Grammy-winning artist Wyclef Jean revealed OpenWav, an all-inclusive platform designed to revolutionize how independent artists monetize their work and connect with fans, during the A2IM Indie Week conference in New York City on June 11, 2025. The platform combines streaming, social commerce, ticketing, and fan communities into one unified environment, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Jean, who serves as Chief Music Officer, brings his extensive experience as both a successful artist and music entrepreneur to the venture. He is joined by CEO Jaeson Ma, co-founder of 88rising, with the pair positioning OpenWav as a direct response to the current music industry model that they believe prioritizes clout over genuine connection. The platform has secured backing from notable investors, including Warner Music Group, Connect Ventures, Goodwater Capital, and Animoca Brands.
OpenWav addresses the financial challenges faced by independent artists by eliminating traditional intermediaries. Artists can sell merchandise and tickets while offering exclusive content directly to fans, all without upfront costs. The platform’s AI-driven design tools and global supply chain support enable risk-free branded product creation, with early tests showing some artists generating five-figure weekly revenues that surpass typical annual streaming earnings.
OpenWav eliminates middlemen, enabling artists to sell directly to fans and create branded products that generate substantial revenue without financial risk.
Beyond monetization, OpenWav provides artists with AI-powered analytics to better understand their audiences and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. Jean’s new venture continues his activity in the music-tech space, following his prior investment in Arpeggi Labs. These tools empower artists to build targeted fan-driven campaigns and bypass traditional industry gatekeepers through direct engagement. The platform features a TikTok-like streaming tab for video content that enhances artist visibility.
The platform actively fosters superfandom through community features that encourage deeper connections between artists and fans. This approach aims to build long-term loyalty based on authenticity rather than fleeting social media interactions. The platform also facilitates sync deals for independent artists, enabling them to license their music for films, TV shows, and commercials without label involvement. Artists using OpenWav can run effective pre-save campaigns to build anticipation and maximize streaming numbers prior to new releases.
OpenWav joins a growing trend of artist-led music-tech startups, including ventures from Timbaland, Kesha, and Will.i.am, all seeking to address fundamental issues in the prevailing music business model.
With its extensive approach to artist empowerment, OpenWav represents both a technological platform and a movement to redefine independent music careers in the digital age.