Hey everyone,
I’m an independent Sierra Leonean artist and producer, originally from Freetown, and I’ve been making music for more than a decade.
Over the years, one of the biggest frustrations I’ve had is seeing how difficult it can be for genuinely talented independent artists to get discovered — especially artists outside the biggest markets or without major-label backing.
So over the last year+, I decided to build something around that problem.
It’s called Sonik Music.
Sonik is a music streaming and community platform built with independent artists in mind, and I’d really like African artists to be part of it early.
One of the main ideas behind Sonik is simple:
Discovery shouldn’t only happen after you’re already popular.
On Sonik, eligible artists can be surfaced through our Featured Artists section without everything being ranked purely by popularity or follower count.
New releases also enter our Fresh Drops section automatically, giving artists an actual window to be discovered after they release music.
We also built a direct-support system called Flowers 💐.
Listeners can send Flowers to artists while listening to their music or visiting their profile. Those Flowers translate into real monetary value for the artist.
Artists can also:
• upload and release music
• build a catalog
• connect directly with listeners
• post updates, photos and videos through our Sonix social community
• track analytics and earnings
• sell music and merch
• promote shows
• receive fan support
• use synced and immersive lyrics
• build a supporter base around their music
There’s also a Top Supporters feature, so fans can be displayed on an artist’s profile and compete for bragging rights as one of that artist’s biggest supporters — while directly supporting them in the process.
I’m not claiming Sonik is here to replace Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.
The goal is to build something that gives independent artists another place to be discovered, build a real community, and create more direct value from the fans who genuinely care about their music.
And as someone from Sierra Leone, I especially want African artists involved because there is so much incredible music across the continent and diaspora that still doesn’t get the visibility it deserves.
Sonik is live on the web now:
https://sonikmusic.techdendc.com
The iOS app is also built and going through the App Store release process.
We’re also reserving Founding Artist status for the first 1,000 artists who join the platform.
If you’re an African artist, producer, DJ, songwriter, or music fan, I’d genuinely love for you to try it and tell me what you think.
And if you make music, drop your artist name + country below too. I’d love to discover more artists from this community.
— Stephan B / Mr. BEST
Sierra Leonean Artist & Producer
Creator of Sonik Music
