Tag Archives: Gerard Longo

Answering Life’s Tougher Questions: New York, Nashville, and the Road Ahead

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Back in March — just after my 39th birthday — I posed a question to myself and all of you…

“How does this thing (UMC) fit into the greater mosaic of my life, and how do I want to show up going forward?”

2026 has challenged me to hunt for the answer ever since.

So… what is the way forward? It starts this week in New York City.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at City Limit Studios, Old Hickory, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

Caffeinated Creatives: How Can We Change the Music Industry?

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Over the summer, I was invited by musician, producer, and music technologist Danny Nagy to join him for an in-depth conversation about the state of the music industry, the origin story of Underground Music Collective, and how we define success.

The result? An EPIC conversation that covers all the bases. Among the topics discussed:

  • How a quest for purpose led to the launch of The Quinn Spinn.
  • The role of ArtsQuest and the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in shaping our vision.
  • How we ended up in Nashville (and how the people around me responded).
  • The definition of success in America and elsewhere.
  • The loss of originality in the music industry.
  • Overcoming perfectionism and fear of judgment.
  • The AI elephant in the room.
  • How we can eliminate gatekeeping and create a more equitable music industry.
  • Why today’s artists must function as entrepreneurs…

…and SO MUCH MORE!

I want to thank Danny for his time, insight, the opportunity to speak openly, and the incredible coffee!. If you’re an independent artist, an industry professional, or someone who just wants to know how all of this works, this conversation is a great place to start!

Creating Your Own Opportunities (ft. Eli Blackshear)

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Eli Blackshear is an Americana artist hailing from the small mountain town of Manitou Springs, Colorado. Now residing in the Atlanta area, Eli has built a career and life for himself rooted in creativity, community, and advocacy — and he’s done it from the ground up!

Learn about Eli’s story and his new album, In Love and War, on this week’s edition of The Quinn Spinn!

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at City Limit Studios, Old Hickory, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

Building Community Through Common Values (ft. Ben Harris)

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Ben Harris has turned the pain of loss into purpose, and a love of people into incredible community-building initiatives.

The Georgia native is the co-founder of Sibling Strong Retreats, a peer-support retreat program for bereaved siblings built on three pillars of adventure activity, grief work, and rest.

In the music industry, Ben also serves as the manager for Americana artist and fellow community builder, Eli Blackshear — who is our guest on next week’s episode!

Today, Ben joins us to talk about the importance of creating meaningful connections from one’s values — and the full array of experiences that shaped them.

Learn more about Ben: ⁠https://benharris207.com⁠.
This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at City Limit Studios, Old Hickory, TN.
Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become
Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

The Quinn Spinn Live at Cellovision 2026: Day 3

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Here we are again, gathered around the Cellotree for the third and final installment of Cellovision 2026.

It’s a race against time and fleeting battery life, as we pack another half-dozen interviews into this hour-long finale. Gather ’round for conversations and insight from…

Eli Alger of Faster Horses
Abigayle Oakley
Mario Monterosso
Kristin Linegan Monterosso
Pi Jacobs
Xanthe Alexis & Ben Mathews

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

⁠Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

Building a Stronger Creative Ecosystem (Our first episode in the UMC Creator Lab!)

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After 13+ years of triumph and disaster, joy and heartbreak, and the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime… we bring you the first episode of The Quinn Spinn EVER recorded in our very own space — the UMC Creator Lab!

We’re still working out a bug or two (it’s a new space with new toys, after all)! While we do, let’s catch up on a summer’s worth of adventures, and how a few key stops along the journey — Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), Gussapolooza (Cookstown, ON), and Cellovision 2026 (Nashville, TN) — have shed a light on the pockets of community being created across the creative ecosystem.

The Quinn Spinn is recorded and produced inside the UMC Creator Lab at City Limit Studios (Old Hickory, TN).

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

The Quinn Spinn: Live from Gussapolooza 2026, Day 1

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We are BACK on your feeds — just in time for the 13th anniversary of Episode 1 — with an all-new edition of The Quinn Spinn recorded LIVE at Gussapolooza, our favorite all-indie Canadian music festival in Cookstown, ON!

It was Battle of the Bands day (sponsored by ROCK 95 Barrie), and we had three of the five contestants — TRAUMAQUEEN, New Anthem, and the winners… Mirrage!

We also welcome grant writer and independent artist advocate Ryan Farley (Hubris Entertainment), who dropped some industry knowledge to close us out!

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn

SEPT. 22: The UMC Creator Lab Content Experience!

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Level up your artist profile and make it easier to get booked.

On Tuesday, September 22 from 7-9 p.m., join us at City Limit Studios (14919 Lebanon Rd., Old Hickory) for the UMC Creator Lab Content Experience, an event designed specifically for independent musicians and creators who want clean, professional media assets. For one evening, rotate through dedicated rooms or pick individual stations to get everything you need for your promotional materials.

The Experience & Individual Station Pricing

  • The Infinity Room (Headshots with Gerard): Clean, professional portraits that look great for press features, social media, and booking profiles.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Creator Lab (Interviews with Kelsey Muse): A short, friendly 3 to 5 minute interview that helps showcase your personality and background to fans and industry folks.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Saloon (One Mic Performance with NuRenaissance): A clean, single take live performance video for songs under 3 minutes with professionally mixed audio.
    Individual Price: $75

Choose Your Package

1. The Artist EPK Package

Includes Professional Headshots and the Interview.

The core package to get your visual and background profile ready for sharing.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $60
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $70
  • Day Of (September 22): $85

2. The Raise the Bar Package (Best Value)

Includes Headshots, Interview, AND the One Mic Performance.

The complete package so you walk away with a full set of promotional media.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $100
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $125
  • Day Of (September 22): $150

Want to sign up for just one station instead? Individual station options are available at checkout.

Important Details

  • Turnaround Times: Headshots and interviews will be ready within 5 business days. Performance videos will be ready within 10 business days because of audio mixing.
  • Capacity is Limited: To keep things running smoothly and ensure quality, we are only taking a limited number of artists. Lock in your spot now before early bird pricing ends on September 7.

Got questions? Send a direct message to us on Instagram @umcworldwide. Ready to register? Do it now!

TONIGHT, 7 ET: Your Next Favorite Band’s 2026 Musikfest Exordium

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This week, we are transported back home to Bethlehem, PA, where the 2026 edition of Musikfest — the largest free, non-gated music festival in the United States — is just days away from kicking off.

There is sure to be plenty of magic across Christmas City over the next couple weeks, and it kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. ET (that’s 6 p.m. CT, if you’re back in Nashville) with the 2026 Musikfest Exordium. Tune in to the live broadcast emanating from Bethlehem’s Flying V Poutinerie, as we hear from many key figures at the ‘Fest and within the Lehigh Valley’s local music scene, including:

  • Thoughts on “must see” bands and Best Day of the ‘Fest with ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer Patrick Brogan.
  • Early thoughts on the ‘Fest’s weather forecast from Eastern PA Weather Authority Founder and Chief Meteorologist Bobby Martrich.
  • Insights from long-time entertainment reporter John Moser.
  • A visit from yours truly, Musikfest’s Friendly Neighborhood North Side Sheriff.

We will also learn about the return and expansion of the Musikfest Music Industry Conference, set to take place August 2-4 and offering dozens of educational sessions, music industry panels, and exclusive networking opportunities. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy live performances from ‘Fest performers Bren and Atlassian.

Watch the live stream below!

PHOTOS: ARREIS’ ‘Angel’ EP Release at The East Room

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As we could have expected, ARREIS walked into The East Room on Wednesday night and put on a show that put the EP in EPIC!

The Chicagoland native — set to release her new EP, Angel, at the end of this week — delivered a high energy performance that was equal parts dynamic and vulnerable. The 45-minute set featured a bevy of high-powered anthems, like the arena-ready rocker “Five More Minutes,” to softer moments of empowerment and inspiration. Recent singles “Aurora” and “To My Younger Self” uplift the listener, offering respite to the inner child who struggled to embrace themself and live life fully, without the need for permission.

Supporting ARREIS on this special evening were REHAAN, whose prowess as an alt-pop vocalist is complemented by his immense skill as a saxophonist, creating a live experience quite unlike anything else in Nashville. Limestone Loveseat was a delight to listen to, with a folk sensibility craftily weaved into their energetic rock offerings. Mandy Moon opened the evening, starting us off with a potent dose of soul, complete with a rich tonality that contributed to a warmth in sound and spirit.

Oh, and the best part of all? We made some headway toward funding the UMC Creator Lab on Indiegogo. We are now just about 40% funded with three weeks to go!

Check out the full gallery below!

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