OpenWav launches new music app to re-empower artists

OpenWav has launched a new app, which positions itself as an artist-centric platform that aims to give musicians greater control over their careers. Rather than relying on traditional streaming services and intermediaries, the app offers a direct-to-fan model where artists can release music, sell merchandise, host pop-ups, organize listening parties, and build communities in one place. The goal is to create a space where artists own both their content and their audience, while also keeping a larger share of revenue.

The company was formally introduced at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in September 2025 by CEO Jaeson Ma and Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean, who now serves as OpenWav’s chief music officer. Both argued that the current music industry is weighted against artists, particularly newcomers who struggle to generate fair earnings through streaming alone.

Speaking in an interview at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech event, Wyclef Jean described the current system as unsustainable. “If you’re a new artist, the amount of streams that you have to [accumulate] to get $10,000 is literally a rip-off. So now you have a constant revolt,” he said. Jean pointed to a recent example from Cardi B, who promoted her latest album by selling physical CDs and vinyl records on the street in a TikTok video. While many viewers took the clip as a joke, Jean said it underscored the frustration even established artists feel with streaming economics.

Ma expanded on the numbers during his own interview at the same conference, noting that “Right now on Spotify, for $3,000 you have to hit 1 million streams.” He explained that OpenWav’s model is built on cultivating “true fans” rather than chasing massive streaming counts. According to Ma, if an artist builds an audience of 1,000 loyal listeners, each contributing $10 per month, they could generate $120,000 annually. This, he said, would allow musicians to sustain careers independently.

OpenWav’s revenue system extends beyond music streams. Ticket sales are split so artists keep 80 percent of profits, while the platform takes 20 percent. Merchandise is offered through a dropshipping model, meaning no upfront costs for creators. Importantly, artists also retain ownership of their fan data, including contact details and community engagement channels.

Looking ahead, OpenWav plans to introduce AI-driven tools to help artists with design, promotion, and tour planning. Ma called AI “your best friend as an artist,” highlighting its potential to support both creative and business aspects of a musician’s work. The app is currently available on iOS and Android, and its founders believe it can reshape how artists connect with audiences while reclaiming a fairer share of the industry’s profits.