BBMC members recently attended an event co-hosted by Toronto members of the new co-operatives Subvert–a cooperative working to build an online marketplace where artists and labels can sell music and merchandise directly to their supporters; and New Feeling –a co-operative offering a supportive platform where Canadian music writers and community can feel at home, learn from one another, in a supportive environment.
These two emerging arts focused co-operatives are bringing old ideas back to the table as a way to respond to the current climate. Subvert is being built as an artist-owned and controlled alternative to platforms like Bandcamp, Apple Music etc. Still in its early phases, Subvert is now calling for new members and sharing information via their website, social media posts, and as part of live events. BBMC have joined Subvert as a member label.
The meetup was hosted by Austin Robey, co-founder of Subvert, and Michael Rancic a member of New Feeling. The discussion centred around exploring cooperative models in music and included a first time preview of the upcoming new interface from Subvert (it looks great!). Austin and Michael had a conversation about rethinking the relationship between labour and media, and the future of cooperative ownership in music. Entities like Bandcamp, currently the most artist-friendly platform in existence, face an uncertain future. Bandcamp has been sold more than once in recent times, first to Epic Games in 2022, then to Songtradr in 2023. There are concerns that the core values of Bandcamp could be easily eroded and Subvert grew out of a real need to create a stable and equitable platform.
The same kind of devastation that has hit musicians over recent years has also impacted music writers. This was been particularly so during the lockdowns, as magazines and many other enterprises shut down. New Feeling formed around the core principals of: redistributing power, transparency, community, accountability, and care. New Feeling see the struggle writers are undergoing as a part of a broader class-based issue.
The Subvert x New Feeling info session was held at It’s Okay – a beautiful artist studio space on Queen Street West in Toronto, with a great opening DJ set by Paul Chin (Sanzuwu Group).
As artists search for fair deals, transparency, and viable alternatives to behemoths like Spotify, co-operatives hold a great deal of promise. It is high time for the democratization of music on a large scale, and these kinds of initiatives may be the way forward. Check out Subvert and New Feeling for more.
The BBMC emerged from the ashes of the Independent Artists Cooperative in St. John’s, NL. If you are so inclined, you can read the whole cautionary tale here: JE Solo’s Recollection on the Rise and Fall of The Independent Artists Cooperative 2002-2010.