(London) – The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK trade organisation representing the rights and interests of music artists, has joined WeAre8 – The People’s Platform to support a healthier, more positive digital space for artists and fans alike.
While social media remains an integral part of most artists' careers, many share the concerns of wider society 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 to make genuinely valued connections.
Recent research conducted for the National Education Union by the New Britain Project and More In Common found that two-thirds of Generation Z believe social media currently does more harm than good.
WeAre8 turns traditional models of social media on their head. On WeAre8, people are 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. Meanwhile, advertising is 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.
Since launching in 2022, 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 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.
David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition:
“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, UK MD/ Global Chief Growth Officer, WeAre8:
“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.”
Kelli-Leigh, FAC Board Director:
“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.”
The Halfway Kid, artist and FAC member:
"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."
About FAC:
The FAC is the UK trade body representing the specific rights and interests of music artists. We are a not-for-profit organisation, serving a diverse, global membership of creators at all stages of their careers. The FAC is formed by artists, for artists, and we place this ethos at the centre of all we do. We are an inclusive community that advocates, educates, collaborates and researches on behalf of artists, coming together to provide a strong, collective voice within the industry and to governments domestically and abroad.
Having been formed in 2009 by pioneering artists including Annie Lennox, Billy Bragg, Sandie Shaw, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason, the FAC's current Board of Directors represents some of the most recognised names in the music world with the likes of Wolf Alice’s Joff Oddie, Imogen Heap, Katie Melua, Howard Jones and Blur's David Rowntree as the organisation's Artist in Residence. The FAC's work is also backed by a growing list of artist ambassadors, who support the organisation's mission.
The FAC is a member of UK Music, the Council of Music Makers (CMM) and Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE).
About WeAre8:
WeAre8, founded by tech entrepreneur Zoe Kalar (formerly known as Sue Fennessy), is a revolutionary social media platform that protects people’s self expression, values people's time and empowers them to make a positive impact. Through its transformational economic model, WeAre8 gives back the majority of its ad revenue to its citizens, community groups, charities, creators, and planet projects. By allowing individuals to earn micro-payments for ad-views and providing them with the option to pay it forward, WeAre8 is a movement towards shifting the infinite power of big tech back into the hands of the people, in a social home built to share love - not incite hate and division.
