Yes, members can create and manage multiple artist pages. Since membership is tied to individuals rather than bands, each of your band members can join separately while you manage multiple artist pages from your account. Once you are approved for one project, you don't need to apply again.

How is Subvert structured?

Subvert has a unique dual entity structure of a cooperative and a public benefit corporation. This consists of Subvert Cooperative LCA (owned by artists, labels, supporters, and workers) and Subvert Inc. PBC (a Public Benefit Corporation wholly owned by the Co-op). The Co-op owns 100% of the Corporation's founding shares, maintaining fundamental control while enabling traditional fundraising. This unique structure preserves collective control while solving the funding challenges that often limit cooperatives.

If I join as an artist, can I also be a “supporter member”?

Yes. Co-op membership is tied to you as an individual. This means you can belong to multiple membership classes simultaneously. If you have been approved as an Artist-Member, but also want to become a Supporter-Member, you can go through the flow on the homepage. Use the same email and our system will recognize you and your member number.

What's the revenue split/ platform fee?

0%. Read more here about our alternative Optional Contributions model.

Are you hiring?

We are not hiring at the moment. We have a policy giving members first look at any full time or contract work opportunities, though.

Where can I dive deeper into how the co-op works?

Read our zine, explore our docs, or take a deeper dive into our structure and set of agreements.

What's the position on AI?

We stand against AI systems that exploit artists' work trained without consent and replace human creativity with algorithmic output. We don't accept fully AI-generated music or artwork.

During our application review process, we screen for obvious signs of generative AI in both music and artwork. We focus on clear cases rather than trying to investigate every nuanced use - our small team can't litigate every instance, but we act on what's obviously problematic.

Violations of our AI policy can result in expulsion from the co-op.

Who are the team?

The team is currently two full time workers and two part time workers. Austin Robey and Sean Adams are full time and based in NYC. We also work with designers Lucy Liu (Props Supply) based in NYC and our fractional head of growth Mitchell Maynard, based in Lisbon. You can read a bit more about the founding background here.

I’m an artist, but I also have a label - how does that work?

Co-op membership is tied to you as an individual. This means you can belong to multiple membership classes simultaneously. If you are both an artist and a label, you only need to apply once.

What are your politics?

We're focused on building economic democracy through collective ownership. Rather than getting caught up in ideological labels, we're interested in practical solutions that give artists and workers real power over both their workplace and the platforms they depend on. 

Call it market socialism, platform cooperativism, or just common sense. Doesn't matter to us. What matters most is creating a music ecosystem where artists and workers are in control.

How do you make sure something like this doesn’t get corrupted?

We've learned from platforms like Bandcamp that good intentions aren't enough. We need structural safeguards built into the foundation.

Here's how we've designed accountability into the system:

Democratic control: The co-op members elect the board, the board hires leadership, and leadership answers to the membership. Power flows upward, not downward.

Legal structure: Our dual-entity model ensures the co-op maintains control of platform operations. Even if we take investment, investors can't override member decisions.

Codified governance: Everything is written down in our bylaws and organizing documents. 

Transparent finances: Members see our budgets, funding sources, and how money gets spent.

Member sovereignty: Ultimate authority rests with the membership. If leadership isn't serving the collective, they can be replaced.

What is the business model?

When the platform is live, it will operate under a model of “Optional Contributions” explained here. This will allow purchasers to financially contribute to the platform and remove the burden of platform fees from artists and labels. Besides platform revenue, we also earn from co-op memberships and zine sales.

Can I join the co-op and still use other platforms?

Absolutely. Joining Subvert doesn't restrict you from using other platforms at all. You're free to continue using Bandcamp or any other service alongside Subvert. But you should probably put Subvert at the top of your link tree.

Is there a limit to how many artists can join?

No, there's no limit to how many artists can join Subvert. We're building a platform that can scale to serve the broader independent music community, with hundreds of thousands or even millions of members. 

Can I update my information?

Yes. In the future, when you are able to create an artist page, you can update your information (artist name, email, etc).

Will I be able to sell physical items through Subvert? Merch?

Yes, physical media and merch sales are part of our roadmap. We're starting with digital downloads first so we can launch quickly and get the platform into members' hands, then we'll build out physical fulfillment features based on member feedback and demand.

Is my personal information safe?

We collect your full name and mailing address for cooperative member records (legally required). This information stays internal and is never shared with third parties or published anywhere. On the platform itself, you can use any username or artist name you want — no real names required.

How do you plan to compete with Bandcamp?

We're competing on multiple fronts: offering a better product with modernized design and improved features; providing actual ownership and democratic control that Bandcamp can't match; and building with direct member input rather than behind closed doors. We have also carefully structured Subvert so that it can be adequately funded to be competitive and support a talented full time team.

How will you attract users from Bandcamp?

It won’t be easy, but we’re going to attract users from Bandcamp through our unique offering of co-op ownership, a better platform, better economics, and community control. We’ll work on making it as easy as possible to switch.Ultimately, we’ll work together to leverage our collective networks and channels.

How will the platform itself be different than Bandcamp?

Beyond co-ownership:

Platform Features:

• Better artist/label page relationships to eliminate duplicate listings
• Ability to easily manage multiple artist pages
• Improved and structured metadata with credit-based search functionality
• Flexible organization system - bookmark artists and releases into customizable "Collections" folders
• Collections serve as curatorial editorial formats with accompanying text
• Revenue payment splits
• Persistent audio player

Co-op experience built into platform:

• Discounts and special access for co-op members
• Ownership dashboard to track your patronage activity and platform value

Not all of these features are included in our V1, but most of them are.

How far along is the platform development?

As of Summer 2025, the platform is in private testing with select members, and will open up in phases throughout the rest of the year. Read more here.

How can I help?

The best way to help Subvert is to help spread the word. Share a video on Instagram. Tell an artist friend you know to join. If you're in a band, get your other bandmates to join.

We have an internal rule that all labor for Subvert is paid. This means that we don’t have volunteer opportunities - but members get first look at any full time or contract work. 

How do I follow along and join the conversation? What’s next?

Join the members forum and look for dispatch newsletters. The invitation to join the forum is in your welcome email.

Subvert has raised $650,000 in investment from community members who share our vision for collective ownership. This funding allows us to build a high-quality platform while maintaining our cooperative principles.

VIEW INVESTMENT TERMS

VIEW OUR STRUCTURE

Our Investors:

• Garry Elevator (John Garry) Supporter-Member, Brooklyn - $600,000
• w0rmw00d, Artist-Member, Oakland - $10,000
• Harry Lachenmeyer, Supporter-Member, London - $5,000
• Jason Prado, Supporter-Member, San Francisco - $15,000
• Artist-Member, Berlin - $20,000

Before this, the project was initially supported by two fellowship grants totaling $35,000 awarded to founder Austin Robey:

• $15,000 from IDEO CoLab's Creative Residency Program (May 2024)
• $20,000 from Center for Cultural Innovation's AmbitioUS initiative (October 2024)

As of July 2025, we also earned $125k+ in revenue from selling our zines.

What is Subvert's position on funding?

Subvert recognizes that adequate funding is necessary to build a high-quality platform, but we approach fundraising carefully:

• We seek funding transparently, with community input
• We implement safeguards to preserve collective ownership and control
• We accept funding through inclusive decision-making processes
• We aim to align interests between users and investors
• We prioritize non-extractive funding sources where possible

Our goal is to raise only what's needed while maintaining our cooperative principles.

An underfunded project doesn't serve anyone. Artists need high-quality, resilient services, and workers deserve fair compensation to avoid burnout. Adequate funding is essential to create a platform that truly meets the needs of our community while ensuring the well-being of those building it.

Any future funding will be approved by our democratically elected board representing artists, labels, supporters, and workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SAFE? A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a common investment instrument used by startups. Instead of giving investors immediate ownership shares, a SAFE gives them the right to receive shares later when certain events happen (like a larger funding round). Think of it as an "IOU" for future ownership rather than immediate ownership.

How much of Subvert do investors own? Currently, investors don't own any percentage of Subvert. The SAFE agreements give them rights to future shares, but those shares haven't been created yet. The Subvert Cooperative owns 100% of the corporation that holds the platform. When/if the SAFEs convert to actual shares, investors would own a portion of the corporation, but the cooperative would still maintain control.

How does investment work in the co-op?

Investment doesn't go directly into the cooperative - it goes into Subvert, Inc., the corporation that the cooperative owns 100%. Here's how it works:

1. The Structure: Subvert has two legal entities:
   • Subvert Cooperative (owned by artists, supporters, labels, and workers)
   • Subvert Corporation (owned 100% by the cooperative)
2. Where Investment Goes: Investors put money into the corporation through SAFE agreements, giving them rights to future shares in that corporation.
3. Who Stays in Control: Even though investors have rights to future shares in the corporation, the cooperative maintains control because:
   • The co-op owns 100% of the corporation's voting shares
   • The corporation's board consists of the same elected representatives from the co-op board
   • The corporation contracts the co-op to build and operate the platform
   • All major decisions go through the co-op's democratically elected board
4. Why This Structure: This allows us to access traditional startup funding while preserving community control. Investors can participate in the financial success of the platform, but they can't override decisions made by the community of users who actually create value on the platform.

Why did you structure investment this way instead of traditional equity? Our dual-entity structure (Cooperative + Corporation) allows us to accept traditional investment while preserving democratic control. This means investors can participate in financial upside, while not being able to override community decisions about how the platform operates.

How do you prevent investors from taking control?

Several safeguards protect community control:

• Current ownership: The cooperative owns 100% of the corporation's voting shares
• Unified governance: The corporation's board consists of the same elected representatives from the co-op board - they're literally the same people
• Future dilution protection: At our next funding round, we intend to create a dual-class share structure (similar to what Mark Zuckerberg has at Meta) that gives the cooperative enhanced voting rights, ensuring we can't lose control even as we issue more shares to investors
• Structural separation: Our legal structure separates financial participation (investors) from operational control (community)

What's the "Shared Earnings Agreement"? If our SAFE doesn't convert to equity within 2 years, investors start receiving quarterly payments based on 25% of our profits. They receive payments until they've gotten back 4x their investment, then the SAFE terminates. This preserves the co-op's optionality for whether or not we choose to seek additional funding - or allow the SAFE notes to convert to equity. This means that even if the co-op decides to not raise funding again, we still have a way to extend a return to investors that have taken a risky bet on us.

Will you raise more money? We may raise additional funding in the future, but only with approval from our democratically elected board and only on terms that preserve community control. And only if we need to. We prioritize building a sustainable, profitable business over maximizing fundraising.

View all of our expenses up until Oct 17th of 2024 here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/189aFilMNy60JGCQGy1LnMZwVasT7u3mB-RuZs5CIT_E/edit?usp=sharing

We are looking for NYC-based people that can help us:

• Full stack developers to build the Subvert platform
• Community leaders Create an engaged community of co-op members
• Grow our reach and impact

The best way to help Subvert is to join as a member and tell a friend.

Artist-Member: Member of the Subvert Co-op who sells music or merch through the Subvert Platform

Board of Directors: Elected governing body of the Subvert Co-op, responsible for strategic decisions and oversight

Bylaws: Formal written rules that govern the conduct and operations of the Subvert Co-op

Cooperative (Co-op): Business or other organization owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit

Co-op Member: Artist, label, supporter or worker in the Subvert Co-op

Democratic Governance: A system of organizational management that empowers members to participate in decision-making processes.

Label-Member: Record label that is a member of the Subvert Co-op

Member Agreement: Legal document detailing the rights and responsibilities of Subvert Co-op Members

One Member, One Vote: Basic cooperative principle ensuring that each member has equal voting power in major decisions, regardless of their financial stake or length of membership

Ownership: Rights and responsibilities associated with financial and decision-making power

Ownership Assembly: Quarterly gathering of randomly selected Subvert Co-op Members to distribute Ownership Points

Ownership Dashboard: Tool in the Subvert Platform for Co-opMembers to track their Ownership Points and Subvert Platform metrics

Ownership Points (previously called "Platform Shares" in the zine): Units representing a measurement of a Member’s patronage activities

Patronage: The use of Subvert’s services or participation in its activities by a member Patronage Activity Actions taken by Subvert Co-op Members on the Subvert Platform that may be rewarded with Ownership Points, including selling or buying releases

Preferred Shares: Shares in the Subvert Corporation that entail privileges in dividends and liquidity; reserved for fundraising

Quarterly Town Hall: Regular meetings where Subvert leadership updates Co-op Members on the Subvert Platform’s performance and gathers feedback

Release: A piece of digital music, physical media, or merch offered by artists and labels on the Subvert Platform

Sounding Board: Opt-in method for Subvert Co-op Members to provide input on strategic decisions related to the Subvert Platform

Special Meeting: Any meeting of Subvert Co-op Members called outside of Quarterly Town Halls and Annual Meetings to address urgent matters

Subvert Co-op: Member-owned entity that operates the Subvert Platform, comprising artists, labels, supporters, and workers

Subvert Corporation: Corporate entity of Subvert which, as planned, will own the code of the Subvert Platform and can issue preferred shares to investors

Subvert Development Agreement: Legal contract between the Subvert Co-op and the Subvert Corporation regarding use of the Subvert Platform

Subvert Model: Unique organizational and ownership structure developed by Subvert, combining cooperative and corporate entities

Subvert Platform: Online marketplace for artists and labels to sell releases to their supporters

Supporter-Member: Member of the Subvert Co-op who purchases releases on the Subvert Platform

User: Any individual utilizing Subvert’s platform. This includes both members of the Co-op and non-members

Worker-Member: Member of the Subvert Co-op who is employed by Subvert to develop the Subvert Platform

• It outlines our vision, strategy, and operational plans for building a collectively owned music marketplace
• The zine functions as both a business plan and a manifesto for our community
• It will be available starting October 17, 2024, through our website

How to Get a Physical Copy

There are two ways to obtain a physical copy of the Plan for the Artist-Owned Internet:

1. Supporters & Allies:
   • Purchase the zine for $100
   • Includes free worldwide shipping
   • Grants founding Supporter-Member status in the Subvert Co-op
2. Musicians & Labels:
   • Join the Subvert Co-op for free
   • Can claim a zine for free (pay-what-you-want option available)
   • Grants founding Artist or Label Member status in the Subvert Co-op

All founding members receive:

• A limited edition physical copy of the zine
• Membership certificate
• Access to our members-only forum
• Co-ownership of Subvert
• Ability to influence platform policies and features
• Right to propose and vote on major initiatives

What kind of legal entity is Subvert?

Subvert is currently incorporated as a Limited Cooperative Association (LCA) in Colorado. We plan to evolve into a dual-entity structure comprising:

1. A Cooperative (the Subvert Co-op): Owned by artists, labels, supporters, and workers, responsible for platform development and operation.
2. A Public Benefit Corporation (Subvert Inc): Owned by the Subvert Co-op, which will hold the platform's intellectual property.

This structure aims to combine collective ownership with the ability to pursue traditional fundraising.

Why is Subvert planning this dual-entity structure?

The planned dual-entity structure aims to allow Subvert to:

• Maintain collective ownership and control over the platform
• Pursue traditional fundraising for development and growth without compromising cooperative principles
• Provide legal clarity and protection for all stakeholders

How will Subvert ensure financial transparency?

Subvert plans to ensure financial transparency through:

• Regular financial reports accessible to all Co-op Members
• Real-time metrics available through an Ownership Dashboard on the platform
• Discussion of financial performance at Quarterly Town Halls and Annual Meetings
• Clear communication about how funds are used and distributed

How will Subvert's structure protect it from being sold or abandoning its mission like other platforms have?

Subvert's planned structure will provide several layers of protection:

• The Subvert Co-op will own 100% of the common shares in the Subvert Corporation, giving Co-op Members significant control in all major decisions
• The dual-entity structure will preserve user control in the Subvert Co-op, while any future investor influence would be limited to the Subvert Corporation
• Clear mission and values will be embedded in Subvert's organizational structure and governance processes, empowering Co-op Members to hold it accountable

What happens if Subvert needs to raise more funds in the future?

If Subvert needs to raise further funding:

• The Subvert Corporation could issue preferred shares to investors without affecting the Subvert Co-op's day-to-day control over the platform
• Any decision to raise significant funding would likely involve input from and the approval of Co-op Members
• Alternative funding methods, like community bonds, might be explored
• Subvert would remain committed to seeking funding from sources that align with cooperative values

Note: This dual-entity model is our current plan and will be refined in detail in consultation with our expert advisers in the final quarter of 2024. We're committed to keeping our members informed of any changes or updates to this structure as we progress.

For more information, read our Plan for the Artist-Owned Internet.

Our approach balances collective ownership with the agility required in the software world. We plan to embed democratic governance directly into the core user experience, making participation feel natural and even fun. This doesn't mean everyone votes on everything; rather, we're creating a representative system where decision-makers are accountable to users, who can exert direct influence through various feedback mechanisms.

Our goal is to build a resilient, collectively owned platform that can evolve beyond any individual's involvement, while maintaining its core commitment to shared ownership and democratic control. Here's how we're approaching key aspects of governance:

What do members of the Subvert Co-op vote on?

Co-op Members vote on key aspects of Subvert's governance, including:

• Electing the Subvert Co-op Board of Directors (annually)
• Major decisions regarding the Subvert Platform
• Amendments to the Subvert Bylaws
• Potential sale or dissolution of the Subvert Platform (if necessary)

Additionally, there may be non-binding votes on platform features or other operational matters.

Who makes which decisions?

Decisions at Subvert fall into three main categories:

1. Operational Decisions: Handled by workers and management
2. Strategic Decisions: Made by the elected Board of Directors
3. Fundamental Decisions: Require a vote from all Co-op Members

How does the Subvert Co-op Board of Directors work?

The Board includes representatives from artists, labels, supporters, and workers, elected by Co-op Members. They oversee strategic direction, appoint management, approve major financial decisions, and ensure alignment with cooperative values.

How can Co-op Members influence Subvert?

Members can influence Subvert by:

• Voting for Board Directors
• Participating in polls on major decisions
• Attending Quarterly Town Halls and Annual Meetings
• Submitting proposals
• Providing feedback through the platform

How is there accountability in Subvert?

Accountability is built into Subvert through:

• Regular Board elections
• Routine polls on fundamental decisions
• Transparent financial reporting
• Quarterly Town Halls and Annual Meetings
• Clear rules on voting, bylaw amendments, and leadership changes

How does transparency work in Subvert?

We enable transparency through:

• An Ownership Dashboard with real-time platform metrics
• Regular financial reports for Co-op Members
• Quarterly Town Halls and Annual Meetings
• Open communication about strategic decisions and challenges

What if I don't have time to participate in the Subvert Co-op? Can I still be a member?

Of course. You can be a member even with minimal participation. While engagement is encouraged, it's not mandatory. You retain your membership and can choose your level of involvement in decision-making processes.

How does the Subvert Co-op ensure that all members' voices are heard?

We use a combination of democratic voting principles and inclusive mechanisms to ensure diverse voices are heard:

• "One member, one vote" principle for fundamental decisions
• Representation of all membership classes (artists, labels, supporters, and workers) on the Board of Directors
• Open proposal submissions allowing any member to suggest ideas
• Ownership Assembly that randomly selects members to participate in certain decision-making processes
• Regular town halls and forums for open discussion
• Feedback channels built into the platform

Our goal is to create a balanced system that gives every member the opportunity to contribute to Subvert's direction while also recognizing the varying levels of engagement and stake different members may have in the platform.

How does the Subvert Platform work? 

The Subvert Platform will be an online marketplace where artists and labels can sell digital music, physical media, and merchandise directly to their audience. While development has started, the specific features and priorities will be influenced by input from our founding members.

Is Subvert a streaming platform?

No, Subvert is not a streaming platform. Subvert is designed to be an online marketplace where artists and labels can sell their music and merchandise directly to their supporters.

Our focus is on facilitating direct sales of:

• Digital downloads (tracks and albums)
• Physical media (vinyl records, CDs, cassettes)
• Merchandise (t-shirts, posters, etc.)

While the platform will include features for supporters to preview music before purchasing, it's not intended to be a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. Our goal is to create a marketplace that prioritizes fair compensation for artists and gives them more control over how their music is sold and distributed.

As we develop the platform, we'll continue to listen to feedback from our community of artists, labels, and supporters to ensure we're meeting their needs in the most effective way possible.

How does the Subvert Platform work for labels? 

We're designing the Subvert Platform with both artists and labels in mind. As we develop, we'll be working closely with our Label-Members to ensure we're meeting their specific needs and incorporating necessary functionality.

Does selling music on the Subvert Platform prevent me from using other services, like Bandcamp or Spotify?

No, Subvert will not require exclusivity. Artists will be free to use other services alongside the Subvert Platform. Our goal is to provide a more beneficial alternative for artists — not to restrict their choices.

Does Subvert have any rights over my music? 

No, Subvert will not claim any rights over your music. You'll retain full ownership and control over your intellectual property. Subvert will simply provide a platform for you to sell your work.

What types of products can I sell on the Subvert Platform? 

The Subvert Platform is being designed to accommodate a variety of releases, including:

• Digital tracks and albums
• Physical media, such as CDs, vinyl records, and cassettes
• Merchandise like T-shirts, posters, and stickers
• Other digital and physical goods related to your music

As we develop, we'll be open to suggestions from our members for additional product types.

How is the platform different?

We are improving the product in many ways, ranging from basic iterations to more advanced innovations.

1. Big Picture Improvements

• Improved design/ UX
• Greater financial tooling
• Integrated ownership experience
• Ownership-enabled rewards and growth incentives
• Deep network effects and loyalty through co-ownership
• Deep rabbit holing and discovery

2. Basic Improvements

• Persistent player
• Ability to delete unwanted items from collection
• Download codes that can be used more than once
• Ability to schedule releases
• Libraries that are sortable, organizable, and filtered
• Easier to manage multiple artist pages

3. Advanced Innovations and improvements

• Automated payment splits
• Advanced searchable and indexed metadata
• Curator/ affiliate rewards through payment splits
• Creating, naming, and sharing Are.na-style custom lists
• Eventual crowdfunding support
• Ownership dashboard

A cooperative, or co-op, is an enterprise collectively owned and democratically controlled by its members. For Subvert, this means our platform will be owned by artists, labels, supporters, and workers who use and contribute to it.

What does it mean to join the co-op?

As a Co-op Member, you'll become a co-owner of Subvert. This includes the opportunity to participate in governance, help shape the platform's future, and potentially share in its success.

How can I join as an artist?

Artists can join as founding members by filling out our form on the website. We evaluate each submission to ensure applicants are music-based and have an online footprint for actively releasing work. Once approved, you can claim a free (or pay-what-you-want) zine and membership certificate.

How can I join as a label?

Labels can join as founding members through the same process as artists. Fill out our form, and we'll evaluate your submission. Approved labels can claim a free (or pay-what-you-want) zine and membership certificate.

Can I join as a fan or supporter?

Yes, you can become a founding Supporter-Member by purchasing our zine: Plan for the Artist-Owned Internet.

Are there any geographic restrictions to joining the co-op?

No. The Subvert Co-op welcomes global membership.

What personal information do I need to provide to become a member?

We require minimal personal information: your name, a valid email address, and your mailing address. This is necessary for maintaining accurate membership records and communication.

Is there any financial liability associated with being a co-op member?

No, there's no personal financial liability for Subvert Co-op Members. Our legal structure protects members from personal liability.

What are the benefits of joining Subvert co-op as an artist?

As an Artist-Member, you'll be able to sell your music and merchandise on the platform, have a voice in platform decisions through democratic governance, and potentially share in the platform's success.

Is there a limit to how many artists can join the co-op?

There's no hard limit. We aim for the Subvert Co-op to eventually include hundreds of thousands or even millions of members.

Do I need to understand co-ops or have prior experience with them to join?

No prior experience with co-ops is necessary. We're committed to educating all our members about cooperative principles and how Subvert operates.

What are the different membership classes in the Subvert Co-op?

Subvert has four membership classes:

• Artist-Members (musicians who sell on the platform)
• Label-Members (record labels)
• Supporter-Members (fans who purchase music and merchandise)
• Worker-Members (employees and regular contributors to the platform)

Note: Our bylaws, which will further define these classes and their roles, are currently drafted but still being refined.

How can I leave the co-op if I choose to?

Members can leave the co-op at any time by submitting a formal request. We'll have a clear process for withdrawing membership, detailed in our membership agreement.