Today, Mastercard expanded its growing music footprint with the launch of the Web3-based Mastercard Artist Accelerator Program. Web3’s capabilities have the potential to open a new dimension for creating, collaborating and owning music content; however, this emerging space has yet to fully deliver, especially for emerging artists. The Mastercard Artist Accelerator connects select artists from around the world with remarkable mentors and a dynamic fanbase as they learn and create in Web3. The program will culminate with a livestream artist showcase later in 2023.
Launching in spring 2023, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator will prepare five emerging artists – such as musicians, DJs and producers – with the tools, skills and access to forge their own musical paths in the digital economy. The artists will receive exclusive access to special events, music releases and more. A unique curriculum will teach the artists how to build (and own) their brand through Web3 experiences such as creating NFTs, representing themselves in virtual worlds and building an engaged community.
Designed as a space where creators can come together and grow their music communities, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator also invites fans to a seat at the table. The Mastercard Music Pass, a limited-edition NFT, gives holders access to Web3 x Music’s exclusive educational content, unique resources through our partnerships, and priceless experiences – in real life and the metaverse. With this token, fans can join the platform and learn alongside artists to hone their own tools and knowledge of the space.
“Music is a universal passion that inspires us, moves us and brings us together; however, it can seem impossible for aspiring artists to break into. With the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, we are expanding access and further driving connections with cutting-edge Web3 technology,” said Raja Rajamannar, head of marketing and communications at Mastercard. “Our vision is to bridge passion and purpose, spotlight great emerging artists and create an interactive community where participants can learn, experiment and grow together.”
Raja announced the Mastercard Artist Accelerator earlier today from the stage of the Consumer Electronics Show with Polygon Studios. Mastercard has leveraged the Polygon blockchain to power these fan-powered artist experiences.
“Web3 has the potential to empower a new type of artist who can grow a fan base, earn a living and introduce new mediums for self-expression and connection on their own terms,” said Ryan Wyatt, CEO of Polygon Studios. “The Mastercard Artist Accelerator not only showcases the power of brands embracing this new space, but also provides tools to help consumers learn how to participate. This is an important step forward in making the benefits of Web3 accessible to more people.”
Mastercard has been a longtime supporter of the music industry, connecting artists and fans through countless priceless experiences and surprises. Building on its sponsorship of the GRAMMY Awards®, Latin GRAMMY Awards® and BRIT Awards, Mastercard is early in leveraging Web3 technologies to deliver exclusive, inclusive and scalable experiences for fans and artists alike. Last June, the brand even launched its first-ever album, ‘Priceless’, through an innovative collaboration aimed at mentoring emerging artists. With the brand’s track record in the music world, coupled with its expertise in building strong networks in the digital economy, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator will give emerging artists the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in this technology-driven driven era.
Maggie Crowe, Director of Events and Charities at the BPI commented: “The BRIT Awards celebrate 25 years of Mastercard and that support in turn helps fund the free education offered at the BRIT School in London. This unique partnership with Mastercard has helped inspire the next generation of musicians, develop and mentor talent, and create opportunities to showcase their creativity to a broader audience and the professional music industry. Mastercard’s Artist Accelerator is a natural extension of this work and will provide musicians with the tools to develop their skills and connect with fans on new digital platforms, using Web3 technologies.
The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) represents the British music industry – one of the most exciting and thriving music sectors in the world – and hosts the annual BRIT Awards.
To learn more about the Mastercard Artist Accelerator and sign up to stay informed about upcoming program milestones, including the Mastercard Music Pass drop, special announcements about the artists and mentors, exclusive priceless music experiences and more, visit Unpleasant mastercard.com/Artist-Accelerator.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and strengthen an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere, by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, defines our culture and everything we do inside and outside our company. With connections in more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless opportunities for everyone.
