Ampled was a web platform that allows music artists to be supported by their community with direct, recurring payments. Structured as a co-op, Ampled was 100% owned by its artists, workers, and community (not VC investors) with the ultimate goal of creating a permanent vehicle for artist prosperity—not an acquisition or exit.
As an organization, Ampled positioned itself in stark contrast to Silicon Valley ethos through a commitment to radical transparency, democratic governance, and broad-based user ownership.
Founded in 2019 by a group of designers, software engineers, and musicians, Ampled helped artists gain sustainable and predictable income in today’s streaming economy, and gives them agency and ownership of a platform they rely on.
Press
Salon: How a punk-inspired collective beat the streaming giants at their own game
VICE: There’s No Such Thing as Independent Music in the Age of Coronavirus
VICE: Is There Ethical Music Streaming Under Capitalism?
Slate: The music industry is finally scaring Spotify
Fast Company: Tech can still live up to its promise as a force for good
Music Ally: “Ampled’s artist-owned ‘relationship platform’”
Music Ally: Return of the fan club
DJ Mag: The gig-less economy: what could a post-pandemic dance music scene look like?
AdHoc: Ampled Hopes to Make the Music Industry More Equitable for Artists
Shareable: New co-op helps fans support musicians during pandemic
Jacobin: Musicians Need to Organize Collectively, as Workers
Next City: Co-Operative Platform Ownership Is Keeping Artists in Business
NPR: Musicians are figuring out what concerts look like during the pandemic