserves in the hospitality industry. This is not just a business; it’s a cultural innovation, a redefinition of how music and hospitality coexist and strengthen each other.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Just under a year ago, my friend and partner Christophe Gallardo and I launched MILLESIM, a company born from our shared passion for music, innovation, and hospitality. Our vision was to restore music to its central place and importance in the world of hospitality. Let’s be clear, MILLESIM is not a booking agency; it’s a creative and development workshop where each musical experience is carefully crafted and thoughtfully designed to perfectly harmonize with the “why”, message, and essence of each brand we collaborate with.

The artisanal approach we take in creating these bespoke musical experiences is what makes MILLESIM unique. We firmly believe that creativity flourishes best without stifling constraints, which led us to free artists from the necessity of playing music that didn’t speak to them, as it’s us who establish and control the artistic bridge between brands and artists. We want them to fully live their art, thus creating a virtuous circle where the artist’s passion meets the needs of the brand and its clientele.

Beyond musical selection, our role extends to assisting brands in establishing an effective operational chain for their events. This includes training and optimizing every aspect of the festive experience, ensuring a perfect harmony between the musical atmosphere and the environment of the establishment.

With MILLESIM, we are extremely proud to have helped a wide variety of establishments, from the most prestigious to the most modest, discover their own musical identity. This process has not been without challenges, particularly due to strong personalities and prejudices in this industry. However, when trust and professionalism prevail, the result is a perfect alchemy that resonates both with the soul and with the results.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I will have a conflict of interest here ahahaha

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Alongside me are all the companies I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, the books I’ve read, and the people I’ve listened to. At one time or another, they have taught me, showed me, or made me realize the importance of details, the significance of rigor and hard work, and the desire to innovate in their fields of expertise.

If I were to name individuals, I would mention Mahdi Lazrak, one of my closest friends and a mentor, with whom I had the privilege of working at the Bagatelle Group and now with Caprice Holding. His meticulousness and attention to detail are simply inspiring. Also, my great friend and partner Christophe Gallardo, with whom working is a daily pleasure. His ability to think outside the box and to constantly keep is calm is always astonishing for me

Website: www.millesim.co

Instagram: @vincentdaubas @millesim.co

Linkedin: vincentdaubas