What is an “ethical” streaming music app? Introducing Humbolt

If you’re on the artist side, there can be a lot not to like about the streaming giants like Spotify and Apple music, starting with the low payouts. This is where Humbolt would like to insert itself into the conversation.

The New York-based app offers fans streaming subscriptions that start at $2.99 a month. Twist 1: you can subscribe to individual artists or to any number of indie labels. (“We like the weird stuff!”) And that’s the focus: indie music. Twist 2: You can create playlists and follow artists/labels beyond your subscription parameters. Twist 3: You can pay monthly or annually.

Humbolt has signed up about two dozen labels and claims that they can expose you to thousands of tracks you’ll have otherwise missed.  They call it “the ultimate ‘record of the month’ club’ but for everything.” And yes, it’s available in Canada.