“It’s a missing piece in the puzzle of modern album-sharing, giving artists an opportunity for deep intimacy with their core listeners while dictating what their work is truly worth,” Lorde said.
New Zealand-based music app Lume is expanding into Australia with a new round of artist releases, official chart status, and an addition to its editorial team.
Ecca Vandal and other artists release albums on Lume
Just days after winning the 2026 Australian Music Prize for her sophomore album, Looking For People to Unfollow, Ecca Vandal leads a cast of artists dropping enhanced versions of their LPs on the service. Fellow Australian acts Ocean Alley, DZ Deathrays, The Rubens, and The Tullamarines release albums through the platform on November 13, making them available for direct purchase.
The digital box set offerings are available worldwide on iOS and Android, and at lumemusic.com. Today’s music drop also includes the 25th anniversary edition of Fat Freddy’s Drop’s debut Based on a True Story, alongside the complete Flying Nun catalog from New Zealand group The Bats.
Direct-to-Fan Model and Investor Backing
Co-founded by Duncan Greive, Tim Harper, Sacha Judd, and Justin Warren, Lume operates with a direct-to-fan ownership model instead of a traditional streaming subscription plan. The startup distributes 80% of revenue directly to artists and rightsholders.
The platform secured seed investment from a group including Lorde — real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor — alongside Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie and Letterboxd co-founder and CTO Karl von Randow. The platform was founded in 2025 and officially launched in July 2026 before expanding to Australia.
Lume expands to Australia through G.Y.R.O. agreement
Lume expanded to Australia after striking an agreement with Brisbane-based distributor G.Y.R.O. Its inventory now holds official chart eligibility with trade body ARIA, joining certification from its New Zealand counterpart RMNZ.
“Australia is our closest neighbour and our primary priority market following our NZ launch,” co-CEO Tim Harper said. “We have made three trips over in recent months and found substantial interest in what we’re building.”
Conor Lochrie directs new on Lume Substack publication
Alongside its catalog growth, the business launched its own Substack publication titled On Lume. The publication covers featured artists, albums, and broader music industry stories under the direction of Conor Lochrie, the music journalist and former Rolling Stone AU/NZ deputy editor.
The digital box set offering is available worldwide on iOS and Android, and at lumemusic.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much revenue do artists receive on Lume?
Lume shells out 80% of revenue directly to artists and rightsholders through its direct-to-fan ownership model.
Which charts recognize Lume purchases?
Lume inventory holds chart eligibility with Australian trade body ARIA and New Zealand counterpart RMNZ.
Who founded the Lume music platform?
The startup was co-founded by New Zealand music and media professionals Duncan Greive, Tim Harper, Sacha Judd, and Justin Warren.