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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

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RiverJAM

RiverJAM Music Presents...The Listening Room: Songs & Stories

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Triumph Brewery (Red Bank)
1 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music


 

Rockin'

Rockin' Jake Band

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


 

Willy

Willy Porter

Thursday, September 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Welcome

Welcome Back My Friends - An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Thursday, September 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

A

A Brother’s Revival: Allman Brother Tribute

Friday, September 19, 2025 @ 8:00pm
The Concert Hall at Drew University
36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
category: music


 



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EVENT PREVIEWS

Swingadelic's

Swingadelic's "Three Louies" take the stage at Grunin Center on Sunday

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Opera fans might remember "The Three Tenors," but in the jazz world, there are "The Three Louies"— Armstrong, Jordan, and Prima! On September 21, 2025, longtime Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon favorites Swingadelic will return to pay tribute to these three legendary artists with a program guaranteed to put attendees in a good mood. The afternoon will also feature the sensational vocals of Vanessa Perea, who will inhabit the role of Louis Prima's wives, Keely Smith and Gia Maione. The show takes place on the Grunin Center's Main Stage (Building 11A) at 3:00pm.



Debonair

Debonair Music Hall presents Sean Chambers

Deboniar Music Hall, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Sunday, October 12. Show: 8pm. Tickets: $20. (advance); $325. (day of show). Info: (201) 833-0011 or visit debonairmusichall.com.



Jon

Jon Caspi & The First Gun to Celebrate EP release in Hazlet

Jon Caspi & The First Gun announce a new EP that will come out on Friday, September 26th on all streaming platforms. It features legendary singer- songwriter and renaissance artist, Dan Bern and other special guest performers. The New Jersey heartland rock, indie, punk and Americana band are taking the unique approach of releasing three separate EP's, spaced a few months apart and culminating in a full-length vinyl 12”, expected in early 2026, entitled Airport Plaza.



Inaugural

Inaugural "Everything Fab Four" Fest to feature Max Weinberg, The Weeklings, Jake Clemons & many more

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The seminal 1965 album Rubber Soul, often considered the first major turning point in The Beatles' recorded career, will take center stage November 6-8, 2025, at the inaugural Everything Fab Four Fest at the historic Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.



Altamura

Altamura Legacy Concerts presents Arias & Art Songs with Altamura/Caruso Int'l Voice Competition Laureate Winners

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 4:00pm, Altamura Legacy Concerts (ALC) at Princeton United Methodist Church will present An Afternoon of Opera Arias and Art Songs with Laureate Winners of the Altamura/Caruso International Voice Competition. The event is dedicated to the memory of co-founder Leonard J. Altamura (1938-2024).