Metalabel
Metalabel is a digital platform facilitating collaboration, mutual promotion, and co-creation of creative public works.
Website: https://www.metalabel.com/
HQ: Catskill, New York, United States
Active Markets: Global
Problem Addressed
Artists and creatives face challenges producing and retaining the benefits of their creative works. Artists often are not fairly compensated for their work, do not have full control over the dissemination or use of their work, or are otherwise exploited by intermediaries and flawed models of compensation and creative control.
Project Description
The Metalabel platform allows individuals or groups of people to co-create, release, and collect creative works. The platform facilitates the creation of Metalabels – DAO-like structures consisting of groups of people working to develop any number of different public works under a common identity and for a common purpose reflecting their views. Works are cultural projects that might include but are not limited to art, activism, music, or fashion. Users can release and sell works on their own or with others, split earnings from releases, catalog works, exercise control and ownership over their works, and collect and support the works of others. Metalabel features options for creators to release their works both on-chain and without the use of blockchain technology. Creators may choose to leverage crypto or decentralized ledgers to track assets and transact with audiences, but it is not a requirement of the platform.
Progress to date
The first release on Metalabel was a group of 11 people, publishing their related works as an anthology. Sales were split between the contributors with leftover funds going to support other projects exploring the same topic.
In August 2023, Metalabel launched their Advance Pool offering — a $100,000 regenerating fund of money that creatives may apply for. Once their work is released, revenues are split 50/50 between artists and the pool until the funds have been repaid.
Business Model
Metalabel generates revenue through platform fees.
Traction
Pioneering musician and producer Brian Eno debuted the Hard Art project on Metalabel with designer Es Devlin and the environmental group Extinction Rebellion. The project coordinates artists, activists, and scientists collaborating around climate and democratic issues.