Queens Tech Corner: Sunhouse Inc.
The Queens Tech Corner is a new, regular segment on our Queens Chamber social media channels where we shine the spotlight on tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things right here in Queens—this time, we spoke with Tenoch Esparza from Sunhouse Inc.
Founded with his brother, Tlacael, Sunhouse Inc. is ushering in a new era of electronic drumming.
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Tell us a bit more about Sunhouse Inc. and the innovative products you have been developing.
Sunhouse is a music tech company that produces both hardware and software for the drummers who want to broaden their horizons and add new layers to their sound.
Our first product is called Sensory Percussion, which combines a sensor that can be attached to a drumhead, with expansive software that allows drummers to stack, randomize, and sequence samples for expressive drum sounds or entire compositions.
Essentially, Sensory Percussion allows you to use your drum kit to do anything a producer would do with their computer. We’re proud to say that drummers have started new careers writing and performing solo music with Sensory Percussion.
Describe the origins of Sunhouse—how did you get your start here in Queens?
My brother and I started Sunhouse in 2014. We’re from Los Angeles but were both in New York City for graduate school. Tlacael had the seeds of the idea towards the end of school and right when we both finished, we dove into starting the company. In 2015, we won a grant from the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which included ten months of free office space at LaGuardia Community College’s tech incubator, NYDesigns.
It was at NYDesigns that we really started thriving, building relationships with the other companies at the incubator, and finally shipping out our products. NYDesigns provided a welcoming, supportive environment that allowed us to keep growing—and we’re still here, as NYDesigns’ longest running tenant!
Why are you excited about tech in Queens?
We love being in Queens. Being in the music tech industry, it’s great being near Manhattan and Brooklyn, two epicenters of musical talent—while not having to worry about the high rents in those boroughs.
We love the LaGuardia Community College area, and the sense of community at NYDesigns. It’s something that we’ve experienced throughout the borough, and we would love to stay here as Sunhouse continues to grow.
