Category Archives: UMC Academy

Want to Engage Your Fans Directly? Check Out this Webinar July 1!

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In our never-ending, ever-evolving quest to Give Creators the Power, we decided: isn’t it about time that we educate our UnderDogs on ways that they can engage their fans directly — without all of the gatekeeping and algorithmic middle-men?

That’s what we’re doing with the help of our friends at ForeverFan, a platform developed to “help artists, labels, and marketers activate real fan data, drive direct revenue, and build sustainable, long-term growth.”

On Tuesday, July 1 at 12 p.m. CT, we’ll be joined by Chance Emerson, founder, and Joshua Coase, leading Customer Success Manager, who will share how ForeverFan helps artists build real fan connections, sell music and merch, run pre-saves and giveaways, segment superfans, and track fan behavior—all without needing a team of marketers.

This Lunch & Learn is a benefit for UnderDogs members. That means you’ll want to Become an UnderDog before this Tuesday at 12 p.m. CT. You’d better get on that!

Want to learn more about ForeverFan? Take a deep dive!

Wednesday Wisdom: Hate Networking? Here’s What to Do

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Do you shudder when someone drops the word “networking”?

Same.

Whether you’re planning on attending an in-person event or trying to connect online with other people in your field, networking is something so many of us dread. Just the thought of it can stir up anxiety, and imposter syndrome, and all of the uncomfortable feelings that general social interaction can produce.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are my best tips for taking the work out of networking and making it something that you might even–dare I say–enjoy.

Take the pressure off.

    The term “networking” can be so incredibly intimidating. But networking is actually something that we do naturally every day without even thinking about, which is forming relationships.

    If you’ve made friends at all in this life, you’ve had plenty of practice.

    So if you’re someone who, like me, despises networking in the traditional sense of the word, and you feel pressure to make the most of every networking situation you’re in, it’s helpful to first remember that you likely already have all the skills you need to network effectively because you’re a human on planet Earth.

    Then try to redefine your goals. 

    Maybe instead of convincing yourself that you have to meet everyone in the room (or virtual group), this time focus on genuinely connecting with one person. It’s a strategy that I’ve used myself, and guess what? It helped me shake off the anxiety and pressure I was putting on myself because meeting one person–just one–is an extremely realistic goal. 

    You don’t climb every rung on a ladder at once do you? Of course not! So why overwhelm yourself with meeting all the people, and doing all the things, all at once?

    Although it may feel small, meeting one person, especially when you’re nervous to begin with, is still very much a valid success. Not to mention that it can help give you the confidence to meet more people going forward. 

    Focus on finding common ground.

      If the hardest part of networking for you is making small talk, or just plain opening a conversation with someone new, one of the easiest ways to break the ice is starting on common ground.

      If you’re at an in-person event, something as simple as making a comment on the venue or town can be an effective way of making that initial connection. And, yes, as played out as it might sound, you can even talk about the weather. It’s a boring topic, but it works.

      If you’re trying to connect with someone professionally through Instagram, but you’re afraid of outward rejection (or, let’s be honest, being left on read), start by pointing out a mutual acquaintance. They’ll likely be more likely to respond if they know you share a friend.

      Finding common ground can help connect people in any setting, especially when it comes to networking.

      Look for people you know.

        Sure, you might not be able to do this in every situation, but it always helps to find a friendly face in a room you’re feeling uncomfortable in, whether you’re at an in-person event or interacting virtually in a Facebook or LinkedIn group.

        It’s important to remember here that you shouldn’t stay glued to the people you know, as much as you might want to. You probably don’t know everyone, or perhaps anyone, they know, so think of them instead as facilitators who can help introduce you to other people.

        And if you can’t find someone you know, try talking to the person who is leading or organizing the event. More often than not, they are happy to chat and even do the hard work for you by introducing you to the people in the room they think you might click with!

        Remember everything you bring to the table.

          It can be easy when we’re in certain situations, especially big networking events, to feel like we’re not as accomplished as the people around us or like we don’t belong in the room. 

          Although comparisonitis is very real, the reality is that you bring a unique perspective that no one else has (you know, that no two snowflakes are the same theory and all that). You have legit skills to offer and different life experiences than the person standing next to you. 

          Your knowledge is valuable. 

          And more importantly, you are inherently valuable. Which means you have as much right to be in that room–and on this planet, for that matter–as anyone else.

          Networking can be downright nerve-wracking, whether it’s in a virtual setting or in person, but when it comes to forming connections, what works for some may not work for everyone. Luckily, there are all different kinds of strategies that can help you find success–you just have to find the approach that best works for you.

          Da’ Healerz to Perform at NMAAM June 27

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          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

          Wednesday Wisdom: How to Deal with Disappointment

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          Disappointment really sucks, doesn’t it?

          Although it’s a natural and very unavoidable part of life, it still hurts when it happens, and it can be difficult to cope with.

          It’s so easy to feel discouraged and defeated when we’re faced with disappointment, but it’s how we deal afterward that makes all the difference.

          If you’ve just come face to face with disappointment, here are some of my best tips for moving forward.

          Acknowledge and experience your feelings.

          One of the best ways to deal with disappointment–or any difficult situation for that matter–is to allow yourself to feel your feelings.

          You’re entitled to feel how you feel, and it’s important to recognize what those feelings are. Whether you’re angry, sad, or discouraged, name it, sit with it, and reflect on why you’re feeling that way.

          Of course, disappointment ranges in severity, from momentary, forgettable disappointments (like your favorite ice cream being out of stock at the grocery store) to what can seem like devastating setbacks (like being passed over for your dream job). So if you need to cry, let the tears rise to the surface. If you need to let out all that pent up frustration, hit the gym or punch a pillow.

          Acknowledging your feelings is one of the healthiest things you can do to move on.  

          Accept the situation.

          Yep, you were disappointed. And yes, you probably wish you weren’t.

          It might take a while for you to process the situation, and that is 100% okay. Don’t put pressure on yourself to get over it, and don’t judge yourself for taking the time to digest what happened.

          However, there is major power to be found in acceptance. At the most basic level, acceptance is acknowledging reality and relinquishing control of a situation that is out of your hands. 

          Trust me, I know how hard it can be to reach acceptance after disappointment. By doing so, it may feel like you’re giving up or that you’re telling yourself that you’re okay with what happened. But that’s not actually what you’re doing. Acceptance can help you make peace with the disappointment while empowering you to move forward with clarity.

          Recognize the positives.

          Even though disappointment can feel truly devastating in the moment, there is always a bright side, no matter the situation.

          Sure, it might be hard to spot at first, but when you’re able to find the light peaking through the clouds, it changes your perspective.

          Maybe that disappointment happened because there’s something better waiting for you to claim. Maybe that disappointment happened because you weren’t prepared to receive the outcome you wanted yet. (If you believe in a little thing called divine timing, you know exactly what I’m talking about)

          And if you’re just so mad and upset that you’re really not able to see the upside, reflect on your life and recognize everything you have to be grateful for. I guarantee that you’ll find a lot when you start looking.

          As an added bonus, when you start practicing gratitude, you’re training your brain to see the good in life, which means you’ll naturally be able to see more of it every day, and isn’t that a wonderful way to experience the world?

          Spend time doing what you love.

          Having hobbies and projects that light you up inside is super important when it comes to living a full and satisfying life. They are an important tool that can help get you through the bad times.

          After being disappointed, doing something you love gets those feel-good hormones pumping in your brain and gives your mind a break.

          Whether you love cooking or painting, crafting or reading, doing something you love can also help you feel productive and provide you with a sense of control at a time when you feel like you don’t have control over anything. 

          Take the time to fill your cup. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
          Disappointment is a natural part of life, but instead of getting consumed by it and letting it keep you down, there are plenty of ways we can cope with the hurt and come out stronger on the other side.

          Wednesday Wisdom: How to Avoid Burnout When You’re Hustling 24/7

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          Burnout is a monster all its own. It can chew you up and spit you out. When not addressed, it can haunt you like a ghost.

          When you’re an entrepreneur — and especially if you’re an entrepreneur in a creative field — burnout is very real. More than likely, your passion became your business, and your business became your passion. And all of that has gotten tangled up with your need to survive, leading you to get caught in a 24/7 hustle that you can’t escape from.

          Once burnout sets in, it can be very hard–but not impossible–to recover. However, the trick to dealing with burnout is actually preventing it in the first place. Here are my best tips.

          Set boundaries

            Personally, one of the most important rules I’ve learned when it comes to both business and living a healthy and satisfying life is setting boundaries.

            Boundaries are crucial when it comes to maintaining a good work-life balance, and if you’re not used to setting them, doing so can feel scary. You might feel like you’re going to upset or disappoint the people around you, and in business specifically, setting boundaries can make you feel like you’re threatening important relationships, or like you’re putting yourself in danger of losing work.

            Every day, you are teaching others how to treat you, and when you’re constantly allowing your boundaries to be broken, you’re teaching them that you’re okay with it. Not only that, but by putting others’ needs before your own and prioritizing their demands, you’re damaging your self-esteem, you’re sending yourself the message that your time and effort are not worth as much as that of others, and you can get caught in an endless cycle. And the more you allow your boundaries to be violated, the more it can shake your self-worth, stir up frustration and anger that you might not even realize you’re feeling, make you feel powerless, and yep, lead to burnout.

            When you finally make the effort to set boundaries, you might feel some anxiety to begin with–because saying no can be incredibly intimidating when you’re not used to it–but you’ll find that the more you do it, the easier it will be. 

            Take breaks

              This may seem like an obvious solution, but when you’re going going going, working with clients, working on trying to drum up business, working to survive, taking breaks can feel like a luxury. Heck, making time for life in general can feel impossible.

              If you’re stuck in the hustle 24/7, your brain isn’t getting the rest it needs to function properly, nor are you leaving yourself any space for new ideas and solutions to come through. 

              Your mind needs time to focus on other things, so make it a non-negotiable to do something you love every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.

              Whether it’s cooking or crafting, reading or watching movies, whatever it is that fills you with joy and makes you feel alive, do it. Regularly. Consistently. Just do it.

              Exercise

                A major key to preventing burnout is stress management, and one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise.

                Stress needs a way to leave the body. Otherwise, it can fester and build up inside you, leaving you feeling exhausted, drained, and just plain unwell.

                There are endless benefits to exercise. It helps lower stress hormones, it helps you sleep better, it can help you feel happier, it can help you focus. At the very least, it can help you get your mind on something else, for gosh sakes. And when it’s combined with fresh air and sunshine? There’s nothing like it.

                So take a walk, do some yoga, hit the gym. Move your body in whatever way feels good for you. Get the stress out.

                Find support from your community

                  Human connection holds a lot of power. Maybe even more power than we realize. It even has the power to heal.

                  If you’re a business owner, your default might be to do everything yourself, and you might have trouble giving up control, even when it comes to the smallest tasks. And if you’re a solopreneur, you really do wear all the hats, which, let’s be honest, can not only be draining as heck but can put you on the fast track to burnout.

                  If there’s one thing I’ve learned from starting and running a business it’s the power of community and the importance of building a good one for yourself. Whether you find it in friends, family, fellow business owners and creatives, or all of the above, your community plays a crucial role in your overall success and mental health.

                  Being able to rely on people you trust will help you feel supported, and when you’re caught up in what seems like a never-ending to-do list, they’re the ones who will pull you back into the present moment and remind you that there is more to life than the hustle.

                  Burnout is a beast, but it’s a beast you can avoid by making a few small changes to how you approach your work and life. You don’t have to do it all overnight, but putting in a little effort one day at a time will make you stronger in the long run and prevent you from reaching a point that will be difficult to bounce back from.

                  UnderDogs Across Borders: Shaping a New Music Industry

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                  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!

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                  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!

                  Community, Artistpreneurship, and Releasing the Anchors

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                  I want to thank Kevin Cobus and The Indie Distributor — the wonderful folks behind Gussapolooza, one of our favorite festivals here at UMC — for this spirited conversation on The Indie Distributor podcast.

                  This conversation took place during the #RoadtoSXSW, and takes a deep dive into the importance of collaboration within a creative ecosystem (like the one we’re building here). We also touch on several of my 60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey, and highlight the importance of showing up for ourselves — while setting healthy boundaries.

                  A Better Way for Sync?

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                  Cipher is fixing sync licensing for social media. Social platforms are where most music discovery and viral moments happen today, but the industry hasn’t figured out how to turn that into fair revenue.

                  During this Lunch & Learn (exclusive for UMC UnderDogs members), we’ll be joined by Cipher founder Burke Reimann. Learn how Cipher helps artists and brands work together to make social media a win for everyone, paving the way for better licensing across all digital mediums.

                  This Lunch & Learn is for UMC UnderDogs members only. Become an UnderDog today!

                  Announcing Our First NEXT2RISE Artist Ambassadors!

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                  Today, we are excited to reveal UMC’s first-ever official artist ambassadors, as part of our new NEXT2RISE Artist Ambassador Program.

                  We have hand-selected bright, talented, career-driven artistpreneurs to spotlight over the next calendar year. Each NEXT2RISE artist is already making moves, and our goal is to elevate them further through the UMC platform.

                  We have selected two divisions of NEXT2RISE artists for the Class of 2025 — one based in Nashville, and one comprised of artists from different locations around the world (our Abroad Division). Our NEXT2RISE artists will receive:

                  • FREE UnderDogs community membership for the next 12 months. (Learn more about our growing community.)
                  • Periodic feature opportunities through Underground Music Collective, including music reviews, playlist features, and podcast interviews.
                  • More performance opportunities, including our NEXT2RISE year-end showcase in November.
                  • Connections to partnership opportunities with aligned brand partners.
                  • 1-on-1 and group coaching via UMC Academy and Ether Collective.
                  • Additional opportunities to collaborate with partner outlets, venues, festivals, and more.

                  Meet the first artists in our NEXT2RISE Nashville division below. An announcement featuring artists selected in the Abroad division is coming soon!

                  • Da’ Healerz: A Heal Hop duo speaking light and affirmation into the creative landscape, featuring established Nashville emcees Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca.
                  • Izzy Rage: A Hyperpunk Warrior whose music pursues themes of overcoming violence, accepting imperfection, and embracing “Radical Expression Through Peaceful Chaos.”
                  • Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess: A poet, author, coach, and speaker previously featured by TEDx, Sound Therapy, and more.
                  • Kelsey Muse: A genre-defying, award-winning singer, rapper, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (featured by NACA, Nick @ Nite, and more).
                  • Nicolas Soul: A Kenya-born, Nashville-based hip hop and R&B artist who aspires to inject honesty and soulfulness into his creations.
                  • Roz Malone: Performing artist, musician, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur
                  • Write the Block: A spoken word duo featuring poets and multidisciplinary artists NewLeeMade and Karimah Ariel
                  • Yonna Jones: A Chicago-born, Nashville-based rapper, singer, and dancer who creates “movement music,” aimed at motivating and inspiring with messages of perseverance.

                  Want to be considered for the Class of 2026? We’ll be selecting from within our community later this year. Learn more about what it takes to be an UnderDog!

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