Mastercard launches limited edition NFT for music fans

Music fans can now get access to a limited release MasterCard ‘Music Pass’ NFT which unlocks access to exclusive content and experiences from the payment leader’s ‘Artist Accelerator’.

Mastercard released the Music Pass NFT to enable fans to access content from the Artist Accelerator program. The accelerator looks to prepare five emerging music artists from around the world with the tools and skills to leverage Web3 technologies to reshape their creative processes and expand their careers in the digital economy.

Participating artists represent a variety of genres and backgrounds, and Mastercard specifically chose them for their unique history, sound and inclusiveness-focused mindset. The artists selected by Mastercard are:

• LeriQa Nigerian R&B and Afrobeats record producer and songwriter
• Cocoa Saraia hip hop artist from Brooklyn
• Emily Wua Vietnamese and American singer
• Manu Manzoa Latin pop artist from Venezuela
• Young Athenaa London-based R&B soul singer and BRIT school alumnae

Mastercard Music Pass NFT is embossed on Polygon blockchain. Fans can redeem the NFTs until May 8. Once redeemed, token holders will be able to follow the accelerator with access to all content from the program, as well as Web3 tools, educational materials and other exclusive experiences.

Beatrice Cornacchiasenior vice president of marketing and communications in EEMEA at Mastercard, explained: “One of the amazing things about Web3 technologies, and NFTs in particular, is the way they offer creators more flexibility and ownership of their content while generating exciting new ways of fans to engage with their art.

“The Mastercard Artist Accelerator Program and Mastercard Music Pass provide us with an opportunity to leverage NFTs for both of these exciting purposes, while helping to support some of the most vibrant, diverse young artists in the world today.”

Mastercard supports artists

Each artist will go on a unique journey through one-on-one sessions, guided by mentors included Tushar Apte, an Australian composer and producer who incorporates AI into the creative process and has worked with some of the biggest artists in the business today; British dancer and content creator Nife, who will share their knowledge of building an engaging online presence; and Chief Experience Officer for General Ledger, Ian Rogerswho will give advice on how to build a digital business.

The program will teach artists how to use Web3 tools when creating original tracks, redeemable as NFTs – as well as performed live by the artists in a special exhibition.

Building on its sponsorships of GRAMMY Awards®, Latin GRAMMY Awards® and the BRIT Awards, Mastercard continues to leverage Web3 technologies to create inclusive experiences. In June 2022, it launched its first ever album, “Priceless”, through a collaboration centered on mentoring up-and-coming artists.

The brand’s track record in music, combined with its expertise in building strong networks in the digital economy, the Mastercard Artist Accelerator will give emerging artists the tools and capabilities they need to thrive in this technology-driven era.