General Questions
What is The MUSIC COOP™?
The MUSIC COOP™ is an artist-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that distributes music, video, and other creative works. It returns 90% of profits directly to the artists who create them.
How is it different from Spotify or other streaming platforms?
Unlike corporate streaming services, The MUSIC COOP is owned and democratically governed by its members. Artists keep full ownership of their work and earn transparent credit-based income from plays, purchases, and engagement.
Who can join?
Anyone can join. There are two main types of members:
Artist Members – musicians, producers, filmmakers, writers, etc.
Public User-Consumers (PUCs) – fans and supporters who want to participate ethically in the cooperative community.
👩🎤 Artist Membership
How do artists benefit?
Artists:
- Keep 100 % ownership of their masters and copyrights.
- Receive 90 % of net profits.
- Vote on policies, distribution models, and cooperative decisions.
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Access cooperative services such as marketing, mastering, and mentoring.
What are the artist membership tiers and fees?
Basic Artist – $25 / year
Co-op Artist – $50 / year (may serve on boards)
Patron Artist / Founding Member – $100 / year (featured placement, micro-grants)
Can an artist leave the co-op?
Yes. Membership can be cancelled at any time by written notice. All rights revert to the artist once accounting is closed.
Do artists lose any rights when uploading content?
No. The MUSIC COOP only holds a non-exclusive license to distribute and promote works during membership. Artists may remove or withdraw their content at any time.
👥 PUC (Fan / Listener) Membership
What is a PUC?
A Public User-Consumer is a supporter who participates in the cooperative community—streaming music, creating playlists, and earning credits while helping artists thrive.
How much does it cost to join as a PUC?
Three monthly tiers:
Basic Member – $5 (ad-supported)
Co-op Member – $10 (ad-free + advisory votes)
Patron Member – $20 (early access, bonuses, recognition)
What are PUCK$?
PUCK$ are internal cooperative credits earned by PUCs for eligible actions (listening, purchases, ad views). They can be used to support artists, buy merch, or renew membership. PUCK$ have no cash value.
Do PUCs get to vote?
PUCs have advisory voting rights—on community, accessibility, and platform issues. Artist members retain constitutional voting power.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Membership can be ended at any time through your account. Paid periods are non-refundable once started.
PUC - Public User Consumer Memberships will be available January 1, 2026.
💡 How do artist sales and fees work on The MUSIC COOP?
- When you buy directly from an artist on The MUSIC COOP, nearly every dollar goes straight to them. Artists keep 100 % of their sales revenue, minus only a small cooperative service fee (under 5 %) that covers payment-processing, hosting, and platform maintenance.
- That fee isn’t profit for anyone — it’s what keeps the cooperative running. Every cent helps maintain fair, artist-owned infrastructure so that music sales, merchandise, and tickets can flow directly from creators to listeners without corporate middlemen.
- All fees are set democratically by members at the Annual General Meeting and published transparently each year in the Cooperative’s Financial Report.
By purchasing through The MUSIC COOP, you’re not just buying music — you’re investing in a fairer, artist-run music economy.
💰 Revenue & Credits
How are profits distributed?
90 % of net profits go directly to artists, calculated through ARC$ (Artist Credits).
10 % supports cooperative operations, infrastructure, and artist development.
What are ARC$?
ARC$ are internal credits representing each artist’s share of cooperative revenue. They are used to calculate profit redistribution—never traded for cash.
Are PUCK$ and ARC$ transferable?
No. Both are used only within The MUSIC COOP ecosystem and are transparently recorded in the cooperative ledger.
🧭 Governance & Democracy
Who controls The MUSIC COOP?
All artist members share equal ownership and voting power. Major decisions and financial policies are voted on democratically at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Do PUCs have representation?
Yes. Co-op and Patron PUCs may elect representatives to attend advisory meetings and consultations.
Can members propose changes or policies?
Any artist member may propose amendments or new initiatives, which are then voted on at a General or Special Meeting.
🔒 Privacy & Legal
Is my data safe?
Yes. The MUSIC COOP complies with Canada’s PIPEDA privacy laws. Personal data is never sold or shared and is used only for cooperative operations.
What happens if there’s a dispute?
All disputes go first to mediation and, if unresolved, to binding arbitration under New Brunswick law.
🌍 The Bigger Picture
What is the relationship between The MUSIC COOP and the Canadian Music Cooperative™ (CMC)?
CMC is our sister cooperative record label, focusing on artist development, production, and mentorship. The MUSIC COOP is the global distribution and revenue-sharing platform that supports those releases.
What’s the long-term goal?
To build a sustainable, democratic music ecosystem—owned by artists and supported by fans—that replaces exploitative corporate models with cooperative prosperity.