Gen Z, Warner Music Group, Live Nation: Behind Audiomack’s Plans To Dominate Music Streaming

Audiomack’s focus hasn’t shifted in seven years. The company's mission to introduce new artists to new fans, and vice versa, has guided the company through new initiatives and major decisions.

Recently, the streaming service announced a partnership with Warner Music Group. The deal will allow both companies to create content concepts, break new artists, and connect fans with rising talent before they hit the mainstream. 

“It was a great first deal for us to do because Warner has a track record of signing innovative young acts, incubating them, and turning them into music superstars,” said Audiomack‘s co-founder, Dave Macli. 

Last year, the company introduced a new subscription-based initiative. Within three months, over 10,000 subscribers were spending $4.99 per month for an ad-free experience. Still, the company ensured that the listening experience was still enjoyable for those who don’t, or can’t, commit to a monthly premium.

According to Macli, 85% of Audiomack’s audience is under 34 years old - a 15% increase since our last conversation. Their niche as a streaming site is rooted in providing music catalogs that aren’t available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. 

Audiomack turned its popular Hometown Heroes playlist into a grassroots marketing effort. In July, they announced a partnership with Live Nation to present the Hometown Heroes tour. Co-founder David Ponte says that profitability is not the primary goal. Instead, they want to showcase new talent in their hometowns, while also exposing new fans to the Audiomack platform. The tour’s expansion into international markets – Lagos, Nigeria, Kingston, Jamaica, and the U.K. are the platform’s most popular – is an inevitable next step. 

“We’re trying to move music forward on a granular level,” Ponte added. 

In a previous interview with Forbes, Macli revealed that Audiomack was funded with just $5,000. But both co-founders say their end goal extends beyond monetary success.

“Our focus is very similar to the way it was when we started,” Macli said. “If we can help fans discover their next favorite song, something they might not have discovered any other way, then I think that’s a success. On the artist side, if we can help great young talent find their audience and make a good living off of their music, then that’s a success.”