Credit: Michael SegalFormer Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum has co-founded a new virtual platform called Artbit that seeks to help struggling artists, musicians and street performers support themselves by earning crypto-currency for their work.
Through Artbit, artists will be able to link their performances and shows to the platform’s “virtual stages,” which fans can then watch, comment on, share and even take part in. Viewers also will be able to contribute to the artists using crypto-currency.
“Before I had any recognition as a musician, I was roaming back alleys in Hollywood, playing any gig I could get, sleeping on couches and surviving off Top Ramen,” says Sorum. “Today, getting recognition is easier, but getting paid is even harder. With Artbit, we’re giving power back to the fans to tell the world who deserves attention, and we’re giving a platform to artists to turn their dreams into a paying reality.”
Sorum and other members of the Artbit team will host a special showcase during the South by Southwest Festival at Antone’s in Austin, Texas, this Friday afternoon, where they will discuss the new platform. The event also will include a special performance featuring Sorum and ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, as well as a DJ set by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey.
You can find up more details about Artbit by signing up at the company official website.
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