UnitedMasters is a distribution platform and toolset launched in 2017 by Steve Stoute that lets artists publish to major streaming services while retaining control of their masters. The product emphasizes a direct pipeline to audience and engagement data so artists can sell tickets, merchandise and secure brand deals. The company also offers integrations and partnerships with brands and platforms such as the NBA, ESPN, TikTok and Twitch. UnitedMasters reports serving about 1 million current artists and provides at-a-glance stream, fan and earnings data through its app. The business model centers on empowering independent artists with technical and commercial capabilities typically held by labels and managers. As part of its growth plan, the company intends to hire mission-oriented local technical and artist talent to expand the platform globally. UnitedMasters is a platform and record-label alternative that helps artists retain rights to their master recordings while earning royalties and distributing music to major DSPs. The company provides artist profiles, distribution, analytics, and an opt-in system for brand and league placements. It operates a creative agency called Translation to help market artists, merchandise and ticket sales directly. UnitedMasters emerged from stealth about a year prior and is led by founder and CEO Steve Stoute, the former president of Interscope Records. The firm has secured strategic backing to pursue partnerships that expand artist reach and provide data-driven insights into audience performance. A flagship partnership with the NBA will make UnitedMasters artists eligible to have music played across NBA digital and social properties and will be used to measure the impact of placement on artist metrics.

Total raised

$120M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Mar 2021