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.)
For all of the talk about AI’s industry takeover, and the ways “the algorithm” unfairly stacks the deck against artists, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves a different question…
What if, instead of catering to the algorithm — the latest in a long line of industry gatekeepers outlined in the video I’m about to share below — we focus on the power we have as a community to build authentic relationships with fans, fellow creatives, and our entrepreneurs across industries?
What if, instead of claiming victimhood in an unfair ecosystem (and often, offering no real solution alongside our complaints), we empower ourselves to create a new one?
What if, instead of begging for a seat at “the big table,” we build our own table?
Yes, there are plenty of problems with the ways creatives are regarded and compensated in the business world. That’s because the business world in which we currently reside was not created by us.
When creatives function like entrepreneurs, the power resides in our hands. When we build brands, communities, and new ways of doing business, we find common ground not only with other creatives who have felt our pain, but with consumers who are looking for something that speaks to them more readily than what’s pumped out through “the machine.”
When we treat the tools at our disposal (AI, streaming, social media, etc.) like supplemental tools to create and maintain connections — instead of be-all, end-all solutions that are “supposed to” bring us to virality, fame, and fortune (i.e.; do all the work for us) — we can better manage our expectations, and focus on the real-world actions and relationships that will help us grow our communities and build a more sustainable ecosystem over time.
Instead of relying on the algorithm to make you visible, take it upon yourself to get in front of people. Instead of expecting Spotify and other DSPs to change their tune about royalty payouts and AI-created music, encourage and incentivize your audience to purchase directly from you. Develop ways to make them feel like they’re not just spending money, but investing in a vision for a greater world.
Provide value, and do business while consistently providing that value.
“Business” is not a dirty word. Learning how to do it properly — in a way that provides and increases value for all stakeholders over time — is the key to finally leveling this playing field.
I’ve presented at and attended some of the biggest music conferences in the world throughout 2025, and have had conversations with thought leaders across the creative space. I assure you that, in all corners, we are asking similar questions: how do we give creators the power?
We already have it. It’s time to accept it, wield it responsibly, and remain consistent over time. It’s time to test, measure, adjust, and develop better, creator-centric solutions. I’ll never tell you it’s easy: the creative journey is a long game, and overnight success is fleeting at best, and non-existent in reality.
Would you rather it be easy or impactful?
It’s not about fighting City Hall. It’s about building new cities.
With that, I came across this TED Talk featuring Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler, who offers a solution as to how we can structure our businesses in a creator-friendly manner. It’s already inspiring plenty of ideas for me, and I hope it does the same for you.
Have a great weekend. And, if my rant inspired you to continue this conversation, you know where to find me.
With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic (hopefully) behind us, more artists are emerging from their hiding places to rejoin the live music landscape. As more of your musical peers become comfortable performing for the masses in the weeks, months, and years ahead, booking gigs only figures to become more competitive. (Here in Nashville, it’s already approaching pre-pandemic levels).
So… how do you stay ahead of the curve, and ensure that you remain in the mix to be considered for performance opportunities? We have some tips and insights, acquired through years of navigating the live music landscape.
We’re back with another Crowdfunding Spotlight — and this time, we’re taking a turn into the realm of musical theatre.
We had a chance to chat with Wesley King, a singer-songwriter and composer who, together with writing partner Jacob Heinz, is part of the creative force behind Ten Year. Ten Year is a musical which followed the journey of a gay man as he approaches his 10-year high school reunion, while addressing the feelings we all encounter when we come to a crossroads in life.
Hit the button below to donate, and learn more about Ten Year after the jump!
The artist featured within our first-ever UMC Crowdfunding Spotlight is weaving a thoughtful and intricate web…
Misty Dawn is a singer-songwriter and entrepreneur with an extensive background in musical theatre and television. After spending a decade in New York City, The Texas native came to Nashville and developed a sound and style she calls “Show Country.” Misty draws influence from her vast and varied performing arts experience, while finding musical inspiration from jazz, showtunes, oldies, church hymns and — of course — classic country artists like Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Kitty Wells, and Patsy Cline.
Misty has launched a crowdfunding campaign through February 14 (that’s Valentine’s Day!) for her upcoming project, Tarantula, an 8-song concept album tentatively set for release this fall. Tarantula will honor all of Misty’s influences — with a dash of soul and swing — as it walks the thematic tightrope between societal expectations and a woman’s pursuit of her dreams.
Learn more about Tarantula below the jump, and check out these links to support Misty and learn more.
For all of you artists and entrepreneurs looking to start your own live music series, I have compiled a handy-dandy checklist of items to keep in mind. These are broken down by category, to help you stay organized.
UMC Contributor Michelle Stone is here with the first in her new series of Stone Cold Interviews.
Today, go with Michelle as she visits Nashville-based producers and artists Owen St. and Jah Frida to get the story on their new collaboration, “1,000.” Plus, they discuss forthcoming projects, the freedom they find in creating, and vulnerability in music.
