Two aspiring creatives meet for the first time, seated in conversation. One makes indie films, the other makes indie music. What begins as talk of their current projects soon develops into a larger discussion about the creative process and pursuing passion in the social media age. They part ways, only to slip into new, free-flowing conversations with artists of many disciplines. This was the scene at the open house for Friendly Collective’s newly opened studio in Denver, where musicians, fashion designers, photographers, painters, and more gathered to celebrate Friendly Collective’s next step in elevating the city’s creative scene by empowering artists to create through community.
The new space perfectly supports this mission, featuring a gallery room, a visual studio, a recording studio, communal lounge spaces, and beautiful windows that brighten the room with natural light. Once the sun set and more friends came through the open house, it was the comfortable environment and friendly energy that truly lit up the room. ego, Denver artist and founder of Friendly Collective, brought the night to a close with a heartfelt toast:
“We are trying to do something that matters. We can do that in Denver. We can do that together.” – ego
The Creators
Friendly Collective is a hub that is connecting different creative communities in Denver, while spotlighting an array of talent through social media segments like The Sit Down, Chop Shop, and more. But behind it all are just two dudes who built up their tool-kits through years of navigating the creative industry in their own ways. Christian Hundley is the visual architect, focused on film, photography, and design. ego, is the soundscaper, focused on music, audio, and performance projects. As Christian Hundley puts it, “We share a vision for this place, but we have different means of getting there, and both of them are happening side-by-side.” At its core, the collective is a place ideas come to life, but Christian and ego take it a step further by empowering artists to make a career out of it.
Friendly Collective serves as the home base for his ego’s own project, ego n friends, which has seen the likes of hundreds of thousands of streams, sold-out shows, and a US tour. That project has become a kind of living proof-of-concept: a map showing how the space can support an artist’s long-term vision for their craft.
Do What You Want, How You Want To
In today’s landscape, independent artistry comes with more noise than ever. The rise of AI and the churn of online platforms blur what it means to be an artist. Musicians, filmmakers, and designers are expected to handle distribution, promotion, booking, and branding—leaving little time for actually creating, and often draining their spark.
Friendly Collective turns that noise into opportunity, giving artists the tools to take control of every facet of their craft, with the long-term goal of functioning as a kind of label. The studio is a multimedia ecosystem where disciplines collide, collaborations spark, and the bar for Denver art is raised. The mission is simple: make the best art possible, and share it with intention.
“We’re trying to make art. Being independent is a much more difficult path to follow when you’re trying to make a life and a career, but you get to stay true to who you are. That goes to the roots of what Friendly Collective is about—doing what you want to do, the way you want to do it,” says Christian Hundley.
Friendly Collective attracts creatives with a “let’s make it happen” mindset. There’s an unspoken expectation to care deeply about your craft, and artists who show up with that energy find it mirrored back—supported, amplified, and given 100%.
Support the Movement
Denver’s creative garden is blooming, and it only thrives if we water it. For artists, the first step is simple—reach out. Bring an idea to the table, or grow your audience by stepping into their content. “Come with the energy where you want to create and grow,” ego says, “and we will be there to actualize your vision.” The doors are open, whether through a DM or their website.
For the rest of us, support can be just as tangible—follow their page, find a Sit Down performance that resonates, share it with your circle, and most importantly, stand behind the creative movement being built right here in your city.
BandWagon and Friendly Collective are launching a partnership designed to bridge artists with resources in the worlds of press, booking, and beyond. Stay tuned!
