New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

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.

​​​​​​​

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.”




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



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

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


New

New Jersey Symphony: Randall Goosby Returns New Jersey Symphony Classical

Sunday, January 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

The

The Band Perry

Sunday, January 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

Ana

Ana Popovic

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concerts - Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

Friday, January 16, 2026 @ 8:30pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

GA-20

GA-20

Saturday, January 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Light

Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.



North

North Jersey Blues Society presents NJBS Showcase Series: Women in Blues on March 8th

(WEST MILFORD, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society (NJBS) presents NJBS Showcase Series: Women in Blues on Sunday, March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women's Day, at the West Milford Elks Lodge. Doors open at 1:00pm, with music beginning at 1:30pm.



The

The Levoy Theatre presents Sons of Cream

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Sons of Cream on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a powerhouse blues-rock trio that bridges past and present, blending musical heritage with bold creative energy. Led by Kofi Baker (son of legendary drummer Ginger Baker) and Malcolm Bruce (son of Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce), with guitarist/vocalist Rob Johnson, the group resurrects the spirit of Cream — not as a straight tribute, but as a living continuation of its legacy.



Jersey

Jersey Arts Podcast: Roomful of Blues Welcomes First Female Vocalist in Over Fifty Years

Today we are highlighting the five time Grammy Award Nominated band, Roomful of Blues. First formed in 1967, the group touts an impressive tenure approaching almost sixty years in the industry. While some new faces have come and gone in that tenure, the eight-piece blues band is still going strong- most recently welcoming their first female singer, D.D. Bastos, to the octet.



Kean

Kean Stage presents Billy Ocean on April 2nd

(UNION, NJ) -- Kean Stage is proud to announce that Billy Ocean, the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, will perform on Thursday, April 2, 2026 in the Wilkins Theatre. Showtime is 7:30pm.