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.”




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, 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.


Aída

Aída Cuevas – “The Queen of Mariachi”

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music


 

Juan

Juan Fernando Velasco

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

Lucy

Lucy Kaplansky

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Cécilia

Cécilia

Saturday, October 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Studio Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music


 

The

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - "La Sonnambula"

Saturday, October 18, 2025 @ 1:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 



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





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Blues-Rock

Blues-Rock Trio Twisted Livin' to Make Anchor Rock Club Debut

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Twisted Livin', breakout New Jersey-based blues rock trio, make their performing debut at Atlantic City's premiere non-casino live music venue, Anchor Rock Club on Friday, November 7, 2025. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm. The Billy Walton Band will also perform.



Pop-Up

Pop-Up Record and CD Sale this weekend to Benefit Families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas

(CRANFORD, NJ) -- Cranford resident and well-known musicologist and radio DJ Rich Russo (heard on multiple FM stations and SiriusXM) will host a series of Pop-Up Record and CD Sales in Cranford to benefit the families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, the 17-year-old girls tragically killed in Cranford.



New

New Jersey Festival Orchestra Presents "Romance in the Mansion" – A Candlelight Evening of Music, Wine, and Elegance

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- Step into an evening of sophistication and charm as the New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents its first-ever candlelight concert, Romance in the Mansion, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the James Ward Mansion in Westfield. Showtime is 7:00pm.



Makin

Makin Waves with The Cowsills: 'Musical Family'

The Cowsills, the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series "The Partridge Family," featuring teen siblings Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, and Paul in tandem with mom Barbara, were one of the biggest pop acts of the late '60s. Their hits included "The Rain, the Park and Other Things," "Indian Lake," and "Hair," distinguished by their angelic harmonies and sun-kissed melodies.



Cousin

Cousin Brucie Presents The Rascals LIVE! at PNC Bank Arts Center

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of The Rascals and Gary Lewis and the Playboys at PNC Bank Arts Center on October 3, 2025.