Why I Built audioCue

Hi, I'm Barry Mitchell, a musician from Scotland and the sole developer of audioCue.

I run a software and web design company in Dundee (Scotland) and have decades of software development experience. Back in around 2021 I looked for a backing tracks app for my own pub gigs but everything I saw out there took an age to set up, needed two laptops to just show lyrics and play a backing track or needed a team of people just to get some music playing! (not much has changed and its 2026!)

So I decided to build my own..

I didn't build this app for the tech-obsessed sound engineer. I built audioCue for the musician practicing in their living room, getting ready for that weekend gig at the local pub or an afternoon at the retirement home.

A lot of backing track software kind of force you into a complex setup process. I much prefer the simple, obvious setup where I don't have to overthink what I'm doing. I just want my backing track to play and my lyrics to be in time!

AudioCue is for the musician who hates complicated software. It doesn’t force you to do things you don't need, and it stays completely out of your way at the gig. In fact, once you have your tracks set up, the process from opening the app to playing your set is just three steps: Open the app, Pick your set, Press play.

about barry and audioCue

AudioCue is designed to work on the gear you already own.

The app will run flawlessly on all of your devices including your:

  • Android Tablet
  • Windows Laptop
  • iPad
  • and Macbook

In fact it will run just as well on your £100 9" Android as it will on a £2000 MacBook.

It won’t drain your battery like it’s running the space shuttle, and most importantly, it won't let you down mid-gig.

When you download audioCue, you aren't just getting an app. You are joining a community of real gigging musicians who actually care. And because it is built by a working performer, I am always right here to help when you need a hand.

the lyrics app for the local gig

Turn up. Open the app. Play.

Thanks for taking the time to read this intro. If you need any help at all with audioCue you can click the Ask Barry link in the top menu or you can also get in touch with me and other people using audioCue through our Facebook group.