Category Archives: community

UnderDogs Across Borders Benefit Concert Series Begins July 9

Posted on by Leave a comment

2025 has been a breakthrough year so far for the entire Underground Music Collective community — and we’re here to make sure the magic lasts all year long (and beyond)!

That’s why we’re launching a new benefit concert series in support of our UnderDogs Across Borders campaign, with the first event — a hybrid in-person and virtual concert emanating from Nashville — taking place Wednesday, July 9 from 7-9 p.m. CT.

We’re taking you on a multi-genre thrill ride featuring four Nashville-based artists — including 2025 NEXT2RISE artist Nicolas Soul, alt-pop songwriter Virtues, R&B/soul singer and rapper Kfhox, and hip hop artist Southside MAB. Joining them on the lineup — all the way from the Lehigh Valley Underground in Pennsylvania — will be rockers Powder Valley Bang (who have been gaining some serious steam up there lately).

Need a refresher on UnderDogs Across Borders? Through this capital campaign, we aim to open the gateway to even greater collaboration. Your support bolsters UMC’s presence at major conferences and festivals in North America and Europe, while helping us build a stronger, more sustainable music industry that is ripe with fresh opportunities.

Our groundbreaking first half of 2025 featured major conference appearances, media opportunities, and the official launch of our new UnderDogs virtual community. This has established Underground Music Collective as an international super-connector for independent musicians, creative professionals, and notable brands.

Help us continue to build toward an incredible future where Creators Have the Power. Make your donation and RSVP here, and join us in Nashville or virtually (from anywhere!) on Wednesday, July 9!

Looking for an additional way to support UnderDogs Across Borders? Check out our GoFundMe campaign, or become an UnderDog today!

Run it Back: ‘Have You Met…?’ Returns June 26

Posted on by Leave a comment

It’s been a busy couple of months around here (and everywhere we’ve been), but we’re ready to introduce you to more members of our UnderDogs community!

Our Have You Met…? series returns Thursday, June 26, and will feature interviews from three hand-picked artistpreneurs from within the greater UMC universe. Livestreamed from Helping Our Music Evolve in East Nashville, audience members have a choice to join us in person locally, or catch the magic from anywhere in the world on our YouTube channel.

Joining us for this edition of ‘Have You Met…?’ will be…

Da’ Healerz to Perform at NMAAM June 27

Posted on by Leave a comment

Fresh off the heels of their latest Heal Talk Experience, UMC NEXT2RISE artist Da’ Healerz have another opportunity to spread the message of Heal Hop.

The Nashville-based duo — comprised of Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — will be a part of the Nashville’s Got Soul Community Showcase. The event — taking place Friday, June 27 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) — “brings together 15 local artists, including poets, musicians, and DJs, for an unforgettable evening that celebrates Black Music Appreciation Month through storytelling, genre-bending artistry, and soul-filled connection.”

Nashville’s Got Soul is presented in partnership by NMAAM and Soul’d Creative Collective. Tickets range between $5-15, and include student and friends & family discounts.

GET YOURS NOW

THIS THURSDAY: An All-New Heal Talk Experience in Nashville

Posted on by Leave a comment

Da’ Healerz will be back at NECAT Network (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville) this Thursday, June 12 for an edition of The Heal Talk Experience featuring all-new special guests.

Join Da’ Healerz — Nashville hip hop vets Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — as they bring you an immersive experience centered on live performance and healing discussions beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Supporting Da’ Healerz this time around will be a performance from hip hop artist and music industry educator T.R.A.N.E. Spitta, alongside a sound healing demonstration from singer, producer, and vibrational sound alchemist Milly Roze.

As always, it’s free to tap into The Heal Talk Experience. RSVP here!

#RoadtoSXSW Part 2: London Bound

Posted on by Leave a comment

Even when I took this photo in March, I can’t say I saw this coming so soon…

While I was in Austin a few months ago, I had a chance to learn about the first-ever SXSW London event taking place this year. The team was hosting a breakfast networking event near their bus inside of the Expo Hall, and I decided to pop by and check it out to begin my first full day in town.

Well, one thing led to another. Not even three months later, I find myself typing this at Boston Logan International Airport. My destination? SXSW London, to explore an entirely new city (and continent) on behalf of UMC. In the process, I’ll also be exploring possibilities to bring UMC and its artist community across the pond (and vice versa) in future years.

Man… what an unreal year 2025 has been so far. It started with the original #RoadtoSXSW, which produced so many amazing memories and connections. Then, we found ourselves in Toronto at the start of May for the first-ever Departure Festival & Conference (formerly Canadian Music Week). Now, we’re headed to London — and who knows where else between now and New Year’s Eve!

(OK, maybe I know at least *some* of those details. Stay tuned!)

As for this week, I look forward to the connections and conversations to come — and, in true #GoUnderground fashion, I’m excited to get a sense of what London’s music community is truly all about.

I also (finally) downloaded the Jetpack app — the one that allows me to post to WordPress — on my new phone. So, I’ll be able to provide updates on the fly throughout the event. Stay tuned here to The Blog (and of course, Instagram and YouTube) as I share the highlights, lessons, and updates from UMC’s latest international quest.

Gussapolooza Tier 1 Tickets Available Until June 1

Posted on by Leave a comment

Imagine a weekend where the music never stops, creativity fills the air, and strangers feel like friends. That’s Gussapolooza — and Tier 1 tickets for 2025 are only available until Sunday, June 1.

Set in the heart of Cookstown, Ontario from August 22–24, Gussapolooza is more than a music festival. It’s a three-day escape into a vibrant, welcoming world where artists, dreamers, and music lovers come together to share unforgettable moments.

Expect late-night jams by the campfire, hands covered in paint, dancing barefoot in the grass, and moments of pure connection with people who just get it.

Here’s what the Gussapolooza experience looks like:

  • A packed weekend of live music from incredible rising talent.
  • Camping with your crew (or making a new one).
  • Wild paint parties, immersive art, and spontaneous magic.
  • Food trucks, fresh air, and wide-open fields full of music and movement.
  • A creative energy that flows from stage to sky.

“There’s nothing quite like it,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “It’s not just a festival — it’s a feeling. If you know, you know.”

Tier 1 passes are the best deal you’ll get — and they’re only available until June 1 at midnight. Grab your tickets now, and don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.

Gussapolooza Announces Lineup Featuring Bleeker & Grant Boyer

Posted on by Leave a comment

The Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is back—and the official 2025 lineup has just been announced!

Taking place August 22–24, 2025 in vibrant Cookstown, Ontario, this year’s festival features special guests Bleeker and Grant Boyer, alongside returning Gussapolooza award winners Manic Boys and Girls Club, Harley Olivia, and Cudbear. They’ll be joined by an eclectic lineup of emerging artists from across the country for a weekend packed with creativity, energy, and inspiration.

More than a music festival, Gussapolooza is a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Guests can explore immersive experiences like the Kids Zone, a tranquil Health & Wellness Zone, interactive art installations, local artisan vendors, and more—offering something for everyone.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a full weekend stay with a variety of camping options, including RV power sites, designated family camping, and access to onsite showers—ensuring a fun and convenient festival experience for all.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Bleeker, Grant Boyer and so many incredible artists to Cookstown this summer,” said Russell Robson, Founder and Organizer of Gussapolooza. “Gussapolooza has always been about more than music—it’s a community-driven, family-friendly celebration where people of all ages can come together, connect, and be inspired by the arts. We can’t wait to share this experience with everyone again in 2025.”

Gussapolooza is also proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Stevenson Memorial Hospital. A portion of all ticket sales will go directly toward funding the hospital’s new state-of-the-art facility, strengthening access to healthcare in the surrounding community.

Tickets are now on sale and the full artist lineup is available at www.gussapolooza.com. While there, you’ll find information on how to get involved as a volunteer, vendor, or member of the media.

WATCH: Da’ Healerz Circle ft. Ron Obasi

Posted on by Leave a comment

The questions are fresh. The perspective is deeper.

Da’ Healerz Circle is BACK!

Join Da’ Healerz for their latest conversation on all things healing. This week, Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca sit down with community builder, environmental activist, and father Ron Obasi, who shares the ways life’s journey has led him to a more mindful place.

UnderDogs Across Borders: Shaping a New Music Industry

Posted on by Leave a comment

For too long, the music industry has been overrun by gatekeepers who have limited the reach and influence of independent artists. We’re here to create a new music industry Where Creators Have the Power. Through key local, national, and international partnerships, we connect creators across genres, disciplines, and markets, inspiring fresh collaborations and meaningful opportunities – anywhere music is made!

Since 2013, Underground Music Collective has provided independent artists with the resources they need to build sustainable, values-based careers from their creative pursuits. Our Nashville-based educational and multimedia platform has established a key presence in markets across North America through multimedia content, live music experiences, the UMC Academy artist mentorship program, and the UMC UnderDogs community.

Our efforts have received recognition from industry-leading brands and organizations, including SXSW, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Departure Conference, MusicRow Magazine, and many more. In 2025, this widespread recognition has led to multiple invitations for UMC to affect positive change on a global scale.

What is UnderDogs Across Borders?

With UnderDogs Across Borders, we aim to open the gateway to even greater collaboration. Your support bolsters UMC’s presence at major conferences and festivals in North America and Europe, while helping us build a stronger, more sustainable music industry that is ripe with fresh opportunities.

Our groundbreaking Q1 2025 featured major conference appearances, media opportunities, and the official launch of our new UnderDogs virtual community. This has established Underground Music Collective as an international super-connector for independent musicians, creative professionals, and notable brands.

By supporting UnderDogs Across Borders, you ensure that we accomplish our remaining 2025 goals, including:

  • Increased presence at major industry events in key markets, including Departure Conference & Festival (Toronto, ON), Music Biz 2025 (Atlanta, GA), SXSW London (London, UK), Gussapolooza (Greater Toronto, ON), Confluence (Charlotte, NC), and NOLA MusiCon (New Orleans, LA).
  • Increased visibility in the United States, Canada, and Europe for our robust network of sponsors, community partners, and creative professionals.
  • Increased cross-market collaborations (in-person and virtual) between our NEXT2RISE Artist Ambassadors.
  • 500 new UMC UnderDogs members by Sept. 1, 2025.

Click here now to donate and learn more about the rewards you receive for contributing to our mission.

Curious what some of our UnderDogs have to say about how UMC has helped them? Watch this!

TONIGHT, 6-9 CT: Have You Met…? + Meet-a-Mentor LIVE!

Posted on by Leave a comment

LET’S DO IT LIVE!

If you’re in Nashville, we invite you to join us tonight at Helping Our Music Evolve (615 Main St., Suite G1), for Have You Met…? Live!

Be a part in our live studio audience as we broadcast exclusive interviews with UMC UnderDogs like Terri Lynn, Ender Bowen, and Roz Malone. Hosted by Joe Baze, co-founder of the Ether Community Co-op.

Then, join us from 7-9 p.m. for our first-ever Meet-a-Mentor round robin, where you’ll have the opportunity for one-on-one guidance with experienced music industry professionals including…

  • Aaron Stepp, Ph.D., composer, performer, and music technologist
  • Cidney Grady, artist manager for SymbaSyd
  • Gerard Longo, Founder/CEO of Underground Music Collective
  • Nicolas Soul, performing artist and founder of NuRenaissance Media
  • TRANE Spitta, performing artist and performance royalties expert.

Space is limited, and mentor signups will occur on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to arrive early!

Can’t make it in person? No problem — we’re livestreaming the Have You Met…? portion of the evening on YouTube — and we’ll be including a *very* speciall announcement about the exciting future of UMC and our UnderDogs community. Be sure to tune in below!

« Older Entries Recent Entries »