About Make Waves
What is Make Waves?
Make Waves is a DIY music distribution and promotion platform for independent artists and labels. In an industry they describe as "notoriously over-complicated and dominated by players who only care about volume", they are building something kinder: a genuinely helpful way to release music and build a following.
The platform already supports more than 20,000 users in their music careers. In the Netherlands they are a leading provider of independent digital music distribution, and they continue to grow steadily on an international scale.
The product lets artists release tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok and more, keep 100% of their rights, and receive seamless payouts.
Where will I work?
Make Waves is based in Amsterdam and works hybrid — team members are expected on-site at the Amsterdam office at least one to two days per week (the exact minimum depends on the role). The Netherlands is preferred and the EU is considered; the company is not able to offer relocation or visa sponsorship.
What is the Make Waves team like?
A small team where you will "wear many different hats every day" and can contribute to and own many different aspects of the product. Engineers work closely with the founders and support team to shape the product direction. The stack is React, TypeScript and Next.js on the frontend, typed Python with FastAPI and PostgreSQL on the backend, shipped as Docker containers on GKE, with Google Cloud managed via Terraform and automated deploys through GitHub Actions and FluxCD.
Work-Life Balance
The founder advertises the roles as full-time at four to five days a week with a 4-day work week (4DWW) option — a genuine reduced-days schedule at full pay. Alongside this, the company offers autonomy over your own time: "if you deliver on your work we don't ask many questions." Roles remain hybrid, with a minimum on-site presence in Amsterdam.
Perks and Benefits
- 4-day work week option (full-time defined as 4–5 days)
- Freedom to plan your own time and take ownership of the product within a small team
- A nice office space in Amsterdam to both socialise and find quiet focus time
- Equipment provided — a MacBook (or an alternative laptop if you prefer) and a 4K screen at the office
- Competitive salary and benefits