TrueFans CONNECT™ Expands Direct Artist Payments for Independent Artists across the country and beyond

As the music industry grapples with the 'Touring Cost Crisis' highlighted by recent high-profile cancellations, TrueFans CONNECT™ is expanding its direct fan payment platform for independent artists across Corrales NM, Vail AZ, Seattle WA, and the wider Southwest region. Launched in September 2025, the mobile-first platform allows artists to accept real-time, cashless donations from fans at live performances, directly addressing the unsustainable gap between gross revenue and artist net income.

Independent artists frequently struggle to earn a living wage from live performances, often receiving the smallest share of revenue after multiple intermediaries. TrueFans CONNECT™ provides a solution by enabling artists to bypass traditional payment structures and receive direct financial support from their audience during shows. The platform utilizes a geo-location system and QR codes, facilitating instant digital donations and offering artists valuable fan data analytics to identify and cultivate their most dedicated supporters. Paul Saunders, Founder of TrueFans CONNECT™, stated, "After 40 years in the music business, it's clear the existing model is built on extraction, taking money out from between the fan and the artist. The touring cost crisis is just the latest symptom. We are fundamentally shifting this dynamic to be truly artist-centered, ensuring fans can directly support artists so they can create and perform without financial precarity." Artists using TrueFans CONNECT™ have reported an average increase of 40-50% in per-show earnings. For example, many artists have seen their average take-home rise from $150 to $500 per show over the past six months. The platform is currently used by over 300-400 independent artists across all 50 states, having processed many direct artist payments since its inception.

Trend context

The recent 'Touring Cost Crisis,' exemplified by high-profile tour cancellations like Roxette's in late July 2026 due to soaring logistical expenses, underscores a systemic failure in live music economics. Despite record gross revenues for the industry, artists' net income is diminishing, threatening the viability of touring. TrueFans CONNECT™ directly counters this trend by creating a transparent, direct payment channel that ensures money flows from fans to artists at the point of performance, offering a tangible solution to the unsustainable gross-to-net disparity.

About TrueFans CONNECT™

Why we exist

Independent artists struggle to earn a living wage from live performances, often paid last and least. We exist to fundamentally shift this dynamic, ensuring artists are financially empowered directly by their most dedicated fans.

How we do it

Our platform provides artists with a Geo Location system and QR code for real-time, cashless donations during live shows. This direct payment system, combined with fan data analytics, allows artists to identify and cultivate their 'TrueFans' for sustainable income.

What we do

TrueFans CONNECT is a mobile-first platform and payment solution that enables independent music artists to accept real-time digital donations from their audience at live performances and track fan engagement data.

Why it matters

The economic viability of independent music artists is at a breaking point, threatening the diversity and future of live music. TrueFans CONNECT offers a direct solution to this crisis, empowering artists to build sustainable careers and ensuring audiences continue to experience vibrant, independent music.

Who it's for

Emerging and established independent music artists performing live, particularly those touring small to mid-sized venues, seeking direct fan monetization and deeper audience engagement.

Proof points

Artists using TrueFans CONNECT have seen an average increase of 40-50% in per-show earnings. For example, WE have many artists who have increased their average take-home from $150 to $500 per show over the past 6 months

Traction & credibility

TrueFans CONNECT launched in lat Sept 2025 is currently used by over 300-400 independent artists across all 50 states. We have processed many direct artist payments since inception and are actively engaging with strategic investors.

Spokespeople

Paul Saunders

Founder

Music marketing mverick who believes after being in the music business 40+ years that is time for a change... its time that its became truly artist-first in fact further than that to be artist-centered

Expertise

music, music marketing, artists development and career strategy

Notability

The school of hard knocks has taught me all I know and its time for a change

Talking points

The human

Get in touch

Paul Saunders

Founder

Drop me a note and I'll reply by email.