Category Archives: Preview

THIS MONTH: Relive 2025’s Greatest Hits

Without question, 2025 has been a year for the ages. In fact, we’ve proclaimed it the best year of UMC’s life (so far), and we’re in a mood to celebrate.

P.S.: If you’re in Nashville, come celebrate with us this Wednesday night at Lowbar!

Whether you’re near or far, we’re going to keep things festive around here until the ball drops to ring in 2026. And, to show you how epic this year has been, we have an entire backlog of content captured throughout the year that we haven’t even rolled out yet!

We’ve got some catching up to do — and it gives us the opportunity to relive some of the year’s most magical moments with a series we call 2025’s Greatest Hits.

We have festival photos from Canada to New Orleans. We have special insights to share on the moments and lessons that made 2025 special. Throughout December, we’ll be popping in to give you a few last glimpses of this incredible year, while also providing a taste of what’s to come.

Stay tuned, because we’ll begin dropping these Greatest Hits later this week. We invite you to sit back, reflect, and appreciate the year that was!

Need Help Developing Your Creative Vision?

You have the talent. You’ve developed your skills. You have big dreams about where you can take this music thing. All you’re missing… is the next step.

Your audience is out there. Connecting with them means joining in community with those who share your values. Keeping them in your orbit means finding ways to provide them with something that they won’t find anywhere else.

It might sound intimidating at first… until you realize that everything you need to connect with your audience — and keep them there — is already within you. You have a purpose behind your art that has yet to be uncovered. You have countless ideas, and just need some help organizing those thoughts into action. You have a story to tell, and more tools than ever to reach the masses.

We’re here to help you put it all together. That’s why we’re announcing the return of our popular BRANDCAMP from UMC Academy to start the New Year!

Our six-week program — beginning the week of Monday, January 12 — is designed to help creatives like you uncover your values and develop a clear vision for your creative ecosystem, complete with actionable goals. We achieve this by providing a proven brand-building roadmap, bespoke one-on-one mentorship, and access to a community of purpose-driven artistpreneurs.

BRANDCAMPers receive:

  • Our Values-Mission-Vision (VMV) Workshop, as presented at major international music conferences. ($500-1,000+ value)
  • Weekly 1-on-1 mentor sessions, aimed toward sparking fresh ideas and defining your goals.
  • Weekly Connection Calls with your fellow UMC Academy BRANDCAMPers.
  • A FREE UMC UnderDogs community membership for one year. ($250 value!)
  • Early “inside track” access to new UMC feature/performance opportunities.
  • A FREE signed copy of 60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey.

Sounds fun, right?

If you’re ready to enroll (or just want to learn more), head on over to the Academy page, where you can hear testimonials from previous UMC Academy grads!

Barz in the Boro Returns to Middle Tennessee Dec. 6

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

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!

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

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!

TUNE IN: UnderDogs Across Borders, Live from New Orleans!

The UnderDogs are in New Orleans, getting ready to take the Big Easy by storm all week long during NOLA MusiCon.

It starts tonight at 5 p.m. with a double round of Have You Met…?, featuring interviews with six creatives from Nashville and beyond. Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess interviews Yonna Jones, Joe Baze, and yours truly at 5 p.m. Then, our friend Mandy Ortiz from DAWn Audio will sit down with DJX, Amelia Ray, and Mac Infinity beginning at 6 p.m.

Then, stay tuned as we present UnderDogs Across Borders: Live from New Orleans beginning at 7 p.m. A stacked lineup of artists from New Orleans, Nashville, and beyond will take the stage at Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans), and we have plenty of surprises in store. Tune in below, and don’t forget to donate to help our artists elevate in their careers!

THIS MONDAY: UnderDogs Across Borders Reaches New Orleans!

Before NOLA MusiCon officially kicks off this Tuesday, we invite you to get a head start on the festivities — whether you’re in New Orleans, or anywhere in the world with internet!

Immediately following our Have You Met…? interview broadcast, we’ll stay put at Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans) to offer you a special UnderDogs Across Borders lineup, featuring artists from across the Southeastern U.S. Several UnderDogs are making the trip to perform alongside rising stars on the New Orleans local scene, offering an exciting preview of the magic to come throughout the week.

The event is open to the public for a $10 suggested donation, which will directly support our ongoing UnderDogs Across Borders campaign. And, if you can’t attend in person, we have good news: this one will be broadcast on YouTube, as well! Funds from this campaign help us connect our creative community to amazing opportunities across the musical landscape — just like those we’ve helped create this year in the Big Easy!

As for the lineup? We think you’ll like it! It features performances from (in order of appearance):

Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess
Ja Fearce & Azure Skyz
Yonna Jones
DJX & DJ Agie Gee
Kelsey Muse
Kyle Alexander

Want to reserve your spot? Get tickets here, or make your donation to support UMC as we bring our UnderDogs Across Borders once again!

Meet the UnderDogs (and Special Guests) Monday Night in New Orleans!

We’ve been talking about NOLA MusiCon for months, and it’s finally almost time to take the Starship UnderDog down to New Orleans and do this thing!

We’ve already told you about this amazing conference, and the official Crescent City Crossroads showcases that we’re co-producing alongside our friends at DAWn Audio and Tunetrax.

But… what if we told you there is more to the story? (Around here, there always is!)

Before the conference officially gets underway, we’ll be at Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans) this Monday, October 27 as we preview this year’s NOLA MusiCon with a special UnderDogs Across Borders live event. Join us in-person or online beginning at 5 p.m. CT, as we present two rounds of our popular Have You Met…? interview series. Round 1 (5 p.m.) will feature some of our Nashville crew, while Round 2 (6 p.m.) will highlight creatives from the Big Easy and elsewhere!

Round 1 (5 p.m.):
Host: Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess
Guests: Yonna Jones, Joe Baze, Gerard Longo

Round 2 (6 p.m.):
Host: Mandy Ortiz (DAWn Audio)
Guests: DJX, Amelia Ray, Mac Infinity

You’ll want to stick around after that. Beginning at 7 p.m., we’ll remain at Cafe Istanbul to bring you an UnderDogs Across Borders interstate showcase, featuring live performances from an array of artists. We’ll be dropping that full lineup a bit later this week, so stay tuned!

Inside Nashville’s New Alabama Shakes Tribute (ft. Mandy Moon)

An all-star ensemble of Nashville musicians will storm the famous Acme Feed & Seed this Saturday, October 11 for Sound & Color: A Tribute to Alabama Shakes. One of the organizers — Mandy Moon — joins us on The Quinn Spinn to discuss the journey of co-producing this first-of-its-kind event alongside friend and fellow musician Chelcie Jette.

Also, we manage to sneak a shoutout to Lowbar in East Nashville, whose Saturday night karaoke hosted by Brandon Jazz is always a good time. #FreeTito

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Follow The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn
Follow Mandy Moon: https://instagram.com/mandymoonmusic
Learn more about the event: https://umcworldwide.com/event/sound-color-a-tribute-to-alabama-shakes/

Announcing Crescent City Crossroads: The Official NOLA MusiCon 2025 Showcases!

We’re getting set to head down to New Orleans once again for this year’s NOLA MusiCon, taking place in the heart of the Big Easy Oct. 28-30.

What we’ve been dying to tell you is that there’s more to the story this year…

See, we got together with our friends from the conference, including partners Tunetrax and DAWn Audio, to plan something special. Now, we can officially announce that we’ve joined forces to create Crescent City Crossroads, this year’s official NOLA MusiCon after hours showcases!

What is Crescent City Crossroads? It’s two diverse nights of live music in New Orleans, featuring artists from all over the U.S. (with a healthy dose of NOLA artists on the bill, of course). We’ve spent the past couple of months working together to think of some of the most exciting artists we know, and put them all into a musical gumbo pot as flavorful and exciting as Cajun cuisine.

Dates, times, and lineups are below. Each one has its own ticket link, which you’ll see attached to the corresponding night. Advance tickets are $10, increasing to $15 day of show. The price remains at $10 for those with a NOLA MusiCon badge or Halloween costume (because it is #SpookySZN, after all).

Still need that conference badge? Get it here for 25% off using the coupon code UMC25 at checkout!

Tuesday, October 28 | 8:30 p.m.
Cafe Istanbul (2372 Saint Claude Avenue, Room 252)

NOLA All-Star Band | Rantz Davis | Amber Sweeney | Jason Da Hater | Darnell McKenzie & Esteban | c’beyohn | Craig Greenberg | Amelia Ray

Wednesday, October 29 | 8 p.m.
The Rabbit Hole (1228 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard)

Ray$av & Mac Infinity | Ronday | Brother Dusty | Lapis | Da’ Healerz | PLUS! A live Beat Battle, hosted by DAWn Audio

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