Co-Op, Non-Profit, & Other Alternative Music Streaming and Purchasing Platforms to Pay Artists More $$
Let's get them that 🧀cheddar🧀
Want to find a way to support musicians getting paid more but aren’t sure what’s out there?
I’ve taken a look at alternative models, including co-ops and on for streaming, purchasing music, and supporting artists.
I will note - a lot of these are in their beginning stages, so their catalogs aren’t going to be comprehensive by any means, and likely won’t be a full replacement for your current streaming platform or Bandcamp. [If you want more information on Spotify & other alternatives, check out my articles here and here.]
But, we gotta start somewhere!
Streaming Alternatives
Juniper: While still new with a pretty limited catalog, Juniper bridges the gap between streaming and record stores, while ensuring your subscription costs goes directly to the artists you listen to.
What is available now: Web, iOS. Android coming soon.
Unique features: Juniper connects to local record stores with a feature called Record Store Connect, similar to how Libro.fm or Bookshop.org partners with local bookstores. If you want to get an album, you can see if your local record shop has it in-stock.
How their model works: Once Juniper starts requiring a paid subscription, about 20% will go to the Juniper platform and costs, with the remaining going directly to the artists you listen to, regardless of how much or how little you listen.
AI Protections: Juniper does not allow AI bands and artists on the platform, and they have partnered with a company to utilize their AI Music Protection software suite.
Catalog size: Only about 11 albums as of now, but once the AI Music Protection is fully ready to go they are looking to expand fairly quickly
Cost: Right now Juniper is 100% free, but eventually will have a subscription cost
If you’re an artist interested in putting your music on Juniper: Submit directly via their website here
Campfire Music Foundation: Non-profit streaming service focused on supporting artists through fair payments for streaming. They also offer artists support and services, produce live community events, and provide other advocacy and public education work.
Availability: Currently available in beta, US only
Unique features: Music Map - explore communities & artists across the US
How their model works: The Campfire Music Foundation is a non-profit public-benefit model for streaming focused on ensuring artists are paid fairly. Similar to Juniper, the money you pay for the platform will go directly to the artists you listen to, versus a streaming “pool”. More info here.
AI Protections: Couldn’t find any mention on their site, but I would venture a guess that they would not want AI music or bands on there.
Catalog size: Right now there’s only 4 artists on the beta, but they are working on partnering with artists to build the catalog
Cost: The beta is free, but eventually will have a subscription model
If you’re an artist interested in putting your music on Campfire: Sign-up via their webform here
Bandcamp Alternatives
Artists and music lovers have been concerned for Bandcamp’s longevity since their ownership changed hands twice and they fired their unioinized workers in 2023.
Jam.coop: Co-op model for allowing artists to upload and sell digital music. As a consumer, it works similar to Bandcamp in that you can buy tracks and listen through the platform if you prefer, or download them to another device.
What is available now: The website is fully functional, but it’s early stages so they’re working on adding more artists and labels.
How their model works: One of the things I like about Jam.coop is that they’re pretty transparent about figuring out as things go along, which I think is important as considerations change as a platform grows. Right now, Jam.coop takes about a ~15% fee from each sale for platform costs, with the rest going to artists. If Jam.coop becomes profitable, they will work to determine a formula that works for everyone, similar to their inspiration Stocksy.
Catalog size: As of now, approximately 500 albums from 250 artists. Notable artists include Jogging House.
If you’re an artist interested in putting your music on Jam.Coop: Fill out the sign up form here, or email contact@jam.coop.
Mirlo: Mirlo is a co-op that goes beyond what Bandcamp currently does - artists can sell their music, but also setup subscriptions for fans, manage email lists & sends, and create blog posts to keep fans updated. You can also listen to your purchased tracks through their player.
What is available now: Website is live, but iPhone app is in beta
Unique features: Fans can sign up for monthly subscriptions for their favorite artists to help support
How their model works: Mirlo is a co-op model, more info here. Artists get to decide what percentage Mirlo takes out of sales - they even can decide to give Mirlo nothing. By default, Mirlo takes a 10% cut of each sale for platform costs. As the platform grows, they may make adjustments to ensure long-term viability.
Catalog size: I couldn’t find an updated number, but at least 200+ artists.
If you’re an artist interested in putting your music on Mirlo: You can check their features and sign-up here
Subvert: The co-op Bandcamp alternative everyone has been talking about.
What is available now: Subvert isn’t currently live right now, but will be launching for co-op members on a rolling basis starting November 4th. By early December, Subvert should be fully available for everyone.
How their model works: Subvert is a co-op model, so it’s collectively owned by its members, which include listeners and artists. They have a 73-page manifesto with tons of details if you want to learn more. You can receive a copy if you scroll down to their FAQ section and share your email (under the “Can I read the zine first?” question).
Catalog size: As of 10/31, they have nearly 10,000 artists and over 1600 labels signed on. This is definitely the one with the most built-out offering.
Cost: You can still join as a Founding Member for $100 until the platform is available for everyone in early December.
If you’re an artist interested in putting your music on Subvert: You can join as a founding member for free, fill out the form here.
Other Ways to Support Musicians
WeAreCoral: Coral is an artist-support platform where you can set up a monthly donation amount & decide which artists get how much. Basically, it’s a way to support the artists you love at scale.
Unique features: There is a community aspect to Coral, where you can share your monthly contributions, see how others are breaking up theirs, and get ideas for music and artists to try based on others’ funding.
How their model works: Coral does not seem to be a co-op, but rather an artist-funding platform. More information here.
Bindle Audio: 10-12 artists per year can join a dedicated cohort for mutual support - one artist is featured each month with a focused campaign.
Availability: They are launching their first pilot cohort of 3 artists right now.
How their model works: Right now you can donate to support their launch and pilot cohort.
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