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App Launching Fall 2026 — Canada & U.S.
Where unheard talent gets a fair shot.
A discovery platform connecting independent artists with industry through a swipe-based experience. Artists upload their music, industry listens & connects when something catches their attention. If there's a real connection, keep it going — collaborate and build something great together.
After that — our role ends there. No cuts, commissions, or royalties.
The problem
Too much talent goes undiscovered.
The solution
We give your work a real chance to be heard by the industry.
Our values
What we actually stand for.
Fairness.
Every track gets the same shot. No rankings, no paid boosts, no algorithmic advantage.
Affordability.
We recognize most artists aren't sitting on big budgets. So it's one simple price — no tiers, no upsells, no surprises.
Simplicity.
Built to be easy — for artists uploading and industry professionals browsing. No extra layers or distractions.
Built for artists.
Many artists are just starting out or still trying to break through. They're often working with limited resources — and getting noticed comes down to a lot of work, luck, and access.
Artists are looking for exposure. Industry professionals are looking for fresh talent. FirstListen creates a simple, fair, and affordable way to connect the two — lowering the barriers that often stand in the way.
If an opportunity comes from a connection here, we step back — no cuts, no commissions. What happens next is up to you.
What's different here?
A lot of platforms are expensive, complex, or built on promises. We're not.
What sets FirstListen apart:
Industry pros are part of the platform
No algorithms that rank or prioritize certain artists
A seamless swipe for industry pros — quick, easy, and at your own pace
For artists — musicians, songwriters, bands, vocalists, instrumentalists, and more
Your music, out there.
For artists at any stage — whatever your style. Upload your tracks — rough demos or finished work. Industry professionals listen and show interest. If it's mutual, you connect directly.
Join as artistUpload up to 3 tracks (60 sec each).
Verified industry professionals browse and swipe.
Mutual matches unlock direct messaging.
For A&R, labels, producers, agents, managers, music supervisors, and more
A real pipeline of unheard talent.
A feed of emerging artists you haven't heard yet. Browse, listen, and swipe when something catches your attention. If it's mutual, you connect directly.
Join as industryIndustry professionals are manually verified.
Filter artists by genre, location, and style.
Messaging designed to keep things intentional.
Features
Upload 3 tracks
Three tracks, up to 60 seconds each. Upload rough recordings, demos, or finished tracks — no need for polished production.
Verified industry only
A&R, producers, labels, managers, agents, creative directors, and even filmmakers! — all manually verified before they enter the circuit.
Browse & swipe
Industry professionals listen and swipe when something resonates with them. Even without a match, you may still receive feedback.
Ten messages per match
A short, focused window. Enough to figure out if there's something real before taking it off-platform.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is FirstListen comparable to?
Is it like Tinder? LinkedIn? America's Got Talent?
It shares elements of each, but it's built to help uncover emerging musical talent.
Artists at all stages — from still unknown, to emerging, to even established — can showcase their music and be heard.
Do I need a polished track to upload?
Not at all.
Some of the best ideas start as simple recordings. You can upload demos, rough recordings, or finished tracks — whatever you feel best represents your sound.
A good listener can recognize potential at any stage.
How is this different from current methods of getting noticed?
Most artists spend years trying to build an audience — uploading music, posting constantly, and hoping the right person eventually notices, without knowing if anyone in the industry is even listening.
With FirstListen, your tracks are actively shown through a swipe-based feed — with industry professionals already on the platform actively listening for new talent in real time.
Who are the industry professionals on the platform?
A range of individuals such as producers, agents, labels, filmmakers, managers, advertisers, and more — across a wide range of genres and use cases.
Anyone in the industry who needs music can be part of the platform.
A list is available within the app. Some choose to remain more private, but if you match, you'll know who they are.
How are tracks shown to industry pros?
Each track is presented individually.
That means even if one track is passed on, your other tracks still have their own opportunity to be heard.
There are no algorithms, boosts, or preferential placement — tracks are shown in a randomized feed.
What can happen after a match?
A match simply opens the door to a conversation.
It could lead to collaboration, an opportunity, or just a connection.
It might also result in working with a producer, having your music used somewhere, connecting with a label, or something more. Every situation is different, and there's no set outcome.
What if I don't get any matches?
Some tracks may get attention quickly, while others may take more time — and some may not receive matches at all.
If you're not getting matches, you can try updating your uploads, experimenting with different tracks, or simply giving it more time.
Sometimes it only takes one listener to connect with the right piece.
How much does it cost?
FirstListen is designed to be affordable.
A low monthly subscription gives you access to upload your music and be part of the platform.
If you'd like to upload additional tracks, you can add more for a small one-time fee.
Stay up to date
App Launching Fall 2026 across Canada & the U.S.!
Drop your email. We'll let you know the moment the platform goes live.