Blue's Simon Webbe launches app to help artists build stronger fan relationships
Posted by The Editor
Boyband star, Simon Webbe, has officially launched Backstage, a new music platform designed to help artists build deeper relationships with their most loyal fans while creating a sustainable new source of income beyond streaming.
Developed over the past year in partnership with Leeds-based creative agency, Serviced, and digital product specialists, The Distance, the Backstage app has been created as an exclusive destination where artists can share behind-the-scenes content, unreleased music, personal updates and dedicated fan experiences with their most engaged supporters. The app is free to download, with premium artist subscriptions available from £9.99 per month.
The launch sees Simon and fellow Blue members become the platform's first featured artists, giving fans unprecedented access to exclusive content as the app, available on both iOS and Android, begins rolling out across the UK.
Unlike traditional social media platforms, which reward reach and algorithms, Backstage has been designed around quality of connection. Artists can build private communities of superfans, share content unavailable elsewhere and develop recurring subscription revenue through a model intended to give creators a significantly larger share of income than existing streaming platforms. The platform currently limits membership to 10,000 fans per artist in each country, creating a more personal experience while allowing artists to mobilise highly engaged audiences.
The concept originated with Simon, whose 25-year career in the music industry inspired him to rethink how artists connect with their audiences.
Having experienced first-hand the changing economics of the music business, Simon wanted to create a platform where fans could play a more active role in an artist's journey, from hearing new music before release to influencing creative decisions such as touring locations, album tracks and music videos.
Speaking about the launch of the app, Simon said: "Launching Backstage Music has been an incredible moment, and I'm genuinely excited for fans to finally experience what we've been building. Creating something that brings artists and their audiences closer together has always been the goal, and this is only the beginning.
"I also want to give a huge thank you to the team at Serviced. They've been with us from the very start, helping turn what began as an idea into a platform we're all incredibly proud of. Their creativity, technical expertise and belief in the vision have been invaluable throughout the journey.
"Every time I head up to Leeds, it feels like I'm working alongside one team with one shared ambition. It's been a pleasure collaborating with such a passionate and talented group of people, and I genuinely couldn't have asked for better partners to bring Backstage Music to life.
"We're only just getting started, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes us next."
While the initial rollout focuses on the UK, discussions are already underway with additional artists internationally, with the long-term ambition of establishing Backstage as a leading global superfan platform that serves both established acts and emerging talent.
Adam Shire, Managing Director at Serviced, added: "Backstage has been built around a simple idea: fans want to feel closer to the artists they love, and artists need a better way to build relationships with the people who support them.
"Launching with Blue gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what that looks like, from exclusive content and unheard music to the moments that usually stay behind closed doors."
