Case Study
How an independent artist created a direct connection with fans through a flexible support model
Mike Rauss
Artist Independence & Fan Connection
Breaking Free from Platform Dependence
"It's happening! To free myself from the chains of Instagram and Spotify (lol very dramatic) I'm offering all my music on an independent channel, plus ways for us to connect 🫶🏽" - Mike Rauss decided to take control of his music distribution and fan relationships by creating his own independent channel powered by Bushido.
The Innovation: Pay-What-You-Want Support
Fan Choice
Fans can choose their own support amount rather than being limited to preset subscription tiers
One-Time or Monthly
Supporters can choose between one-off donations or recurring monthly contributions
Custom Development
Bushido built a custom solution to enable the pay-what-you-want model specifically for Mike
The Challenge
Mike Rauss faced challenges that many independent artists encounter in today's digital landscape:
Platform Dependence - Reliance on Instagram and Spotify meant limited control over his music and audience
Rigid Support Models - Traditional subscription models with fixed prices didn't match his vision for fan support
Direct Connection - Needed a way to connect more meaningfully with fans beyond platform algorithms
The Solution
Bushido worked with Mike to create a custom solution that aligned with his vision for artist independence and fan connection:
Independent Channel - A dedicated platform at music.mikerauss.com where he controls the experience
Flexible Support - Custom-built pay-what-you-want model for both one-time and recurring support
Direct Relationship - Tools to connect directly with supporters without platform intermediaries
Key Insights
"Artists are increasingly seeking independence from major platforms, looking for ways to own their relationship with fans while maintaining control over their music and its presentation."
"Flexible support models that allow fans to choose their contribution amount can create a more inclusive community where supporters at all financial levels can participate in an artist's journey."
"While social platforms remain important for discovery, artists are building their own channels where they can engage with fans without algorithm changes affecting their reach or relationship."
The Pay-What-You-Want Model
Mike's custom support model represents a shift in how artists can approach monetization. By allowing fans to set their own price, he created several advantages:
- •Inclusivity for fans with different financial situations
- •Opportunity for super-fans to contribute more than standard tiers would allow
- •Flexibility between one-time support and recurring monthly contributions
- •A more personal connection where fans feel they're directly supporting the artist