Category Archives: Preview

Vote Now to Shape This Year’s Gussapolooza Lineup!

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While we’re on the topic of exciting, community-based August music festivals, we’ll also be taking our third trip up to Ontario for Gussapolooza, the three-day extravaganza featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from across Canada — and the globe!

Our friends up there have received so many submissions this year that they need a little bit of help sorting through them. That’s where you come in!

Introducing Sound Check, a chance to discover new artists and help shape the Gussapolooza 2026 lineup. Every few days, they will be unveiling a new genre category with a fresh batch of artists from around the world. Your job is to head over here, listen, and vote for the artists that you want to see perform at Gussapolooza. The artists with the most fan support move forward in the selection process.

Want your vote to go even further? You can access 3x voting power by purchasing a Gussapolooza Insider Pass. The Insider Pass costs only $25 CAD, lasts throughout the 2026 Gussapolooza season, and includes even more perks, including giveaways, exclusives, and more.

It’s all in the name of creativity and community, as Gussapolooza comes our way August 21-23 at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, Ontario. Get those tickets here!

ACT FAST: Musikfest Music Industry Conference Early Bird Rates Expire April 1

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As we excitedly announced months ago, we’re returning to our original home of Bethlehem, PA this August for the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, a three-day meeting of the industry minds set to occur in the middle of the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival.

If you want to get in on the action for the lowest rate possible, you’d better hurry: Early Bird badge rates expire this Wednesday, April 1.

The Musikfest Music Industry Conference (MIC for short) will take place from August 2-4 inside of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks brings together artists, educators, producers, industry professionals, and students for three days of conversations, workshops, mentoring, and performances focused on the real world of music today. (Also, rumor has it that someone you may know is a featured presenter once again this year…)

View conference badge options and get yours here. While you’re in town, don’t forget to enjoy the entire Musikfest experience, taking place throughout Bethlehem from July 31-August 9 (with the popular Preview Night taking place on the South Side on Thursday, July 30).

SAVE THE DATE: NOLA MusiCon Returns to New Orleans Oct. 28-30

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For the past two years, we’ve concluded October — and the year’s tour schedule — by taking a trip to New Orleans for NOLA MusiCon, a platform for artists and industry professionals to connect, learn, and inspire during three days of informative panels, inspiring interviews, and unparalleled networking.

This October 28-30, we’ll make it three in a row. NOLA MusiCon is BACK for 2026!

We hope you’ll join us once again in The Big Easy, and we’re excited to be a part of this incredible community once again. Details on conference and live music programming are sure to come in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, keep an eye out, because early bird badges will soon be made available for just $99 until July 1.

Want an inside look at our experience at NOLA MusiCon 2025? Relive the magic with our official vlogumentary, produced by our friends and fellow UnderDogs at NuRenaissance.

This March, the Underground Revolution Heads to Austin!

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Last year, we made our way to Austin for our first ever trip to SXSW. It was an epic week — one which altered the course of UMC history, and gave rise to the era of the UnderDogs.

Such a life-changing experience was bound to have a sequel, and you had to know that we’d be running it back in the Live Music Capital of the World in 2026!

We’re teaming up with our friends at New York-based Rhythm & Soul Radio — who we met at another one of our favorite conferences, NOLA MusiCon — on two showcase events in Austin during SXSW week. The first one — titled Music, Art, Life — takes place on Saturday, March 14 at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard (1106 E. 11th St.) beginning at 12 p.m. This one features UnderDogs Yonna Jones and Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess as part of a full day of music. You can RSVP and find full lineup info here!

Then, join us on Monday, March 16 for The Rendezvous in ATX, taking place at Sahara Lounge (1413 Webberville Rd.) beginning at 5 p.m. That’s where you’ll catch UnderDogs Kelsey Muse and T.R.A.N.E. Spitta in their element as part of another full lineup.

Want to hang with us before the live music kicks off? We’ll also be at The Long Play Lounge (704 W. St. John’s Ave.) on Friday, March 13 between 8-11:30 p.m. for The Array Party. This special evening will feature the opportunity to network with creatives from around the world, while you listen and dance to tunes spanning multiple genres and decades.

Of course, we’ll be in town from March 11 all the way through the 16th, so there will be plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the city of Austin. Follow along here at The Blog, as well as on Instagram and YouTube, for updates before and during the big week!

Going Further Together (ft. Austin Breckenridge)

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Austin Breckenridge is the Executive Director of The A&R Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Texas nonprofit entity dedicated to transforming creative passions into sustainable businesses, by providing independent musicians and creative arts businesses with tools, resources, and education on entrepreneurship.

The A&R Foundation offers the Music Business Accelerator cohort, a 12-week program which teaches musicians and creative entrepreneurs the fundamentals of building their businesses. Austin joins us on The Quinn Spinn to discuss the program, which is coming to Nashville for the first time this spring, alongside details on how to apply.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded at The Russell: https://russellnashville.com

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Join our mailing list or become an UnderDog to apply!

Learn more about the Music Business Accelerator
Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

A Message from A&R Foundation Executive Director Austin Breckenridge

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We met Austin Breckenridge of The A&R Foundation last year during SXSW. We loved their mission, and we knew we had to work together.

Just about a year later, we’re bringing their Music Business Accelerator program to Nashville for the first time — and it’s an exclusive offering for the UnderDogs!

Ready to apply? Join now!

Want to Play Gussapolooza 2026? It’s Your Last Chance!

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Pictured: You, possibly.

You already know that we’re planning to make a return trip to the beautiful Canadian province of Ontario for this year’s Gussapolooza. Canada’s premier indie music festival will take place this year August 21-23 at the Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, just an hour or so north of Toronto. Three days of camping, community, arts, culture, and incredible live music will ensue.

About that “incredible live music” part: you still have a chance to be a part of this year’s Gussapolooza lineup — but only if you apply by this Saturday, January 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

After that, submissions will be closed, and the festival braintrust will begin crafting this year’s lineup. If you want to be a part of the magic with us and the whole Gussapolooza family, we encourage you to apply here!

Musikfest Music Industry Conference Set for Aug. 2-4

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As 2025 winds into its final days, we’ve caught a glimpse of some of the excitement to come in the New Year — including some taking place around our original stomping grounds.

Our friends at ArtsQuest have announced the return of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, taking place August 2-4, 2026 inside of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in our original hometown of Bethlehem, PA. The conference — which will take place in the middle of Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival — promises to offer “interactive sessions, cutting-edge technology demos, inspiring keynotes, and real-world insights designed to bridge the worlds of music education and today’s evolving industry,” according to ArtsQuest’s official website.

Full lineup details are forthcoming, but key presenters and supporting organizations have been announced, including:

  • Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Cutler, acclaimed author of The Savvy Musician and The Savvy Music Teacher.
  • The Museum of Music Technology Powered by EMEAPP: Discover how electronic instruments, live production, and classroom integration are transforming the sound of tomorrow.
  • Underground Music Collective (that’s us!): Learn how to Build Your Authentic Artist Brand and stand out in today’s music landscape.

In addition, ArtsQuest has announced several key program additions, expanding from the inaugural edition of the conference in 2024. These include:

  • Band Showcase Program: Selected youth and emerging bands (ages 10–adult) will receive coaching, perform on an official Musikfest stage and receive live feedback from talent buyers, agents and producers. Submissions will open in October.
  • The Green Room Mentorship Lounge: One-on-one and small group mentorship with industry veterans, modeled after NAMM’s “Networking with the Pros”.
  • Museum Collaboration: A pop-up exhibit in partnership with the Museum of Music Technology highlighting the history of sonic innovation.

Conferences passes are on sale now for the Early Bird rate of $150 until March 1. After that, the price of a regular badge will increase to $175. Students, ArtsQuest members, and 2026 Musikfest performers receive discounted badges for just $100. For more information, visit the conference webpage.

Everything You Need to Know About Tonight’s Holiday House Party in Nashville!

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Join us tonight for one more shot of holiday cheer!

We’re hosting our first-ever Holiday House Party tonight at The Nash Nest in East Nashville. This intimate gathering — held at a top-secret location provided only to those who RSVP — will feature acoustic performances from a variety of standout Nashville artists, as well as a Holly Jolly Open Jam to round out the night!

Here are the important details:

Time: Doors at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m., open jam from 9-10 p.m.
Location: The Nash Nest, East Nashville (RSVP for details — the final location email goes out at 4 p.m.!)
Lineup: Timothy Myles, Amber Sweeney, Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess, Laurel Sabadosh, and YOU!
Admission: FREE with one warm clothing or non-perishable food item!

TONIGHT, 7:30 ET: Your Next Favorite Band’s Winter Wonder Pre-Jam!

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Back home in the Christmas City of Bethlehem, PA, our friends at Your Next Favorite Band are ready to express gratitude and honor the guests they’ve had throughout the year. They’ve invited more than a dozen of their closest friends back to the show tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, where they will share messages for the season and perform a holiday tune.

Tonight’s special broadcast features messages and songs from:

  • Kyle Lacy & Amanda D’Amico
  • Hermosa
  • Lia Menaker
  • Avery Ballotta of Damn Tall Buildings
  • John Kim Faye
  • The Flying Vees
  • Koyal
  • Zach Miller of Dr Dog
  • Gina Zo
  • Nervous Nikki & the Chill Pills
  • Kahone Concept
  • Galen Deery
  • TIOGA
  • The Hot Mamas

You’ll also see highlights from last year’s Winter WonderJam event, featuring Joe Edelmann and Emma Bockrath, as they get set for this year’s annual fundraiser, taking place at the legendary Godfrey Daniels listening room in Bethlehem this Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m. ET.

Did we mention it’s all for a cause? Your Next Favorite Band will honor and raise awareness for homeless shelters and food banks in our home community of the Lehigh Valley, including New Bethany Ministries and national non-profit Feeding America.

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