Ex-Groupon boss Andrew Mason now a soft rocker, oh dear

What do you do when you start a company, go public, nearly hit rock bottom in the stocks and then get fired by your board of directors? If you are ex-Groupon CEO Andrew Mason you release a soft rock album called Hardly Workin’.

We are not sure if he is being serious or taking the piss but this is quite fun. Mason’s album is reminiscent of an 80s alternative rock album except it is all about how to run a startup. A subject he is sorta familiar with.

The album, which was released today, is available on iTunes and Spotify. We are pretty sure Mason is just having a bit of fun because like the comments on iTunes say “Andrew Mason is famous for being a prankster. And I’m pretty sure no self-respecting man would put out this kind of music seriously.”

It is, however, a prank that’s going to cost you about US$10, which is interesting.

According to a blog post by Mason announcing the launch of the album he seems to be taking it seriously.

This album pulls some of the most important learnings from my years at the helm of one of the fastest growing businesses in history, and packages them as music. Executives, mid-level management, and front-line employees are all sure to find valuable takeaways. I’ve probably listened to the album over a dozen times now, and with each spin I feel like I learn something.

The lyrics are something special. My favourite track by far is “Look No Further”. I mean they are all gems but this one should resonate with any startup founder:

“If you’re seeking business wisdom, you don’t need no MBA, look no further than the beauty, that surrounds us every day…vivid life experience, give you what you need.”

There is truth to Mason’s album title: he is hardly working these days, well except for the sweet sweet music he’s making for all his fans to enjoy.

It’s been a few months since the online daily deals pioneer was ousted from Groupon and it seems he isn’t building another internet powerhouse.