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The MIC Music Group Celebrates 5 Years of Championing Independent Artists

originally published: 05/07/2025

(WEST MILFORD, NJ) -- What began as a passion project and simple music blog has blossomed into a powerful force in the independent music space. The MIC Music Group celebrates its 5-year anniversary, marking half a decade of amplifying the voices of emerging artists and reshaping the indie landscape.

Founded by music journalist and artist development specialist Stefani M.C. Janelli, The MIC started in 2020 as a blog spotlighting fresh talent. In 2024, it officially launched as The MIC Music Group—a full-fledged company dedicated to artist empowerment through The MIC Mag (its thriving online music magazine) and an expanding roster of label services that help artists build sustainable careers on their own terms.

Over the past five years, MIC-supported artists have gone on to achieve major wins—landing on top Spotify playlists, earning sync placements in Netflix originals and The Voice, and performing on legendary stages like SXSW. The MIC Music Group has carved out a reputation for giving indie artists the tools and guidance to thrive without compromising their independence.

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Behind this movement is Stefani M.C. Janelli, whose commitment to artist-first development and deep understanding of the modern music business has made her a sought-after voice in the industry. In the last year alone, Janelli was invited to speak to students at Ramapo College and taught her first masterclass on song release strategy.

“The last five years have been about community, creativity, and believing in the power of independent voices,” says Janelli. “I’m beyond proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s coming next.”




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As The MIC Music Group enters its next chapter, its mission remains clear: to uplift the artists shaping tomorrow’s sound and continue finding new, innovative ways to support them every step of the way.

FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

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Tuesday

Tuesday Night Record Club - Stevie Wonder, Talking Book

Tuesday, February 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Monmouth University - The Great Hall
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Junior

Junior Mack

Tuesday, February 03, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

Umphrey’s

Umphrey’s McGee

Wednesday, February 04, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

The

The Growing Stage presents "Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale"

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: music


 

The

The Commodores

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 



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EVENT PREVIEWS

Starland

Starland Ballroom presents Cheap Trick on March 20th

(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock 'n' roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. James Hatem will open the night.



The

The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey presents "Shostakovich 5" on February 22nd

(VOORHEES, NJ) -- The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey presents "Shostakovich 5" on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Eastern Regional High School. Dive deep into a realm where every musical note tells a story with "Shostakovich 5," a symphonic celebration that intertwines the bold with the ethereal. Showtime is 3:00pm.



Stangl

Stangl Stage presents BStreetBand on Valentine's Day

(FLEMINGTON, NJ) -- BStreetBand returns to Stangl Stage in the Historic Stangl Factory on Valentine's Day (Saturday, February 14, 2026). If you've never been to a show at the historic Stangl Pottery Factory, this is a perfect one to start with. It's the kind of night that has people on their feet, singing along, and yes, dancing in the dark.



Will

Will Downing Bring His Romantic R&B to UCPAC on Valentines' Day

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- On Valentine's Day, while couples scramble for dinner reservations and last-minute roses, Will Downing has a better plan. He'll be taking the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ, offering an evening of songs built on romance, memories, and that unmistakable sultry baritone that has soundtracked jazz-infused R&B songs about relationships for more than three decades. For the men unsure how to impress on February 14, he keeps it simple. "You don't gotta say nothing," he laughed. "Just sit there, nod your head, act like you like the guy on stage. Your lady will be happy." It's classic Will Downing - charming, self-aware, and conversational.



The

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.