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Songs You Should Hear: Familiar Faces All Around

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Our first week back in action has led to a cascade of support — and of course, that means a steady flow of new music submissions.

It was nice to see so many familiar faces jump in to let us know what they’ve been up to, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight a handful of them. Welcome to the return of Songs You Should Hear!

Artist: DaChri

Song: Moving Day
Genre: Pop/Rock/Funk
Why You Should Hear It: There’s a certain, McCartney-esque whimsy to the steady-marching rhythms and shimmering vocal layers on “Moving Day.” These uplifting properties support the song’s deeper meaning; to move past what isn’t working, so we can find what is.

“The song is about a literal Moving Day, but also about moving on and growing through things that aren’t working,” DaChri said. “It’s about getting out of your own way to make the changes necessary. It’s about not living for other people.”

Artist: Fame & Fiction
Song: Famous
Genre: Pop/Rock
Why You Should Hear It: This rollicking alt-rock anthem — imagine a sonic cross-section between Walk the Moon and Paramore — features dreamy guitars, crisp vocal harmonies, deftly-layered keys, and fast-paced, intricately groovy work from the rhythm section. “Famous” — written by keyboardist Mary Jennings alongside collaborator Coley O’Toole — delivers tongue-in-cheek commentary on the pitfalls of fame, and the lengths some people will go to attain it, while offering a subtle reminder of the importance of authenticity in the digital age.

“I admittedly struggled figuring out where ‘Famous’ fit in my solo catalog, but once I brought it to the band, we all realized pretty quickly that it was always meant to be a Fame & Fiction song,” Jennings said. “As the newest member of this group, contributing this track really strengthens my sense of belonging in the band, and I absolutely love the way it turned out.”

Artist: Goodnite Robicheaux
Song: Pinewood
Genre: Soul/Hip Hop
Why You Should Hear It: This slickly-produced, modern meld of soul, hip hop, funk, and jazz pops off from the opening keyboard progression. Powerful horn accents, bumping bass, and a memorable hook team up with the song’s message — about persevering through life’s challenges — to get us ready to face the day.

“‘Pinewood’ speaks heavily on the bands younger days, and the trials a young musician goes through trying to break into the business,” the band said. “The message of Pinewood is to not let those trials stop you. You must always ‘keep your head up.'”

Got something you think we should hear? What are you waiting for?! Shoot it our way, and you might just be featured in an upcoming edition of Songs You Should Hear!

Coach’s Corner: The Moment That Sparked a Comeback

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Pictured: The sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains from the Gaylord Rocky Mountain Resort (Denver, CO).

I need to tell you about my trip to Denver a couple weekends ago.

I was in town to attend the Achieve Systems BizExplosion Conference. Admittedly, I was looking to shake up my day-to-day, and get some perspective on the direction of this platform — which, as you may remember, recently took a brief, yet thorough detour away from being Underground Music Collective.

On Thursday, October 19, I attended the conference’s welcome reception. Upon entering, I sensed pretty much immediately that this was a different room than the ones to which I had become so accustomed. You had speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who had reached a levels of scalable, sustainable success that I, plucky UnderDog that I am, still aspire to reach.

That night — before the conference even officially kicked off — I found myself on the receiving end a ton of valuable feedback about the concept, its niche, and ways that it could be better executed. I heard people’s intrigue around the notion of a music industry-centric platform — and what it could do, if properly built, for independent artists everywhere. I learned so much that night (and throughout the ensuing weekend) about exactly how to properly build it, that I’m still combing through and applying the lessons.

And, to be honest, it all felt a bit overwhelming at first.

I left the reception at about 12:30 a.m. when I caught an Uber back to my Airbnb. I explained to my driver, Mateo, that I was in town to get educated about my business, and I was receiving more of an education than I ever could have expected. I also expressed a bit of self-doubt as I digested the lessons, and wondered what it would take to meaningfully level up from this experience once it was finished.

Mateo then told me he was about to restart the song playing in the car. He wanted me to listen…

That song is “Mirror (You Ain’t Know)” by Brian Hyppolite ft. Nelse… and these words were exactly what I needed to hear in that moment, from the opening refrain.

“Oh, you had it twisted?

Oh, you didn’t know that you was gifted?

You ain’t know that stuff you went through just set you up for winning?

You ain’t know that you was chosen?

You ain’t know that you was golden?

You ain’t know you was important, huh?

You ain’t know you had a purpose

Much bigger than anything you ever considered?

Well, I’ma be your mirror
So you can see it clearer…“

When we step out of our comfort zones, our minds can play tricks on us. The stories we’ve internalized can delude us into believing that we aren’t worthy, or ready, or “good enough.” These stories will do everything they can to pull us from our purpose, or fool us into thinking another lane is best for us.

That night, the cards of my imposter syndrome were laid out on the table. However, as I listened to “Mirror (You Ain’t Know)” I realized that I — and not the stories — hold the winning hand.

That moment — and the entire experience of that weekend — helped me reconnect with my mission and vision for this platform. We’re here to build something of impact for independent artists, and connect them to the world of entrepreneurship so that they can built their platforms — and lives — regardless of whether they ever receive traditional music industry approval.

In that moment, it dawned on me that there was no better way to do that than to #GoUnderground.

That’s why we’re back as Underground Music Collective. And frankly, it feels damn good to be walking in this purpose again.

Thanks for being here, and stay tuned.

Til Now’s Quarter-Life Crisis Anthem, ‘Waste My Life’

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Ah, the mid-20s. Those rough-and-tumble years where most of us discover that the “American Dream” sold to us throughout our youth and adolescence is just that — a dream.

Surely, that realization gives us plenty to sort through, as we’re met with new “real world” pressures, for which a college classroom could never have prepared us. That’s the moment Til Now speaks to on his latest single, “Waste My Life.”

“Waste My Life” was written, recorded, and produced in its entirety by Til Now songsmith Aaron Marmolejos. Never one to let a creative moment slip by, the Tampa-based artist found inspiration for the single while on the road. He then tracked the vocals on a portable console in the back seat of his car, before bringing the project home for finishing touches.

The end result? An emotionally gripping track about balancing your ambitions with the burdens of everyday life. Til Now’s heart-on-his-sleeve vocal delivery and shimmering tone calls to mind the late, great Chester Bennington, while a glowing, pensive synthwave backdrop injects a colorful 80s sensibility into the track.

Check it out below. We hope that it helps you solve the riddle of where you’re going in life!

Music is the Universal Language That Brings Us Together

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By Jacquelyn Gomez, Sony Music

Music is the universal language that brings us together! Let’s talk about Latin music, which makes everyone want to become a pro on the dance floor! Bachata, reggaeton, salsa, latin pop, corridos are just a few of the most popular latin genres. Bachata and salsa are known to unite professional dancers around the world including the United States, Europe and Latin America.

One of the youngest bachateros in the Latin industry, Super Joell has made contributions to the bachata genre and of course to music and we can see his thoughtful leadership! Not only is he a Latin artist breaking through with his dynamic dance rhythms, but is currently on tour in major cities in the United States and Latin America.

The young Dominican, born in New York, is a singer, rapper and composer. Joell’s songwriting skills, singing skills, acting skills prove to differentiate him from other artists.

Super Joell rose to prominence with the bachata group 24 Horas, where he served as co-lead singer alongside his cousin Mickey Then, who has written for artists like Prince Royce. Their first studio album, Los Inolvidables (via Universal Music Group imprint Machete Music garnered worldwide recognition, including more than 25.3 million views on official YouTube videos, 31.4 million Spotify streams on Spotify, and nominations for several international awards, including Billboards Awards and Lo Nuestro Awards.

Thanks to the success of hits like “Por Favor” and “Aun Me Pertences,” 24 Horas’ rise to prominence has given Joell the opportunity to grow as an artist and learn from many cultures around the world. Most recently, Joell was a special guest at Romeo Santos’ afterparty in Los Angeles and will be touring major Latin festivals in the US.

What does Latin music contribute to the overall industry?

“I’m pretty sure that Latin Music contributes a lot to the overall music industry,” Super Joell said. “As you can see today, we have all these music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music just to name a few, and the impact that Latin Music has is noteworthy.”

He continues: “The Latin music industry, which I am a part of, has a lot of power. Latinos are the ones that listen the most to music, because we like to party and we love to stream music. Not only can you see the big impact we are making with these skyrocketing numbers in Latin music, but we are fundamental in how music has evolved and the importance our artists have made — and continue making — in the industry.”

Super Joell also notes the rise of Latin artists like Bad Bunny, Shakira, and Karol G to the top of the charts.

“All of them are top artists at a worldwide level on all the music platforms,” he said. “We (Latinos) are one of the main consumers of music and we are very important. Latin music is definitely a major leg to the music table. I couldn’t imagine music without Latino music, and you can’t deny the impact Latin music has made in the past decades, including one of the biggest Latin hits of all time, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s ‘Despacito.'”

Current projects

In 2018, Super Joell released his first EP in the Urban music category, titled PM. The EP was produced by world famous Dominican producer Juan “Xtassy” Abreu, alongside producers A & X (Danza Kuduro, J Balvin, Carlos Vives, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee). Since then, Super Joell has worked as a composer on songs for various artists, expanding his musical repertoire by working with artists such as CNCO, Cornetto, Shaggy, Dalex, Darkiel, and Maffio.

In 2023, Super Joell is preparing to release his new solo album, Mala Mia. The record will feature his new bachata single, “Todo se Jodio,” produced by Mayinboto. The single has already been included on top playlists in the Latin world, including Reggaeton 2023, Colombia Top 10, Bachata Sensual 2023, Pop Latino 2023, Bachata Sensual, Bachata Revolution, La Bachata Mas Nueva 2023, Venezuela Top 10, Reggaeton 2023 Lo Mas Pegao, and many more.

For updates, please follow Joell on instagram @superjoell!

Key Strategies for Indie Artists to Protect Their Creative Works: Insights From a Legal Expert

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By Auntie Donna Brown, CEO of Always Resourceful LLC

In this article, we will explore the concept of intellectual property and its significance for indie artists. Put simply, “intellectual property” refers to creations of the human mind. Any indie artist who has ever created a unique work has produced “intellectual property,” also known as IP. The value of safeguarding an artist’s creativity goes without saying and can be priceless.

Let’s begin by discussing copyright, one of the tools used by indie artists to protect their intellectual property. However, it’s crucial to understand that copyright is not the only way to safeguard original works of art, which is a common misconception.

Protecting your creative works requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses copyright and trademark registration, patenting, trade secrets, active monitoring for infringements, and creating unique content. These elements can be strategically used together or separately to identify and distinguish your brand from others and potentially amplify your income through licensing and deals.

A Multi-Faceted Approach: Safeguarding Your Creative Works

Indie artists who invest time and energy in creating original work generally want to protect it. However, many may not realize that their work is intellectual property, and even fewer may have been taught how to leverage the IP they create to exponentially increase revenue by identifying multiple revenue sources. As a US IP lawyer with a unique background in strategic management, it is important to me that artists understand how to monetize, grow, and protect the value of the art they create, just as businesses understand the need to create multifaceted strategies to maximize revenue.

While many may be familiar with federal copyright protection, in this article, we will explore why federal trademark registration and an ongoing monitoring strategy for infringements can be equally important.

Let’s start with creating unique content. Educate yourself about intellectual property rights and equip yourself with the knowledge to maximize the value of your work and ensure it receives the recognition and respect it deserves.

Now, you might be wondering what all this means for you as an indie artist. Instead of overwhelming you with abstract legal phrases, let’s explore your options by following the journey of a hypothetical indie band named “The Night Lights,” led by our imaginary songwriter, Emma.

Let’s assume that after a couple of gigs, The Night Lights band has been well received by its audiences, and now Emma and the band are exploring potential opportunities and safeguarding against potential threats to the band. In a meeting after band practice, Emma calls everyone in to talk about the band’s decisions.

Emma’s heard of copyright as a tool to protect the band’s creative work, but recently Emma has heard of this thing called a federal trademark, and she is not certain how that works.

Luckily, Emma has an aunt who is also an intellectual property lawyer. Emma invites Auntie Donna Brown®️ to a Zoom meeting to discuss the band’s options with them.

Auntie Donna is the business strategist and IP attorney you never knew you needed. She shows up to support these creators and helps them understand how to use federal trademarks as a strategy to avoid leaving “any money on the table!” Okay, so there is not a real table in this hypothetical, but you see where I’m going with this. Auntie Donna Brown®️ spends the next hour consulting with the band, explaining the benefits of registering a few federal trademarks — how it is not just brand protection, but also a monetization strategy.

Trademark

By obtaining a federal trademark for their band name, “The Night Lights,” Emma and her bandmates establish exclusive rights to the use of that name in connection with their musical services. This trademark ensures that no one else can use a similar name, which could cause confusion in the marketplace.

Because the band has built a community and it has a known brand name, Auntie Donna points out to Emma that there is an additional monetization opportunity.

Licensing Merchandise

Emma and her bandmates can license their trademarked band name for use on merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and other apparel. They can collaborate with manufacturers and distributors to create high-quality products that showcase their band name prominently. Fans can proudly wear these merchandise items, helping to promote the band and create a sense of connection and community among their fan base.

Posters and Artwork

The band can license their trademarked band name for use on posters, album covers, and other promotional artwork. This allows them to create visually appealing designs incorporating their band name, album titles, and song lyrics. Fans can purchase these posters and artwork to decorate their spaces, further spreading the band’s brand and creating a visual representation of their music.

Image Trademark

In addition to the word mark trademark for their band name, “The Night Lights,” Emma and her bandmates may also consider securing an image trademark. This image trademark can be a distinctive logo, symbol, or artwork associated with the band. Here’s how the image trademark can enhance their licensing and merchandising opportunities:

The band can release limited edition merchandise items that showcase the image trademark. These collectibles can include special edition vinyl records, signed posters, or unique merchandise items only available for a limited time. Fans who are avid collectors will be particularly drawn to these exclusive items, further strengthening their connection to the band.

By combining the power of a word mark trademark for their band name and an image trademark for their visual identity, Emma and “The Night Lights” can leverage licensing and merchandising opportunities to generate additional revenue, promote their brand, and establish a deeper connection with their fans.

The Importance of Protection from Infringement in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

A federal trademark can provide an indie artist with a solution to stop AI-generated sampling of their work in the following ways:

By registering a federal trademark for their artist name or logo, the indie artist establishes a distinctive brand identity that is legally protected. This trademark serves as a clear indicator of the artist’s originality and creativity, making it easier to recognize and differentiate their work from others, including AI-generated samples.

With federal trademark registration, the indie artist gains exclusive rights to use their trademark in connection with their music. This means they have the legal authority to prevent others, including AI algorithms or developers, from using their trademark without permission. If an AI-generated sample infringes upon its trademark, the artist can take legal action to enforce their rights and stop unauthorized usage.

With a registered federal trademark, the indie artist can send cease and desist letters to individuals or organizations using AI-generated samples that infringe upon their trademark. These letters formally request the cessation of unauthorized usage and may serve as a warning before pursuing further legal action.

If the unauthorized use of AI-generated samples continues despite the artist’s cease-and-desist efforts, they can pursue legal remedies. This may involve filing a lawsuit against the infringing party, seeking injunctions to stop the usage, and potentially claiming damages for the unauthorized use of their trademarked work.

Monitoring and Addressing Infringements to Safeguard Your Creative Works

While copyright and trademark registration provide essential foundations for protection, it is equally important to monitor potential infringements. Regularly conduct online and offline searches for unauthorized use of your work. This can be a daunting task and is a service that can be outsourced to a professional.

Keep a watchful eye on music streaming platforms, social media channels, live performances, and merchandise to detect any attempts to exploit your creations without permission.

Enforcement Actions: Cease and Desist

Upon investing your time and money in registering a federal trademark, you gain some tools to use against copycats infringing on your property. One of the more common tools is known as a cease and desist letter. It essentially puts the thief on notice that you are aware of their actions, and it includes a demand to cease the infringement and provide compensation for the unauthorized use of your intellectual property (IP), or risk facing further legal action.

In the case of our hypothetical band above, the scenario might look like the following:

Once again, it is best to consult with an IP lawyer before launching and building out your brands, just as Emma did with her band, as well as when a threat arises that requires action. The last recourse would be to pursue legal remedies, in which case you can take the registered trademark to court to prove your case.

It’s important to keep in mind that the foregoing facts were merely hypothetical and designed to help you understand how intellectual property works. It is recommended that you seek advice to create your own strategy for your IP to amplify revenue and protect against copycats. Whether you call Aubtie Donna Brown®️ or not, it’s up to you. But just remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Meaning once you create your next big creation, put some thought into it and explore strategies for your band.

This is Auntie Donna Brown®️, and I’m done talking.

*Disclaimer: None of the foregoing should be construed as legal advice; each situation should be considered on a case-by-case basis. All examples are based on federal copyright and trademark laws.

Heal Hop is on the Come Up

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T.R.A.N.E. Spitta is a hip hop artist, entrepreneur, and music business genius who is one of the architects behind The Come Up Tour, an upcoming tour set to hit several cities this summer and fall at select cities throughout the United States. The tour aims to give emerging hip hop artists valuable professional tour experience — alongside a dose of industry knowledge that will help them further their careers and leave an impact.

Learn more about the tour, as well as valuable information about performance rights, the festival circuit, and more!

#GetSpunn

Around the Underground: News from Orgs Making a Splash

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Looking around, it’s nice to see that we aren’t alone on this journey. We roll pretty deep with some incredible community partners, and it’s time to show them some love.

So, every once in a while, we’ll take a trip Around the Underground to see what our friends and colleagues are cooking up — and present ways for you to get involved!

Take a Look Around

Wednesday Wisdom: Music Artists and Mental Wellness

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By Sacha Walton, Business Strategist and CEO of SWI Management Group

Mental health is not a niche topic in the music industry. The industry is fast-paced and full of demands for music artists. They are faced with a whirlwind of expectations from labels, fans, management, and promoters. However, the artists are typically left feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and at times, they lack the will to create.  

It’s easy for artists to get caught up and neglect their mental well-being. Maintaining a healthy state of mind is essential not only for personal happiness but also for creating inspired, meaningful music. This blog article delves into practical tips and techniques that can empower music artists to proactively manage their mental wellness, allowing them to flourish both on and off stage.

Read Sacha’s 8 tips!
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