EXCLUSIVE: LA-based Music Platform Led by Wyclef Jean to Launch in Australia

An LA-based music and technology platform led by hip hop legend Wyclef Jean is set to launch in Australia, The Music Network can exclusively reveal.

Backed by Warner Music Group, Connect Ventures and Goodwater Capital, Openwav aims to build "a new model for music in the creator economy, one designed to help independent artists own their audiences, monetise directly, and build sustainable careers without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers".

The platform's venture to Australia is its first expansion outside of the US and is led by Jean, who serves as Chief Music Officer, and Jaeson Ma, co-founder of American media company, 88rising.

“The future of the music industry won’t be about millions of passive listeners – it will be about thousands of active superfans,” Ma said in a statement

 “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok help you grow a following, but not a business. We built OpenWav so artists can own their audiences, monetise directly, and build sustainable careers on their own terms.”

Openwav will open a new Brisbane studio available to the public from tomorrow (Saturday, November 1st), which will allow artists to produce and film sessions in a bid to amplify new releases. The company says sessions regularly achieve 20,000 to 100,000 organic views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The platform is understood to also allow artists to sell tickets to live shows, sell premium merch, monetise exclusive content through subscriptions and fan memberships and engage with fans directly via an in-built community chat.

“There’s a clear gap in the Australian music landscape. It has been at a low point because local artists don’t always have the same visibility or support that international acts do,” Regional Director of OpenWav Australia, Jared Yi, said.

“That’s where OpenWav comes in. We leverage the talent we have across Australia and give artists the tools and space to expand their footprint through our First Listen and Live Sessions, connecting them directly with fans and exposing them to a greater market. With our platform and app, they can make money directly from their superfans, turning their artist project into a business.”

Following its Brisbane launch, OpenWav plans to expand to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Gold Coast in due time.

"OpenWav was built to put artists first. Australia’s vibrant indie scene is the perfect place to grow our community beyond the US," Ma said.

"We’re excited to help local artists earn, create, and connect on their own terms and to make Australia an integral part of this global movement."

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