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Vydia is making it easier for label owners to empower their artists. The end-to-end music technology platform launched the Vydia+ Partner Directory in February 2022 to meet the needs of industry owners. The directory provides Vydia’s 1,100-plus labels and artists along with industry professionals with reputable third-party vendors and service providers in various industries. Vydia’s recent integration is timely as 80 percent of its label owners cited difficulties hiring credible third-party service providers due to a lack of trust. This unsettling reality also prevents label owners from scaling their businesses and artists. Vydia’s Head of Creative Marketing Erica Johnson and Head of Label Services Liz Eason have combined the talents of its label owners to develop a credible ecosystem available to hire. “There was not a real centralized resource in the music industry that is vetted and trusted. So, we saw there was a gap through surveying our clients,” Eason told AfroTech. “We...
The music industry is changing before our eyes in the age of digital distribution. The rapid transformation has created a new model by which the industry follows and introduced a slew of companies pushing a new agenda behind independence and ownership — one of which being global distribution company Vydia. According to Frank “Cheech” Polonia — Director of Creator Relations at Vydia — the company is an end-to-end music technology platform that provides labels and managers with the infrastructure and tools to power their business. Vydia’s place within the music business is to ultimately bridge the gap between music and tech. Polonia’s role at the company includes championing the brand as a valuable tool in managing digital footprints for various entities in the industry including independent artists, managers, management companies, and record labels. Polonia, a New York native who spent a decade serving as the Director of Standards and Practices at MTV, made the transition from music...
Like many industries during the pandemic, the music industry was a sector that was rocked to the core when live in-person events were temporarily shut down. With no way for artists to tour or throw live shows, companies like Deep Root Records had to make a smart pivot toward technology to still support artists. The independent Black-owned record label based in New York City, founded in 2014, has been known for its live music experiences — including their annual Yacht Party Series in New York and Paris. But when the pandemic hit last year, the company had to find a way to save its live shows so they could continue to thrive in a new realm. It wasn’t before long until Deep Root Records pivoted the way many other brands and labels did, and turned toward hosting virtual shows online. The live show to livestream concept was the root of Deep Root Records’ success during the pandemic, but their ability to collaborate with other labels and brands in the same predicament is what helped put...
Frank Ocean is, officially, in the jewelry business. In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the former member of Odd Future has launched Homer, which is being touted as an “independent American luxury company” by its official press release. Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer And the first capsule is quite extensive, with pieces including diamond-encrusted bracelets, cartoon-colored enamel pendants, patterned silk scarves, and gold rings sculpted into the word “OK.” Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer “The first Homer collection comprises fine and high jewelry pieces, plus printed silk scarves. The pieces are handcrafted using 18K gold, recycled sterling silver, hand-painted enamel, and American lab-grown diamonds,” reads the press release, which adds that the products are designed by the Homer team in New York City before sending the designs off to Italy for manufacture. Homer Catalog / Courtesy of Homer According to the Homer team, the inspiration for the designs comes...