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