When the odds are against us and the walls are closing in, we must look within to find peace.
Intellect offers us a respite from the overstimulation of modern society with “Breathe,” a tense and unyielding new single that serves as “a declaration of space, voice, and release—one breath at a time.”
“Built on dense lyricism and relentless delivery, ‘Breathe’ blends spiritual imagery with street realism, exploring themes of survival, authorship, and inner conflict,” the DC-based hip hop artist states. “The repeated plea — ‘Just let me breathe’ — anchors the video as both a mantra and a warning.”
“Breathe” is accompanied by visuals directed and produced by Annaken Media, which illustrate calm in the chaos by portraying Intellect as he remains steadfast in an environment that is visually glitching around him. Intellect’s performance in the video is focused and direct — representative of the tunnel vision required to stay on the one’s true path in a world full of distractions.
“Breathe” will be included on Declaration of Independence Vol. 3, a robust compilation album featuring Intellect alongside a host of other others. Watch the video below!
Valentine’s Day is coming up. And what would Valentine’s Day be without turning up the HEAT?
Our fellow UnderDogYonna Jones is back with some sounds of the season, having dropped “Cat & Mouse” this past Friday, January 30. The new single — here to “get the girls warmed up for Valentine’s Day” — sees Jones lean into her R&B side, as she delivers a smooth and lightning-quick melody as exhilarating as the chase itself.
“Cat & Mouse” is Yonna’s first new release of 2026, with a full album on its way to us shortly. The track was engineered by W3BZ and produced by LacTrax here in Nashville, with artwork from (another fellow UnderDog) Nicolas Soul. Try it out below!
Last week, the UnderDogs had the pleasure of returning to New Orleans, where we attended Folk Alliance International for the first time. The four-day conference and festival brings 3,000 of the genre’s leading artists and industry professionals together from around the world for networking, panels, workshops and, of course, showcases.
If you’ve never been to Folk Alliance, let us set the scene. After connecting via conference programming during the day, attendees stayed put at the Sheraton in downtown New Orleans to enjoy multiple levels of official showcases curated by the Folk Alliance braintrust. After those wrap up around 10 p.m., the real fun begins!
Registered attendees are then invited to take the elevator up a few levels, where multiple blocks of hotel rooms have been repurposed as performance venues, hosted into the wee hours by a small army of curators from around the world. With so many musicians in one place, we had a lot of ground to cover — and rest assured, there was no shortage of talent walking those halls!
We were so inspired by the week’s many memorable performances that we compiled a short list of some of our favorite acts from this year’s conference. It was tremendously hard to narrow this list down to just seven amazing artists, but we feel this list gives you a good cross-section of what to expect when you join us in Chicago for Folk Alliance International 2027!
Although he’s based in Atlanta, Buddy Red showed up to Folk Alliance in true New Orleans fashion, serving up a deliciously timeless gumbo seasoned with blues, rock, funk, and more. Buddy’s live performances not only present him as a versatile songwriter, but as a charismatic frontman whose contagious energy and vast technical ability combine for an experience not to be missed.
At just 18 years old, the Fort Worth-based songsmith showcases advanced songwriting ability and a world awareness well beyond his years. Barksdale’s Dylan-esque stage quips are thoughtfully delivered between songs, and his deft technical skill – combined with inventive prog-folk arrangements – give the folk genre an exciting new star to watch.
We may be headquartered in the home of country music, but Tulsa can stake its claim as the hometown of the most authentically country artist we’ve witnessed in a long time. Deck – an elected official whose job description entails “listening to the people and telling their stories” – provides earnest anecdotes about everyday life. His powerful baritone voice adds color and weight to every story, painting a picture so vivid that you’d swear you were there as it unfolded.
Above all else, folk music is a vehicle best driven by the unfiltered truth, and Ashley Virginia is not afraid to get behind the wheel. Hailing from North Carolina, Ashley’s inventive lyricism lifts the veil to reveal their most personal thoughts and experiences, while their standout artistic flair commands attention in any room. A true performer, Ashley has a knack for audience connection, offering hope through vulnerability, and activism in the face of injustice.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, CAOIMHÍN’s songwriting maintains its roots in Celtic folk tradition, while his arrangements – rich with danceable grooves and otherworldly ambiance – take his music into a unique stratosphere. Futurist themes open up a world of exciting possibilities to the listener, while this innovative songsmith rips up the rulebooks to usher in a rich New Age of Irish music.
For a moment, let’s keep our focus on emerging acts from Dublin. In 2015, Sina Theil moved to The Fair City to pursue a career as a musician – even if it meant busking on the streets and earning her way to opportunities. Fast forward more than a decade, and Sina’s diligence, talent, and inspiring presence have helped her find incredible success – including 26 #1 songs on the Irish iTunes charts, and the ability to reach audiences an ocean away.
Bringing things back around to Louisiana, this Lake Charles native comes from a multi-generational family legacy in the world of Creole and Zydeco music. His own spin on the region’s musical traditions has birthed a unique genre he calls “Kreole Rock & Soul,” a fun and familiar sound that simultaneously dismantles genre barriers. This dynamic listening experience is turned up another notch during Ardoin’s spirited live performances, where his larger-than-life presence inspires people from all walks of life to get out of their seats. If you want a performer who will give you his all – and sound great doing it – Sean Ardoin is your guy.
Artists are ready for change. Artists are ready for action.
Artists are tired of having their voices suppressed by an algorithm. By a gatekeeper. By a tech company and its “robots.”
Artists want what they’ve always wanted: to create, connect, and inspire. To impact change, and leave the world a better place than the one they found.
Artists don’t want to “optimize the creative process.” They embody the creative process.
And somehow, in this hyper-automated, “profits before people” type of world… that became a bad thing?
We’re booking them shows. We’re bringing them to industry events across state and country borders. We’re celebrating their milestones. In the process, we’re connecting with artists and industry changemakers from all over the world because we believe that, if enough of us can get on the same page, we can change the game for the better.
We can create an ecosystem built on sound moral and business principles; one which allows space for art so rich and diverse in scope that it becomes the new standard.
We’re here to create a new music industry: one where Creators Have the Power.
There is no art without artists. There is no music industry without musicians.
It’s time to give them their rightful seat at the table.
Any time music makes its way to us from the Jersey Shore, we can’t help but stand up and pay attention. There’s something so timeless and exciting about the unbridled energy of the region, and many of its acts have the talent to match our enthusiasm.
With that, we found a submission from Asbury Park’s The Band Palm in our backlog. After having a couple listens, it appears that our faith has been rewarded yet again!
The band’s debut single, “Doves (Hey You),” was released last July. Born from a spiritual awakening, the punchy alt-rock anthem reflects a moment of clarity shared by bandmates Brooke Riso (vocals/rhythm guitar) and Shayna Bay (bass/vocals) — and is credited by Bay as “the catalyst that allowed The Band Palm to come to life.”
“Brooke and I had a shared experience in which we felt under spiritual attack. We were confused, scared, and our only way to understand what was happening was to channel our feelings into music,” Bay recalls. “We rushed home and instantly got to work. The verse progression was one that Brooke had in her ‘unfinished/writers block’ collection. She knew right away to bring this progression to the forefront, but expressed to me that she was unable to continue it. Upon hearing, with inspiration in my mind, I instantly got pulled into the zone. I wrote the chorus progression almost instantly and, from there, The Band Palm was born.”
The duo then recruited lead guitarist Mike Ortlieb and drummer Matt Veiga to round out their lineup, which they’ve already begun taking on the road in advance of their forthcoming second single. The band performs across the tri-state area regularly, with a special date coming up at Musikfest — you know, that Bethlehem, PA-based festival that is at least indirectly responsible for UMC’s very existence — in early August.
There’s plenty of excitement to come. For now, immerse yourself in “Doves (Hey You)” by The Band Palm!
Pictured: The Toronto skyline from the top floor of Hotel X — one of the many places we traveled throughout 2025 as a result of trusting the process.
True depth and meaning cannot be manufactured. It must be developed in the process.
The process of creating. The process of being. The process of experiencing life with no attachment to outcomes. When we try to force the meaning, or control the result of each moment and interaction, we lose something very important: the opportunity for a beautiful, unique story to weave itself out of the ether and into the fabric of our existence.
Think about moments when things have gone well. Did you take those moments in stride, as positive feedback that the journey you’re on is the right one? That the process you’ve put into place is working? Or, did you see those moments as the ultimate triumph; the finish line you’ve been waiting to cross, only to find that life still goes on, with or without us.
Even in moments when our dreams come true, the sun still rises the next day. Don’t get caught dreaming too long, or you’ll miss what’s next.
The same goes for our unfavorable outcomes. Do you dwell on them? Do you resent people, places, or situations for not giving you what you want? Were you so attached to the outcome that you forgot to savor the experience or learn the lesson? Or, did you take *those* moments in stride as evidence that it might be time to try something different?
Did you regret trying those different things, or did they lead to cherished memories, aligned and supportive new relationships, and amazing experiences — all of which you’d never have had, had you gotten what you wanted in the first place?
No matter the outcome, there is beauty we can only see once we’ve learned to trust the process.
There is great humility (and opportunity for personal growth) in the realization that you’ve messed up.
Stefan Heuer investigates his side of the conflict on “I’ve Done Wrong,” a slick, gorgeous piece of modern pop featuring a verse from UMC UnderDogFoundation Mecca.
Produced by Fabian Balz and Porter Hall, “I’ve Done Wrong” is a contrite mid-tempo tune which calls to mind the sleepless nights we’ve all spent, ruminating on things unsaid and the ways we’ve fallen short. Heuer — with an assist from the Heal Hop architect — provides us all with an opportunity to reflect, while acknowledging that accountability, self-reflection, and forgiveness are all necessary stops on the road to reconciliation.
At press time, “I’ve Done Wrong” has already accumulated nearly 10,000 total in just four days after its release. Once you listen, we have a feeling you’ll want to run those numbers up even more!
A New Year has begun, and with it, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with the music industry (and the creative world at large) throughout 2026.
We have seen first-hand that venturing out into the world and exploring the greater creative landscape can be transformative, leading to new ideas, partnerships, and collaborations that will elevate not only your creative platform, but those of the people around you. Not to mention, traveling gives you an opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and create unforgettable experiences.
With that, we’re here to give you a list of some of our favorite music industry conferences and festivals that will be well worth your time to check out in 2026.
You know about this one, right? Going strong since 1987, SXSW is the crossroads where creatives from all over the world come together to push creativity, technology, and society forward. Music is still very much a core component of the annual conference and festival.
The networking opportunities at SXSW — and all throughout Austin that week — are second to none. In our travels last year, we connected with so many new friends and collaborators whom either led to or enhanced our involvement in some of the other events on this list. If you’re looking for a tone-setter to kick your year into overdrive, this is the one!
A brand-new conference from the folks at Jump Global, Hits Home bills itself as “your space to reconnect — with the music, the mission, and the community that makes it all possible.” While speakers and schedule details are still forthcoming, the conference promises an alternative approach, pledging to“feature people and perspectives instead of topic-specific panels” alongside surprise moments peppered throughout the experience. Color us intrigued!
This also fills an important need in the Nashville landscape. With Music Biz migrating to Atlanta last year (and with other planned locations in the works), Nashville was left without a music conference that isn’t genre-specific. Hits Home has the potential to become Music City’s signature industry event.
Now in its second year as the re-imagined Canadian Music Week, Departure presents an opportunity to learn everything there is to know about the music industry North of the Border. The conference’s programming continues to expand, with seven planned conference tracks spanning music, technology, marketing, and more. Speakers at last year’s conference included Bryan Adams, Shaggy, Lindsay Ell, Chantal Kreviazuk, and many more.
In similar fashion to its U.S.-based cousin, SXSW London provides a global stage for the creators driving society forward. Based in Shoreditch in the heart of East London, this event (and the city in which its based) provides you and your music a gateway to the other side of Planet Earth, as well as an opportunity to discover new artists and iconic venues.
Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA) July 31-August 9 (Conference Aug. 2-4)
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival (and the pride and joy of our original hometown)!
Now in its 43rd year, Musikfest features close to 500 free performances by independent artists from over the world, as well as a full slate of renowned headliners every year. This year also marks the return of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, a three-day opportunity to network, learn, and connect within the music industry. (Did we mention that we’re already planning to be involved?)
Heading a bit further into Ontario, this three-day, all-indie festival has become a staple of our year. A community-grown effort started by Russ and Valerie Robson, Gussapolooza features three stages, a vendor and artisan village, educational opportunities, on-site camping, and plenty of opportunities to connect before, during, and after festival hours. Not to mention, the lineup always provides a healthy sampling of North America’s hungriest, most talented independent artists. Our summer simply wouldn’t be complete without this one!
The Queen City is alive with arts and culture, and Confluence does an excellent job bringing the region’s top creative minds together to explore the many gems Charlotte has to offer. Of course, this occurs within the greater context of music industry education, with Charlotte’s reputation as a financial powerhouse playing a key role in helping independent artists and other changemakers move toward building sustainable careers.
NOLA MusiCon (New Orleans, LA) Dates TBD (Late October)
For the past two years, NOLA MusiCon has served as our grand tour finale. You can bet that we’ll be back again for the third consecutive year!
NOLA MusiCon brings professionals from across the musical world to the Big Easy. Attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s unique culture while learning from some of the best and brightest the industry has to offer. Overall, NOLA MusiCon combines New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage with the latest industry knowledge, all while advocating for a richer and more diverse music ecosystem.
Previous speakers include Nardwuar the Human Serviette, Dawn Richard, Samantha Fish, Todd Rundgren, and many more.
We exist in a music industry that seeks to convince artists and consumers alike that efficiency and optimization matter more than truth; that creating as a means to an end is more important than the sanctity of the creative process itself.
For years, the industry-prescribed blueprint for artist success has been as follows: Chase trends. Go viral. Write and record the music that we know will sell, regardless of what *you* want to pursue creatively. Oh, and get those social and streaming numbers up. Otherwise, we won’t take you seriously, and we won’t even have a productive conversation with you in the first place.
Oh, and that’s not even getting into all of this AI stuff. Personally, I’m not against AI as a companion tool to enhance your business processes. For example, if you need something to help optimize your email marketing process, so you can get back to what you’re *actually* here to create – and you can’t afford to hire a human – it’s reasonable to delegate that work to your hypervirtual assistant. In that case, you’ll free up time to focus on your piece of this – the creation itself.
However, this notion that AI could somehow *replace* the artist – that, for the sake of optimization, it can and should be used to generate music, images, video, and tell the stories that human artists have been telling for centuries – is a slap to the collective face of creators everywhere. The art that inspires us (and whose data exists within these servers to be replicated, not duplicated, and certainly never improved upon) was created from genuine human experiences by living creative beings. Each song, image, novel, or film tells the story of the individual moment and its own unique conditions – events that can only truly be experienced alongside other living things, and the world in which we live.
But, I digress…
The over-optimization of the creative process – where the focus is not on connection, but consumption – is at odds with the innovative spirit of the independent artist. Straighten up, fly right, and do what we say… or we’ll just find the next person who will, and you’ll be left fighting Spotify for fractions of a cent with all of your other aUtHeNtIc, oRiGiNaL indie buddies.
Feels hopeless, doesn’t it? Especially when you consider that those who put this structure in place are also the ones who hold the cards…
…under this model of the industry.
We need an alternative.
The industry is in dire need of people with fresh ideas. The artists have them. They’re the ones who have observed from the bottom of the totem pole for as long as there has been a music industry. They’re crafty, resourceful, and they know what it takes to persevere and keep going. They’ve also seen everything that’s wrong with this version of the music industry, and therefore, have the best perspective on how to make it better.
Artists understand business. They understand that, to build your passion into a career, it takes more than just talent, good looks, or a viral moment. It takes waking up every morning – sometimes after a long night – and putting in consistent effort over years. Decades, even. It takes balancing the creative process with other jobs, school, business responsibilities, relationships, family obligations, and their own checkbooks. It means a lot of trial and error; each time they get something wrong, big or small, they must learn to trust themselves all over again, and strive to get it just a little more right the next time.
You want dedication? You want commitment? You want someone who has meticulously developed a versatile skillset? Someone who is going to keep working, and who will keep getting back up every time they’re knocked down? Look to your local independent artist. A savvy one is the best business partner you could ever have.
Oh… and did I mention that they’re the reason we even *have* an industry in the first place? There is no art without artists. And there certainly wouldn’t be any AI slop without them, either.
The artists deserve seats at the table, and we all need to hear what they have to say.
As we head into 2026, Underground Music Collective pledges to provide a forum for these artists. Through our multimedia content, live experiences, expanding suite of Artistpreneur services, and travels to music industry events across multiple continents, we will elevate our creative community to have their music and their voices heard around the musical world.
Here in Nashville, 2026 also provides an opportunity to enhance our ability to serve the local community with our own dedicated physical creation spaces. Updates on that project are expected soon.
Thank you for making 2025, without question, our Best Year Ever. We’ve loved every minute.
If you loved that, though? Wait until you see what’s to come.
What are two middle aged uncs to do on a Sunday night, but hop on Zoom, record a podcast, and play some games!
We have a little bit of fun to open up the December action on The Quinn Spinn. We play a riveting game of “Would You Rather?” before Scotty quizzes The Quinn on a series of quotes, to determine whether they were said by an actual rockstar or AI…
Plus, we recap a monster October at Underground Music Collective, and give you a little Something For Your Ears with Limp Bizkit’s latest single, “Making Love to Morgan Wallen.”
