UnitedMasters, EVEN Announce Strategic Partnership to Boost Indie Artist Earnings

UnitedMasters and EVEN have entered a formal partnership designed to help independent artists monetize their music and connect more directly with fans, the companies announced this week. The collaboration merges UnitedMasters' digital music distribution and artist marketing solutions with EVEN's direct-to-fan sales model, aiming to build a stronger economic foundation for artists operating outside of the major label system.

The new partnership offers UnitedMasters artists early access to EVEN’s platform, where they can sell music directly to fans, collect payments in real-time, and access first-party data to better understand their audience. The initiative is currently available to UnitedMasters' Partner-tier artists and will soon expand to those using the SELECT tier.

Combining Distribution and Direct-to-Fan Sales

The joint effort represents a significant shift in how independent artists can leverage both distribution and fan engagement to grow sustainable careers. UnitedMasters brings scale and marketing firepower, while EVEN’s focus on intimacy and fan connection offers a more tailored monetization model.

"Direct-to-fan platforms allow artists to build real, authentic relationships with their audiences," said Linnea Sundberg, VP of Corporate Development at UnitedMasters. "Superfans aren't just looking for more content — they're looking for connection. EVEN creates intimate, personal spaces where artists can share exclusive moments, stories, and experiences that truly resonate."

Key Features of the Partnership

Through EVEN’s tools, artists will be able to:

• Sell music directly to fans before it appears on streaming platforms

• Receive daily payments in their preferred currency

• Gain full ownership of fan data and analytics

• Use advanced tools to build and manage fan communities

• Receive creative and marketing support for chosen campaigns

• Create custom fan experiences using EVEN Studio

  
  

These features are intended to complement UnitedMasters' broader artist services, giving creatives more ways to engage superfans and generate income on their own terms.

Proven Impact and Early Adopters

Artists on both platforms have already begun to see the benefits. Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn reportedly more than doubled his annual streaming revenue by selling directly to over 1,000 fans during his first year on EVEN.

Other UnitedMasters artists, including Casey Veggies, Stockz, Serayah, Iman Europe, Jagged Edge, AJ McQueen, Kiimmy Crawford, and Trevor Jackson, have also utilized the platform to increase engagement and revenue. Their early success highlights the potential of a hybrid model that combines digital reach with personal connection.

"Our partnership with UnitedMasters represents the next evolution in artist empowerment," said Mag Rodriguez, CEO and founder of EVEN. "By combining UnitedMasters' distribution strength with our direct-to-fan platform, we're creating a comprehensive ecosystem where independent artists can build sustainable careers through authentic fan connections while maximizing their revenue potential."

What This Means for the Independent Music Economy

The partnership signals a growing industry shift toward platforms that prioritize artist autonomy and diversified income streams. As streaming revenue continues to deliver low per-stream payouts, artists are seeking new ways to earn directly from their work and strengthen their core audiences.

By bridging the gap between distribution and direct commerce, UnitedMasters and EVEN are positioning themselves at the forefront of this evolution. For independent artists, the move could offer a more sustainable path forward—one that blends reach, ownership, and meaningful fan interaction.

The collaboration is live now for UnitedMasters Partner artists, with additional access for SELECT users rolling out soon.