The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) has joined forces with WeAre8 to push for healthy change in the digital world for artists and fans alike.
While acknowledging how crucial social media is to the development of most artists’ careers, an official press release outlined the two organisations’ concerns about “the increasing toxicity of online environments”, “the lack of moderation on the most popular platforms,” and, “the challenges of cutting through algorithmic-driven content”.
So, what is the gameplan? First, a refresh on WeAre8.
Founded by tech entrepreneur Zoe Kalar (formerly known as Sue Fennessy) and launched in 2022, WeAre8 bills itself as a “revolutionary social media platform” which, through its transformational economic model, gives back the majority of its ad revenue to its citizens, community groups, charities, creators, and planet projects.
WeAre8 says its users are also “protected from toxic content, own their audience and – with no controlling algorithms – are guaranteed to see posts from the people they choose to follow and vice versa.”
It continues: “Advertising is also served up separately and not in the content feeds , so you can opt in or opt out of watching. If you do choose to watch an ad on, the revenue is shared with you and you can then use it to pay off your bills or donate to charities and good causes including the Featured Artists Coalition.”
The FAC’s partnership with WeAre8 is aiming to upend these unhealthy dynamics, while empowering our members to help reshape the future of social media and social culture
David Martin, Featured Artists Coalition
To date, WeAre8 has attracted over 3 million global users, and has built partnerships with major brands including The Independent and Clash Magazine.
In addition to supporting FAC-affiliated artists to join the platform – including Blur’s David Rowntree, Alt-J, Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler and Grammy-nominated vocalist and songwriter Kelli-Leigh, as well as awardees from the FAC’s Step Up Fund, such as Aziya, Chalk, Olive Jones and Twst – the new partnership will allow FAC members to provide feedback to help inform and evolve WeAre8’s unique model.
Additionally, the FAC has been integrated into the WeAre8 digital wallet, enabling fans to "support the organisation’s advocacy on behalf of the UK artist community, by paying forward their earnings from watching ads on the platform."
Speaking about the new endeavour, David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition, said: "It’s no secret that many artists enjoy a love/hate relationship with social media. In the process of building a community around their music, they often have to deal with online toxicity, algorithmic frustrations, and business models that run counter to their interests. The FAC’s partnership with WeAre8 is aiming to upend these unhealthy dynamics, while empowering our members to help reshape the future of social media and social culture."
Laura Chase, chief global growth officer, WeAre8, said: "Music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together and heal the world. At WeAre8, we believe that artists and creators deserve more than just a platform – they deserve a digital home that honors their artistry, amplifies their voices, and nurtures their well-being. Partnering with the Featured Artists Coalition is a natural extension of our mission to return power to the people. Together, we’re building a community where artists can thrive, inspire change, and connect meaningfully with the world – free from toxicity and exploitation. We’re proud to welcome the FAC community to WeAre8 as we collectively shape a hopeful, human digital future.”
We believe that artists and creators deserve more than just a platform – they deserve a digital home that honors their artistry, amplifies their voices, and nurtures their well-being
Laura Chase, WeAre8
Kelli-Leigh, FAC board director, added: “The FAC and WeAre8 partnership is really exciting. The ethos behind the app is brilliant, and, as an artist myself, I know the stress of trying to compete with the algorithm in this crowded social media world of click bait chaos. So to see an app that puts the artist’s individuality first and promotes positive human behaviour, FAC and WeAre8 feels like the perfect collaboration and I look forward to seeing it grow.”
FAC members and fans can access exclusive content and support the coalition by joining WeAre8 and following @FeaturedArtistsCoalition on the app. To learn more, visit www.WeAre8.com or download the WeAre8 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The Halfway Kid, artist and FAC member, concluded: “Social Media is the reality for modern musicians hoping to reach new listeners. It is the modern town square, the lay of the land, it is where the people go and as artists we need to go where the people go. But the town square doesn’t need to be spirit sapping, impersonal and unpleasant. Sharing your music doesn’t need to come with the risk of personal attack. Some social media sites have lost sight of that. WeAre8 hasn’t. I’ve really enjoyed being able to connect with new listeners and to be able to focus on what’s best about social media. Finding community. I’m a big fan of WeAre8.”
Earlier this month, The Featured Artists Coalition and Amazon Music opened applications for Step Up, the fund that supports upcoming independent music artists. Now entering its fourth year, Step Up has provided grants totalling £250,000 to over 30 UK bands and solo artists across various genres – helping them pay for new recordings, underwrite the costs of live touring, as well as marketing, PR, video making and other content creation.
