Category Archives: 2025

NASHVILLE: Holiday House Party Benefit Concert Set for Dec. 11

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In addition to our official, kick-up-your-heels-and-sing-some-karaoke UMC holiday mixer on Dec. 3 (location to be announced this week), we have more yuletide fun on tap.

And this time, it’s for a cause!

We’re partnering with our new friends at The Nash Nest — a sweet luxury Airbnb in East Nashville — on our first-ever Holiday House Party! On Thursday, December 11 from 5-10 p.m., a musical lineup of Nashville locals will join us to perform live, while we collect warm clothing and non-perishable food donations for those in need this holiday season.

Entry is free with your donation. Stay tuned for lineup details, which will be announced the week of December 1.

As for the location? It’s a secret… and the only way to get in the know is to RSVP. Reserve your spot here!

(Note: Specific location details will be sent to attendees within 24 hours of the event.)

A Week in NOLA: The Official Vlogumentary (Produced by NuRenaissance)

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If you’ve been following our journey around here, you’re probably well aware that we took the UnderDogs on down to New Orleans to participate in this year’s NOLA MusiCon. We had a wonderful time connecting with the creatives in this vibrant community, and we look forward to spending a lot more time together in the months and years ahead.

We were also fortunate to have Nicolas Soul with us. In addition to being an UnderDog and NEXT2RISE artist, Nicolas documented the entire trip through his media company, NuRenaissance. He caught all of the action — from time spent at the conference, to the diverse talent on display during its showcases, to after-hours hangs from the studio to Bourbon St.

It’s an incredibly fun watch — one which illustrates what it means to be an UnderDog by providing a genuine view into the joy of the experience. Sit back and enjoy!

Thanks to NOLA MusiCon for having us, DAWn Audio for being our NOLA-based family, and our sponsors at Guidance Whiskey and Ether Nashville for their support.

Gussapolooza 2025: Day 3

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Note: This episode is released in loving memory of our original ProFX12 mixer, which perished during the making of this episode after 11 loyal years of Quinn Spinn service. Unfortunately, these technical issues mean that a couple of AWESOME interviews were compromised beyond reasonable repair and did not make this episode, while parts of others may be missing. We look forward to re-doing those at the next available opportunity!

Here it is — the long-awaited conclusion to our trilogy from Gussapolooza 2025!

This episode — coming to you from the final day of this year’s festival — touches on the creative journey, and the lessons it teaches us as we embark and continue on the path. We sit down withCo from Barrie Millennials, Jade Hilton, Sean William Dawson, & Francesca Panetta, giving you a full view of Ontario’s creative landscape.

Follow The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Barz in the Boro Returns to Middle Tennessee Dec. 6

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Barz in the Boro — a monthly hip hop showcase just down the road from us in Murfreesboro, Tennessee — will close out the year with a stacked lineup on Saturday, December 6 from 8-11 p.m.

The showcase — which occurs on the first Saturday of every month at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd., Murfreesboro) — is hosted by E.T. and Raw Proof, with support from DJ Know Love on the 1s and 2s. Barz in the Boro is a platform for local and touring hip hop artists alike. Each month’s showcase features a uniquely curated lineup, along with an open mic portion, which provide aspiring performers with a chance to impress for a future opportunity.

The showcase’s official website offers this description:

Barz in the Boro is a monthly hip hop showcase and cypher where raw talent, sharp lyricism, and real culture take center stage. From local spitters to nationally touring acts, this is the spot where the underground and the spotlight meet. This event is designed to shine a light on performers, build connections within the culture, and bring something fresh and exciting to the Murfreesboro / Nashville music scene.

Presented and hosted by E.T. & Raw Proof and powered by the skills of DJ Know Love, every show is built to give you that authentic hip hop vibe, no gimmicks, just beats, barz, and energy.  This ain’t just another show, it’s for the artists, for the fans, and for the culture. Pull up, bring your skillz, and be part of the movement.​

The December 6 event will feature performances from UnderDogs Yonna Jones and Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess, alongside My Friend Wiley and New Orleans’ own Alfred Banks. Those interested in learning more or being considered for a future showcase are encouraged to reach out via Instagram.

Have You Heard the ‘Whispers?’ Kelsey Muse Releases New Single

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When we last checked in with our fellow UnderDog and UMC NEXT2RISE artist Kelsey Muse, she was putting the finishing touches on “Whispers,” her new single produced by MidDay.

The moody pop-R&B single — a celebration of one’s own individuality, even in the face of outside criticism and expectations — is officially out in the world. However, you won’t find it on streaming platforms just yet.

Kelsey has the single available for purchase at her official website in two bundles. The first bundle includes two versions of “Whispers” — the full version, and the radio edit — and a Kelsey Muse “Strike the Heart” t-shirt. The second bundle includes both versions of the song, as well as her previous single, “Sunglasses.”

Or, if you want a free download, you can help Kelsey spread the word by logging into Instagram, giving Kelsey a follow, and then liking this post and sharing it to your story. If you go that route, make sure you tag Kelsey in your story to claim your free download!

Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going: Part 1

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“Why dontcha make a few slides for a timeline, outlining key milestones that helped create the UMC we know and love today?”

So naturally, we had to be absolutely extra and document our lore.

This is the first in a multi-part series that will share the story so far — from the early days of The Quinn Spinn in Mom’s Basement Studios, to our transformative, globe-spanning 2025. At the end, we’ll also share more information on our plans, hopes, and dreams for the future that we think you’ll dig!

This was a blast to create, and we’re just getting started. Stay tuned for Part 2!

NASHVILLE: Renaissance Certified Fall Showcase Set for Saturday, Nov. 8

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Tour season may be over for us, but there’s still plenty happening back in Nashville to keep things warm into the winter months.

For one thing, our friends at NuRenaissance — owned and operated by UnderDog and NEXT2RISE artist Nicolas Soul — are hosting their Renaissance Certified Fall Showcase this Saturday, November 8 at 615 Main St., Suite G1 in Nashville.

Join us from 8-11 p.m. for “a night of pure fire and unforgettable vibes.” This hip hop and R&B showcase is hosted by Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess and coordinated by Amore Dear, with sounds by DJ Sage. The lineup features performances from Nashville-based artists Itz Jaleel, Miles Creed, Simone J’Nae, Durtyhues, Southside MAB, and B. King.

Watch the official trailer below, and be sure to get your tickets here!

Apply to These 2026 Festivals & Conferences

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After last week’s epic trip to New Orleans for NOLA MusiCon — and a year that saw UMC everywhere, from Austin to London — we’re already dreaming of more travels in 2026.

Fortunately, new adventures are always on the horizon, for both artist and educator alike. In fact, some of our favorite haunts from the past couple years have open submission processes ongoing right now. So, if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug — and want to scratch the itch by doing your thing in new markets — we’ve compiled information on a few of our favorites right here.

SXSW London

Dates: June 1-6, 2026
Location: London, UK
Deadlines: November 24 (Performer), December 7 (Speaker)
Notes: The European edition of SXSW — now in its second year — has an open application process for those looking to make their mark overseas in 2026. Both emerging and established artists, as well as organizers of forward-thinking lineups, are encouraged to submit for performance consideration. That deadline is coming up quick, but you still have time. If you’re a speaker, you have a couple extra weeks to get your proposal together!
Link to apply: SXSW London 2026 | Public Submissions Now Open

Musikfest

Dates: July 31-Aug. 9 (Festival); Aug. 2-4 (Conference)
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Deadlines: November 15, 2025 (Conference), February 28, 2026 (Festival)
Notes: Musikfest itself is entering its 43rd year in 2026, and is the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival, bringing nearly 1.5 million people to downtown Bethlehem in 2025. The Musikfest Industry Conference — now in its second year — aims to put world-class ideas and music industry knowledge (like yours) in front of the artists who comprise this growing, talent-rich regional arts hub (and UMC’s original hometown).
Links to apply: Festival | Conference

Gussapolooza

Dates: Aug. 21-23
Location: Cookstown, ON, Canada
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Notes: Our favorite weekend getaway is on for next August! This all-independent, three-day festival — nestled just an hour or so north of Toronto — brings some of the most notable rising acts from across North America together in the name of music, art, and community. Gussapolooza also invites vendors and artisans across the creative landscape to get involved. In that spirit, we’ll include the vendor application below, as well.
Links to apply: Festival | Vendor

Which events should we know about? Did we miss any? Let us know, and we’ll add them to the list!

Finding a Deeper ‘Innerstanding’ (ft. Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess)

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Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess is a spoken word poet, speaker, author, and mindset coach whose work begins from within. Jazzy’s raw transparency makes her a force to be reckoned with: a creative’s creative whose ability to lean into her truth inspires the community around her.

Jazzy makes her Quinn Spinn debut today to chat about a variety of topics, including creativity in the age of AI, the inspiration found through love, and the importance of doing our own inner work.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow Jazzy: ⁠⁠https://instagram.com/goddessmindsetjazzy⁠
More about The Quinn Spinn: ⁠⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Exploring the Intersection of Business and Art (from NOLA MusiCon)

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One of the many highlights of NOLA MusiCon — seriously, we UnderDogs will be talking about this one for months — was the chance to sit down with David Adams and the folks at Elation Entertainment to join the live NOLA MusiCon broadcast of the Elation Podcast.

My interview — part of an epic three-hour episode featuring folks from around the conference — starts at 1:51:30. We discuss the ways environments like NOLA MusiCon give creatives a seat at the table, the importance of building genuine community in the music industry, and the one decision that defined my (and UMC’s) year.

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