Sean Oatz named Cleveland Director of Backline and gives Indie artist a 20,000 Grant
The program which also provides $20,000 grants began accepting applications
CLEVELAND, OH– Backline, a free, grant-based musician accelerator program launched in Cleveland this week. Backline Cleveland will coach, connect, and provide $20,000 in grant funding to each of the four artists who are selected from a rigorous application, audition and interview process. Backline’s goal is to help emerging artists from the local community increase their chances of “breaking out,” and to further put Cleveland on the map for top musical talent. Backline was founded in Milwaukee in 2018 by 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and gener8tor and has since expanded to Detroit and now Cleveland. Backline was named one of Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Music Companies of 2020.”
“Working with music industry executive and record label owner Leonard Brooks, I became a very well-rounded artist manager,” said Oatz. “The job as the Director of Backline Cleveland is a perfect fit, as it allows me to do what I already love; impact artists’ careers and help them become a breakthrough artist.”
“We are thrilled to have Oatz leading the Backline Cleveland program,” said Abby Taubner, partner at gener8tor. “It’s clear that Oatz has a deep network and has gained immense respect from the music community in Cleveland, and we can’t wait for him to further support that community through the Backline program.”
Backline will run one annual 12-week accelerator program in Cleveland beginning this fall. Cleveland-area artists can apply now at www.backlinemusic.com/apply. Although the process to be selected is competitive, it is also designed to be enriching. Local musicians who apply will have their music heard by national industry leaders who are tapped to help judge the applications and select the participants. Beyond working with just four artists in the program itself, Backline will also offer the broader Cleveland music community free office hours with program director Oatz, and free quarterly workshops open to the public.
To kick off Backline’s engagement in Cleveland, a free, virtual “Emergency Response Program” will be made available to any creatives struggling with the effects of COVID-19. The program will last one week, and consist of three webinars aimed at understanding local resources that may be helpful at this time. One-on-one office hours will also be made available to participants. Sign up at https://www.gener8tor.com/emergency-response-program/cleveland.
Backline Cleveland is funded by the City of Cleveland and The Finch Group, both of which also sponsor gener8tor’s pre-accelerator startup program gBETA in Cleveland. Both gBETA and Backline run out of Glenville CircleNorth, a new development built as part of Mayor Jackson’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. For more information and to sign up for Backline Cleveland’s mailing list, visit https://backlinemusic.com/cleveland.
About The Finch Group
www.thefinchgroup.com
The Finch Group (TFG) is a full service, vertically integrated real estate firm with 30+ years of hands on experience in asset management, consulting, developing, rehabilitating, marketing and managing multifamily residential, commercial, hotel and mixed-use properties.
About gener8tor
www.gener8tor.com
gener8tor’s turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, conferences and fellowships.
About Backline
www.backlinemusic.com
Backline’s 12-week grant accelerator program provides coaching, mentoring, industry networking, and grants to cohorts of three or four musicians and/or bands. Each participant of the program receives a $20,000 budget grant. The Backline program is free to artists and takes no residuals, royalties, or revenue share. Musicians and bands of any genre may apply. A panel of local and national music industry professionals interview and select the participants. Backline also hosts free quarterly workshops open to the public. Backline is a partnership by gener8tor and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.
Matthew Torrez aka Slim9ine5ive (pronounced Slim-Nine-Five) was born on March 3rd 1995 in Harbor City. He was Raised in Gardena California and went to school in San Pedro. Before the age of 13, Slim was already experimenting with music. From DJing to Producing and Freestyling over instrumentals to backyard parties, to a studio owner. Today, Slim is becoming a legend in the music space working with many artists on his solo career journey. He’s featured on the cover of Undrgrnd Magazine issue 9, along with many other influencer features. Slim9ine5ive is dropping non stop dope content, and is definitely a name you will be hearing frequently. Watch his most recent Music Video Visuals: “Stay with You” and “4 am on PCH”.
Follow “Slim9ine5ive” movement
IG: https://instagram.com/
Afro-dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has inked a global distribution and label services deal with ADA Worldwide. Hailing from Ashaiman, Ghana, Stonebwoy’s music brings together a dynamic mix of afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall influences. Backed by his very own label Burniton Music Group, the deal marks a continuation of growth for the African music space in digital music distribution companies. As preparation for his sixth studio album, Stonebwoy teams up with Nigerian rapper ODUMODYBLVCK for the leading single EKELEBE. Stoneybwoy spoke on the partnership stating:
This deal marks another stride forward in bringing my music to the global stage via ADA’s network. My aim has always been to unite people through the fusion of African music (Afrobeats), Reggae, Dancehall, RnB, and Hip Hop. They say creativity flourishes in freedom, so owning my creativity is essential for me to make a meaningful contribution to the global music landscape.
Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide also added:
Stonebwoy is in a league of his own. His genre-blending style has resonated with millions of fans around the globe and he’s helped shine a light on the rich and vibrant sounds coming out of Africa. He’s spreading positivity, love and unity with music that makes you move and makes you feel. We can’t wait to support his unique creative vision even further across the international stage.
In the accompanying video, both artists spend the day building their next work until some unexpected enforcement gets involved. As the neighborhood protects their own, the enforcement gets side track and both eventually evade capture. There is no definitive date set for the album but you can still stream the latest single right here. Watch the official video below and connect with Sotonebwoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.
*
-
Music2 weeks agoSpellbinding Memphis Rapper & Producer K.Le DaVincci Unleashes His Powerful Single “I A F W U (Remix)”
-
Featured2 weeks agoHazel Santana Delivers Bold Bars In “Intoxicated” (Video)
-
Indie2 weeks agoKeonna Jordan Releases New “1 on 1” Single & Music Video
-
Entertainment1 week agoBlaxicana Fest 2024 Invaded Downtown Los Angeles
-
Videos6 days agoWest Denver native ATAK drops new visuals to “How Do I Love” featuring Ha$h
-
Entrepreneur2 weeks agoDreka Gates Talks Holistic Healing In Beauty Wellness & Cannabis
-
Music2 weeks agoSymphonic Distribution Collaborates with Kentucky Artist Mötley, Powered by Splash Life Booking to Debut Single “Bring The Krüe”
-
Artist3 weeks agoDee-1 Calls Raheem DeVaughn To “Purify My Eyes”