Napster has ambitions to change the music landscape again, this time by teaming up with TerraZero Technologies to create a metaverse for artists.

TerraZero is an advocate for the open metaverse, and the collaboration aims to change how artists connect with their fans through immersive virtual hangouts, opening up new dimensions in music fandom and monetization.

The partnership kicks off with the signing of independent Chicago rap, funk, and R&B artist Ric Wilson, who is a trailblazer as the first artist to launch a virtual hangout on Napster’s platform. The partners hope this marks a transformative shift in how fans engage with their favorite artists on a music digital service provider (DSP).

“Napster has a rich history of empowering music artists, giving them innovative and creative ways to interact with their fans while also providing new monetization opportunities,” said Jon Vlassopulos, CEO of Napster, in a statement. “Previously these kinds of virtual metaverse style worlds have only been available within platforms like Fortnite and Roblox but now anyone will be able to access these fun, engaging artist hangouts straight from their browser. Ric Wilson’s virtual hangout is the first example of what our partnership with TerraZero will deliver in 2024 as we look to roll out the ability for any artist on Napster to have their own virtual hangout space to connect with their fans directly, unlocking new revenue streams and ways for artists to express themselves creatively.” 

The inaugural virtual hangout, featuring Wilson, allows Napster subscribers to enter a custom-designed virtual space where they can chat with fellow fans, explore the environment, and listen to Wilson’s music. In the coming weeks, Wilson will debut his new single live within the virtual hangout, adding an extra layer of interaction for fans.

“Napster has always been the original innovator in the music space so partnering to bring immersive virtual experiences to life that leverage our Intraverse Technology Platform for their millions of users, made complete sense,” said Dan Reitzik, CEO of TerraZero Technologies, in a statement. “Ric Wilson is a fantastic artist to represent our first foray together in delivering online virtual hangouts to music fans on a leading music DSP and the best part is we’re just getting started.”

The Intraverse Technology Platform, developed by TerraZero, serves as the backbone for creating engaging artist hangouts, and Wilson’s hangout is just the beginning of what the partnership aims to deliver in 2024.

Napster, a pioneer in the music industry, wants to leverage the power of the open metaverse to provide artists with personalized virtual spaces. These spaces not only showcase the artist’s personality, passion, and music but also feature creative imagery, videos, and opportunities for revenue generation through both physical and digital merchandise.

Wilson said in a statement, “Ahh man, I’m super excited about this, shoutout to Jon and the Napster team. They’re clearly committed to shaking things up in the music world.”

He added, “They are giving artists and their supporters something fresh with these virtual hangouts. I love
mine because it’s just so me and fans can come hang and dance together while listening to my music and learn more about me which is what I think music marketing should be. I can’t wait to have everyone check it out.”

Later this year, TerraZero and Napster plan to launch additional virtual hangouts for various artists. These hangouts will offer fans a myriad of experiences, including games, exclusive music, prize giveaways, concert ticket purchases, and interactions with their favorite artists in real-time.

Founded in 1999, Napster became a trailblazer in the music industry with the launch of the world’s first peer-to-peer music-sharing service. It has changed ownership multiple times and it combined with Rhapsody to create the first legal $9.99 music streaming service. Now available in 34 countries across various devices, Napster wants to redefine the music streaming experience by returning control to artists and fostering direct connections with fans.

TerraZero Technologies is a subsidiary of BIGG Digital Assets, and it specializes in metaverse development and Web3 technology.