1RPM

1RPM was a digital music service that operated in the early 2000s. Launched in 2003, it aimed to provide a platform for independent artists to distribute and sell their music directly to fans. Unlike many major online music stores at the time, 1RPM focused on a wider range of genres and gave artists more control over their pricing and distribution. The service allowed artists to upload their tracks and create personalized artist pages, offering a direct connection with their audience.

1RPM operated on a revenue-sharing model, where a portion of the sales went to the platform and the rest directly to the artist. This model was intended to be more artist-friendly than traditional record label deals. The platform also offered tools for artists to promote their music, such as integrated widgets and social networking features. While it garnered some attention within the independent music scene, 1RPM ultimately faced challenges in competing with larger, more established digital music retailers and services. The company ceased operations in the late 2000s, leaving behind a testament to early attempts at direct-to-fan music distribution in the digital age.