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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.

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Candlelight

Candlelight Concerts - Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

Friday, January 16, 2026 @ 8:30pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
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GA-20

GA-20

Saturday, January 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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TUSK:

TUSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Saturday, January 17, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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Joe Cirotti Trio

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
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30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
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EVENT PREVIEWS

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State Theatre New Jersey presents Freestyle Flashback Concert 2026 on January 31st

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and Fever Records present Freestyle Flashback Concert 2026 on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 7:00pm. Freestyle and dance-pop artists of the 80s and 90s gather for one night at STNJ! Tickets start at $46.



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The Adelphi Orchestra presents "Grace & Elegance"

(RIVER EDGE, NJ) -- The Adelphi Orchestra, now in its 72nd season of Music for All, presents Grace & Elegance, a concert celebrating the elegance and lyricism of Classical and Romantic masterworks, from February 27-28, 2026 with performances in New Jersey and New York City.



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BBD Rhythm & Blues Band are 'Keeping the Blues Alive'

(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- People Get Ready for the 'Keeping the Blues Alive' 2026 Tour, featuring the BBD Rhythm & Blues Band. They have two shows in January - Sammy D's Bar Wine & Spirits in Old Bridge on Saturday, January 24th and Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Friday, January 30, 2026. Additional shows run throughout February.



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The Newton Theatre presents Better Than Ezra on March 26st

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Better Than Ezra will perform at The Newton Theatre on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm. For over 35 years, the alt-rock icons have maintained a direct line to the unbridled joy of making music, endlessly dreaming up songs with an uncanny power to linger forever in the listener's heart.



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Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona at State Theatre on January 23rd

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey and The Bowery Presents, present Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8:00pm.