*
banner

Partnership formed to help reshape the future of social media for musicians

Two leading organisations have come together to try and support a more positive digital space for artists and fans alike.

Artists voice
  The partnership aims to provide a more positive digital space for artists and fans alike.

The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK trade organisation representing the rights and interests of music artists, has joined WeAre8 — The People's Platform, to support a more positive digital space for artists and fans alike.

Toxicity

It follows wider concerns by artists and performers about the increasing toxicity of online environments, the lack of moderation on the most popular platforms, and the challenges of cutting through algorithmic-driven content to make genuinely valued connections.

Recent research found that two-thirds young people believe social media does more harm than good.

Protects

WeAre8 offers a platform that protects from toxic content, with no controlling algorithms and separate advertising streams. Since its launch in 2022, it has attracted over 3 million global users and has built partnerships with major brands including The Independent and Clash Magazine.

Leading artists such as Blur's David Rowntree, Alt-J, Primal Scream's bassist Simone Marie Butler and Grammy-nominated vocalist and songwriter Kelli-Leigh support a partnership that also allows FAC members to provide feedback to help inform and evolve WeAre8's unique model.

Love/hate

Speaking about the partnership, David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition: "It's no secret that many artists enjoy a love/hate relationship with social media.

In the process of building a community around their music, they often have to deal with online toxicity, algorithmic frustrations, and business models that run counter to their interests. The FAC's partnership with WeAre8 is aiming to upend these unhealthy dynamics, while empowering our members to help reshape the future of social media and social culture."

We believe that artists and creators deserve more than just a platform — they deserve a digital home that honours their artistry, amplifies their voices, and nurtures their well-beingLaura Chase

Honours artistry

Laura Chase, UK MD/ Global Chief Growth Officer, WeAre8 added: "We believe that artists and creators deserve more than just a platform — they deserve a digital home that honours their artistry, amplifies their voices, and nurtures their well-being.

Partnering with the Featured Artists Coalition is a natural extension of our mission to return power to the people. Together, we're building a community where artists can thrive, inspire change, and connect meaningfully with the world — free from toxicity and exploitation."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


jOHN gILLAM

Death of John Gillam

May 4 • The death has been announced of the hugely respected player and administrator.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Grand Shield

May 3 • Milnrow claims the Grand Shield honours to return to the British Open with Hepworth joining them.


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Cup

May 2 • Kirkintilloch claims the Senior Cup honours as Rainford, Tongwynlais Temperance and East London Brass join them in the Grand Shield in 2027.


2026 Spring Festival

Result: 2026 Spring Festival Senior Trophy

May 2 • Sandhurst Silver claims the Senior Trophy honours as Sovereign Brass, Unite Scotland Kinneil and Yorkshire Imperial are also promoted to the Senior Cup.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. . We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

May 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher.. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Bb Basses. With Colin Dance now appointed as our MD and our other Bb Bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two Bb basses. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band with a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the Park.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd