New Member FAQ
Can I create multiple artist pages?
Yes, Artist-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.
What do I do if I'm an artist with other band members?
You'll (soon) be able to invite them to co-manage the page with you.
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 (common) 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?
AI-generated music and image are not allowed on Subvert.
During our application review process, we screen for obvious signs of generative AI in both music and artwork.
Violations of our AI policy can result in expulsion from the co-op.
Who are the team?
Find our org chart 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?
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.
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.