Anyone who’s in tune with what’s been happening in music this year knows that the industry has been up against its biggest battle yet as the coronavirus has devastated the touring business and halted many planned events.
However, for creative artists looking to break into the music business, there has always been an uphill battle to find support and guidance for their careers as many lack the resources needed to succeed.
With a goal in mind to genuinely help artists strengthen their creativity and nurture their talents, The UpperClassmen Music Group — a boutique music company and production group — aims to move the needle in the music industry in a way that empowers creatives and sets the tone for other collectives to follow suit.
The UpperClassmen Music Group, in short, works to establish its talented roster of artists through management, music publishing, music administration through production development, strategic brand development, profitability, and much more.
Grammy-winning production duo Ayo N Keyz — responsible for rapper Cardi B’s debut album and latest collaboration “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion — founded this unique collective to transform the music landscape for up and coming artists.
Founded in 2012, Ayo N Keyz shared that their true intention for UCMG is to “give young creatives the opportunities that we didn’t have when we started in the industry.”
Working with artists like Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Teyana Taylor, the experienced vets, and business owners have been able to utilize their wits and knowledge of the music industry to better equip developing artists with the tools they believe they need to have longevity.
As opposed to other established production groups, Ayo N Keyz attribute the strength of UCMG to its family-based principles that build unity among their artists, stating “we believe in the people who we work with and push them to their potential.”
In addition to its founders, UCMG’s staff includes Operations Manager & Executive Assistant Adriana Del Valle, A&R Director of Management Woot Johnson, A&R Management LaKia Smith, A&R Coordinator Breon Jordan, Jr. A&R Ijaze Daniel, and Events Director Jade Alexis.
As a collective, they’re pushing UCMG and the music industry in a new direction that grants artists their creative freedom to take control of their careers. Although they operate as a small company, UCMG holds a vast network of major partners that help support their artists. This list includes Spotify, Apple Music, Microsoft, and many more brands.
By pushing educational content and resources surrounding admin and publishing, to artists in the music industry, UCMG helps creatives take full advantage of their skills on a business level.
“We are continually looking for opportunities to feature our roster of creatives, whether that is through our social media platforms and magazine articles,” UCMG shared. “On the same note, we focus on creating campaigns such as the UCUNPLUGGED, which allows outside up and coming creatives to submit their work for live feedback and spotlight to our audience.”
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UCMG is also largely involved in their community with initiatives such as Plug N Play — a networking event that allows artists, songwriters, and producers to play their music for industry executives — as well as UC Weekend — an annual weekend in Orlando that features a Plug N Play, UC Cares and a series of small events that bring the creative community together.
While the music industry has become much more challenging to navigate this year, UCMG is focusing its efforts on becoming a powerful force in the industry to take the business by storm.
As the world has become heavily dependent on technology lately, UCMG has also taken a tech-based approach by adapting their systems to run fully remote in an effort to continue supporting their artists during this uncertain time.
Overall, UCMG wants to prove to the industry and hopeful artists that joining a production group has more benefits than people may think, and their ultimate goal is to be a home of young creatives.
“We want to make sure our current roster of producers, songwriters, and artists get to the highest level in this industry. Together the UCMG aims to impact the industry one record at a time with faith, love, health, and wealth.”
For more information on UCMG, visit their website.
