








Tamara Bubble is a talented singer and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York, who has been making waves in the music industry in recent years. As an independent artist, she struggled to make ends meet, but refused to give up on her dreams of making it big. Instead, she turned to music sync licensing as a way to generate revenue and build her fanbase.
Music sync licensing involves placing songs in TV shows, films, commercials, and other media projects. Tamara Bubble discovered that there was a high demand for independent artists in this space, and she quickly began to build a name for herself. She secured placements in several popular TV shows and commercials, which helped her to gain exposure and increase her fanbase.
With her success in music sync licensing, Tamara Bubble decided to start her own sync licensing agency, For Goodness Sync. Through this agency, she helps other independent artists secure placements and earn money through music sync licensing. She also released a book called "Sync to Superstar," which tells her story and offers advice to other aspiring musicians looking to break into the music industry.
Tamara Bubble's story is an inspiration to all independent artists who are struggling to make it in the music industry. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit led her to discover a new avenue for success, and she is now helping others to do the same. With her talent, passion, and business savvy, Tamara Bubble is sure to continue making waves in the music industry for years to come.
Straight out of the musical haven that is Philadelphia, PA to deliver a distinct freshness and innovation to Soul and R&B, William Fitchett Means, A.K.A. Fitch Means imparts a much welcomed modern maturity into his music. With a unique and accomplished vocal range, he embodies the evolution of the classic Philly musical renaissance, featuring invigorating compositions with relatable themes and lyrics that settles him on a level above his peers. Fitch possesses a real passion for live performance, blessing the yearly Odunde Festival in Philly where countless mega-stars have stopped on their way to greatness. The singer, songwriter/vocalist has been working on his next album since 2019 so scan his code before it drops and get to know his musical style before you hear about him somewhere else.
East Harlem born Lue Diamonds is not a businessman, he's a business, man. The rapper slash producer slash actor makes music that spans the Hip Hop, Dance/House, Electronic genres and have generated over five million streams across numerous platforms, but he may be making even more noise on the big screen. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, Lue successfully landed a role in the 2019 Edward Norton directed and produced feature film, Motherless Brooklyn. His branch-out brands, Castro de Leon Films and Castro de Leon Clothing, respectively, keep him busy when not honing and working on one of his many crafts or in the studio creating the next bag-worthy endeavor. Scan and tap in with Lue Diamonds as he continues to establish his stardom.
Representing Reno, NV, Castro Valley, CA born rapper Papi Dano is opening eyes and ears everywhere for his signature, classic Yay area sound coupled with new-school-energy-packed live performances. His kinetic on-stage presence has earned him opening spots for several top tier acts like Shoreline Mafia, YBN Cordae and Blueface, while his artistic camaraderie, charisma, and candor continue to spark collaborations with numerous rising stars. Scan and get to know more of Papi Dano.
Artistry and entrepreneurship go hand in hand in today's game and Shè is the caliber of artist that embodies the idea of the other-worldly planets that music can land you on. Her original, eclectic sound is the tip that tops an iceberg of songwriting ability and music business savvy. Representing self-love, healing and elevation, her self-owned Preppy Thug Entertainment specializes in songwriting and publishing. Shé is truly an artist you should know about. Follow her endeavors and learn a thing or two at www. preppythugllc.com and scan her code now, you know the drill.
In a world that’s oversaturated with technology, the means to access and discover music is unprecedented. From digital streaming platforms, to radio play, to social media, audiences have unlimited ways to listen to new music. However, in this digital age, artists also have a unique opportunity to connect with fans all over the globe and emphasize their brands. But, a crucial piece of information to artists and music companies alike is knowing who, what, where, when, and how often a song is being played. This data is key to reinforcing audiences and anyone seeking to build their brand. This is exactly what Michael Matthews, founder of Digital Radio tracker aimed to provide with his company DigitalRadioTracker.com (DRT).
DRT is a company that provides user-friendly insights for music related figures and companies all over the world in order to help them gain a better understanding of their own audiences. The company utilizes an innovative technology software that monitors radio airplay detection of songs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Matthews founded his company with the intent of developing better solutions to assist artists, songwriters, publishers, and pro ducers, to achieve sustainable growth, while developing a clear mission to combat an ultra-competitive market place.
The tracking service provides an opportunity to give a voice to the unheard, specifically for independent artists who don’t have the major resources to find out this infor mation. Matthews discovered a need for DRT’s service when he realized there weren't many platforms that of fered goal-tracking solutions for artists who were mak ing some noise. One example for reference would include artists who are not necessarily “charting on Billboard yet,” but still seeing some success and/or experiencing viral moments.
Matthews’ 30-year-experience in the industry has allowed him to help fill a void in the industry as well as level the playing field for artists. DRT just recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary, and as long as the Internet is still around, has no plans of slowing down any time soon.
Listen to our full interview with Michael Matthews as he discusses the company’s plans for the future, and just how independent artists can get involved with DRT and better understand their audiences.
The music industry was hit hard by coronavirus in 2020, with live performance revenue being the biggest casualty. From not being able to perform at shows, to getting in the studio to collaborate in person, artists and producers alike were forced to get creative with how they made music and worked together. RobTheMatrix is someone who is a perfect example of persevering despite the odds. The Houston-based independent producer figured out a way to maximize his workflow during the pandemic while still operating on a personal basis with artists.
Prior to the pandemic going on full-lockdown, RobTheMatrix was on a roll. He made it a point to get in the studio and create personal connections with the people he was working with, so that they could create something special. His personal approach has led him to work with the likes of prominent artists such as Kirko Bangz and Just Brittany, –building his own name and creating a legacy.
However, when the pandemic hit, Rob succumbed to the same problems as many artists and producers: not being able to physically be present in the studio and collaborate with others. This caused a problem initially, since Rob’s interpersonal connections was a huge part of his brand and how he prefers to make music.
But, since Rob fortunately was tech-savvy in many ways, he was accustomed to Zoom well before the pandemic and therefore was able to implement virtual meetings with his talent that he couldn’t physically meet with. He embraced the digital aspect and his virtual sessions exploded – this created a consistent workflow for Rob as everyone slowly began to work remotely through Zoom and other platforms.
Rob’s an example of a producer who took advantage of working and networking throughout the pandemic and making the most of the resources that he had. Now, he wants to share his knowledge and resources with upcoming and independent artists who are hungry and ready to take advantage of opportunities as well.
RobTheMatrix is sharing his production skills with one lucky artist – he’s partnered with Makin’ It Magazine to produce an entire EP for the winner of their latest Kill the Track competition. The selected artist will also receive a $10,000 Marketing Budget and promotional assistance.
Nine years ago, we put together our first Media Matters Soundstage because we saw the disconnect between the official SXSW Festival and the culture that was fueling much of its current growth.
Inspired by seeing so many curators, bloggers, and urban media platforms (with solid followings) routinely denied press passes for the festival, Our goal was to create an unofficial press room on 6th Street where indie media could come to promote their brand and conduct interviews. We covered all the expenses, promoted the outlets, and interviewed the attending media on stage. Several outlets were also allowed to present artists they were working with.
Since then, the Media Matters Soundstage has become one of the most talked about and often-imitated events during SXSW. It is attended by thousands of guests each year, including over 100 media outlets and professionals who show up to network, conduct interviews, and check out new talent.
Our review team personally selects 10-15 artists to showcase on this stage each year. All artists perform for free, receive thousands of dollars in promotion, and receive an official Makin’ It Magazine stamp! Artists are selected based on their music, character, and work ethic. We present these artists to our fellow media and attendees as an opportunity to keep the culture strong by supporting what deserves support and not just what can pay for support.
WE PRESENT OUR 2023 MEDIA MATTERS SOUNDSTAGE
S. Saik*
Mook Ali*
Big Mike Mic WHOA*
ItzShlz
Kye Harris
Dee Goodson
NOVA STELLA
Vinchi Shakur
Sasha Renee
BillyCEO
NHR Chez
AbeFromTheAve
Ciz Ho
912Keem
Jaquan Grand
* Mimber
for more.
Since becoming a Mimber in 2021, this South Florida artist has made tremendous career strides. Landing her first Paid feature through the Makin’ It platform, she now sees steady income from paid collaborations and her Love Yourself Gang merch line. Being chosen for multiple opportunities through the site, S.Saik has landed Playlist Placements, gotten booked to Perform for Major Label and Radio Execs in Atlanta at the 2021 Music Business Empowerment Conference, and received a $1,500 Grant to invest in her career. She’s also eligible for an additional $15,000 in funding from the Makin’ It Magazine anniversary grant. She returns to the Media Matters Soundstage this year as a veteran, having been picked to perform in 2022. All of this activity has led to a promising new management deal that looks to take her career to the next level.
Picking up a pen at age seven, more than half of Mook Ali’s life has been spent writing and recording music. With a strong emphasis on lyricism, the Baltimore emcee’s gritty delivery conveys raw and potent emotion in every bar. Since subscribing to the site in 2022, he’s won our second $1,000 Music Review Tournament, Landed Several Playlist Placements, and gotten booked to open for CMG’s Big Boogie in Birmingham, Alabama, with paid travel provided. As the latest inductee into The Mimbership, we look forward to seeing how Mook’s career elevates in 2023
A creative amongst creatives, Big Mike Mic WHOA, regularly integrates hip hop, fashion, modeling, and multiple visual mediums to create musical experiences that surpass the meer auditory. Rebounding from the pandemic with more music and renewed determination, the Chatanooga artist/producer was booked through our platform to perform at Atlanta’s Exposure Open Mic. A captivating performance that had everyone on their feet, it was footage from this show that landed Big Mike Mic WHOA a spot on our 2023 Media Matters Soundstage.
They say it takes ten years to become an overnight success. That puts Kye Harris right on schedule to make 2023 his year. Heading out on his second tour in less than a year, this Killeen, Texas, rapper is laser focused on creating new fans and growing community around his brand.
Fort Wayne, Indiana, may never come to mind when thinking of rising music scenes, but ItzShlz is making massive strides in changing this. Since subscribing to the Makin’ It platform in 2021, he’s landed multiple Playlist Placements and won our most recent $1,000 Music Review Tournament. Whether it’s a smooth lyrical hip-hop track or gritty R&B vibes, ItzShlz delivers consistently.
As a producer and artist based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, NOVA STELLA has spent the last six years crafting his own unique sound. His expressive delivery on records like “War Ready” and energetic performance footage made him a must-add for this year’s soundstage.
Formerly signed to Trina’s Rockstar Entertainment, Dothan, Alabama, singer Dee Goodson has a polished sound that artfully blends Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B. With guitar in hand, he’s been seen across the country opening for acts such as Ashanti, Lil Tecca, Keyshia Cole, and more.
Coming out with a strong promotional push for his album “Between My Lady & My Legacy”, the name Vinchi Shakur has been traveling in impressive circles. Showing no signs of slowing down, the New Jersey artist has released a new single each month for 2023
It took nearly three years for Kentucky Singer/Songwriter, Sasha Renee, to jump off the porch and purchase her Makin’ It subscription, but once she did, the results were swift. Being picked for our next $1,000 Music Review Tournament, Landing her first Makin’ It Approved Playlist Placement, and Qualifying for our $15,000 Anniversary Grant, it was no surprise that she would also be featured on this year’s soundstage.
First creating an account on our site in 2018, BillyCEO finally purchased a subscription in July of 2022. Within 60 days, she earned a playlist placement for her single “Talking Bout” and was booked as a featured performer at Exposure Open Mic, where she WON, impressing noted Atlanta manager @BRichATL.
This Rockford, Illinois, emcee earned his position as the first act booked on this year’s soundstage through hard work and dedication. His single, “Business” quickly caught our review team’s attention.
Growing up between York City, Pennsylvania, and The Bronx, New York, Ciz has developed a unique and infectious style that is both witty and lyrically approachable. His singles “Vv’s On” and “The Ghetto” made a strong impression on this year’s review team.
Selected to perform on the 2022 Soundstage, Abe could not attend due to sudden deployment in response to the war in Ukraine. To show our support, we played his then-current single “Proven” to a great crowd response. Back state-side, the Newark emcee, was among the first artist selected for the 2023 Soundstage.
A father, veteran, college graduate, hip hop artist, and husband, this Portsmouth, Virginia emcee brings his whole self to the table. Listening to his project, you will find a depth of subject matter, perspective, and maturity that resonates through his visceral delivery and careful beat selection.
After fighting to seek justice for the murder of his close friend, Ahmaud Arbery, 912Keem relocated to Los Angeles with a renewed passion for chasing the dream that Ahmaud first encouraged him to pursue.
Over the past 16 years, Makin' It Magazine has invested over $1.4 Million into creating platforms, events, sponsorships, grants, and opportunities to help independent creatives and professionals take their careers to the next level.
A lot of work goes into creating these opportunities and selecting the recipients. Being our first print issue since the pandemic, we wanted to highlight some of the achievements users have accomplished through MakinItMag.com since our last issue.
None of these opportunities, grants, or sponsorships were randomly awarded. Every achievement listed was earned based on the user's content, character, and work ethic. These are people worth your attention... Network!
Rapper
Houston, TX
Booked to Open for Lil Boosie in North Carolina with Paid Travel
Roane
Rapper/Engineer
Dallas, TX
Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters
Soundstage during SXSW
• Selected to perform at 2021 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW
Rapper
Chester, PA
Receives FREE Trip to Atlanta to Perform for A&Rs and Tastemakers at Exposure Open Mic • Wins Exclusive Lease from @RobTheMatrix and $500 Marketing Campaign
Rapper/Producer
Colorado Springs, CO
Booked to Perform at ONE Love ONE Mic Concert in Atlanta with Paid Travel. Performance led to several additional paid shows. • Selected for Sponsored Placement on WorldStar Hip-Hop
Rapper
Maryland
Wins $500 in first Digital Music Review series
Singer
Atlanta, GA
Sponsored to open for Rod Wave Concert in Atlanta, GA
Singer/Songwriter
Chicago, IL
Wins Exclusive Lease from @RobTheMatrix and a $500 Marketing Campaign
Rapper
Atlanta, GA
Booked to Open for Dave East with Paid Travel
Tommy
760
Rapper
Hesperia, CA
Lands two placements on Spotify Playlist • Wins $500 as 3rd Digital Music Review Series
Rapper
Detroit, MI
Lands four Spotify playlist placements • Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW
Rapper
Miami, FL
Booked to Perform on Twerkfest ATX during SXSW with Paid Flight & Hotel
Montana
Singer/Songwriter
Washington DC
Lands two Spotify playlist placements • Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW
Producers
DMV
Receives $1,500 Grant and Qualifies for an additional $15,000 in Funding • Receives Sponsored Meet & Greet in Atlanta
Rapper
Canton, OH
Booked to open for NLE Choppa Concert with Paid Travel
Rapper
Ypsilanti, MI
Booked to Open for Pop Smoke Concert with Paid Travel
DJ
Las Vegas, NV
Wins $ 1 , 000 Cash from The Cosign DJ Competition
Rapper
Atlanta, GA
Booked to Open For Nardo Wick with Paid Flight and Hotel • Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Booked to Perform for Industry
Execs at Exposure Open Mic
DJ/Manager
New York
Receives $1,500 Grant and Qualifies for an additional $15,000 in Funding
DJ Chicago, IL
Lands $1,000 Sponsorship from Makin' It Magazine to invest in her music
Rapper
Miami ,Florida
Sponsored for Music Video shoot from All Seeing Iris Visuals
Singer/Songwriter
Akron, Ohio
Booked to Perform at 2021 Taste of Soul Festival • Lands Spotify playlist placement • Wins a Sponsored Placement on WorldStar Hip Hop • Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Booked to perform on @RoadNationOfficial's Virtual Concert Series • Wins $1,000 from Digital Music Review Tournament • Wins Free trip to Atlanta to Perform at Exposure Open Mic
Singer
Brooklyn, New York
Booked to Headline the Taste of Soul Festival's Phoenix Stage with Paid Travel to Atlanta
Rapper
Compton, CA
Featured on Fresh Establishment's "Twerk Songs" Playlist (30K+ Followers)
Singer/Songwriter
Smyrna, GA
Wins $500 in 5th Series of Digital Music Review • Lands three placements on Spotify Playlist • Booked as a Featured Act for Secret Sundays in Atlanta, GA
Rapper
Greensboro, NC
Sponsored to open for YFN Lucci Concert in Atlanta, GA • Landed 2 Spotify playlist placements
Rapper
Tampa, FL
Booked to Open for EST Gee with Paid Flight & Hotel
Rapper/Songwriter
Atlanta, GA
Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters
Soundstage during SXSW • Wins FREE beat from multi-platinum producer J Reid
Rapper
Detroit, MI
Booked for Paid Show, earning $1,000 to Open for No Cap
Rapper
Miami, FL
Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Sponsored to Perform for A&Rs at Exposure Open Mic in Atlanta • Booked on three city tour during AllStar Weekend opening for Peso Peso
Producer/Rapper
Philadelphia, PA
Wins Exclusive Beat Lease from Jai Wav Beatz
Rapper
Atlanta, GA
Selected to open for Foogiano in Atlanta
Rappers/Singer
Kansas City, MO
Booked to Perform in Los Angeles at Schweinbeck Industry Mixer • Sponsored to Perform for Industry Professionals at #AllAccessATL
Rapper
Philadelphia, PA
Booked to Open for A Boogie Concert with Paid Travel!
• Wins Exclusive Lease from @RobTheMatrix and $500 Marketing Campaign
Rapper/Producer
St. Paul, MN
Wins $500 Cash in Series 9 of Digital Music
Review • Wins $500 Cash in Series 10 of Digital
Music Review
Rapper
Atlanta, GA
Booked to Perform at 2021 Taste of Soul Festival • Wins a Sponsored Placement on WorldStar Hip Hop • Sponsored to Perform for A&Rs and Industry Professionals at Exposure
Open Mic • Booked to Perform at 2021 Taste of Soul Festival
Songwriter/Artist
Mobile, AL
Brazil Hill wins FREE Placement on Worldstar Hip Hop
Rapper
Florida
Lands 2 Songs on Fresh Establishment's "Twerk Songs" Playlist (30K+ Followers)
Singer/Songwriter
New York
Booked to Perform at 2021 Taste of Soul Festival • Wins Free Trip to Atlanta to Perform at Exposure Open Mic
Rapper
Thomasville, GA
Lands $1,000 Sponsorship from Makin' It Magazine to invest into her music • Lands four playlist placements on Spotify Playlist • Selected to Perform at ONE Love ONE Mic Concert in Atlanta
Blogger
Atlanta, GA
Receives $1,500 Grant and Qualifies for an additional $15,000 in Funding
Singer/Rapper
Los Angeles
Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Wins Free Trip to Atlanta to Perform for Radio & Label Execs during MBE Conference • Booked to Perform at 2021 Taste of Soul Festival • Featured on Fresh Establishment's "Twerk Songs" Playlist (30K+ Followers)
Rapper
Dallas, TX
Sponsored for a Music Video shoot from Diamond Cut Visuals • Featured on Fresh Establishment's "Twerk Songs" Playlist (30K+ Followers)
Rapper
South Bend, IN
Booked to Headline The Late Show Concert during A3C
Singer
Philadelphia, PA
Wins Exclusive Lease from @RobTheMatrix and a $500 Marketing Campaign
Rapper
Oakland, Ca
Selected to perform on 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Receives free Trip from Hawaii to Perform for A&Rs and Tastemakers at Exposure Open Mic in Atlanta
Rapper
Long Island, NY
Receives sponsored placement on WorldStar Hip-Hop • Selected to perform at 2021 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Booked to Perform at Exposure Open Mic with Paid Flight & Hotel
Singer/Songwriter
North Carolina
Music showcased for Major Label A&Rs and Execs during 6th Annual MBE Conference • Selected to perform on 2021 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Lands three Spotify playlist placements
Rapper York, PA
Rapper/Producer
Albany, GA
Lands paid feature on song from Kentucky Singer/Songwriter Lexxah Drew. • RGB Booked for Sponsored Listening Party during #MediaMattersATL ($1500 value) • Music showcased for Major Label A&Rs and Execs during 6th Annual MBE Conference
Singer/Songwriter
Atlanta, GA
Wins $500 in 6th Series of Digital Music Review • Wins $500 in 8th Series of Digital Music Review • Lands 6 Spotify playlist placements • Wins $500 Campaign from InAvator Marketing for Single, "O What a Fool" • Sponsored to Perform for A&Rs at Exposure Open Mic and WON!
Wins Exclusive Lease from @RobTheMatrix and a $500 Marketing Campaign • Lands sponsored photoshoot with Korupted Visuals • Lands Spotify Playlist Placement • Lands 4 Exclusive Beat Leases from Jai Wav Beatz
Rapper
Richmond, Va
Selected for Sponsored Placement on WorldStar Hip-Hop
Rapper/Singer
Milwaukee, WI
Booked to Open for Polo G Concert in Atlanta with Paid Flight & Hotel • Booked to perform at The Cosign $1,000 DJ Competition during A3C Festival
Rapper/Songwriter
Cincinnati, OH
Sponsored to perform for Jadakiss during a private showcase with Paid Flight & Hotel! • Selected for a cover feature in issue #32 of Makin' It Magazine • Booked to perform at #Summerfest in Atlanta • Booked to Headline
Final Fantasy Concert during A3C • Selected to perform at 2021 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Lands placement on Spotify Playlist • Booked to open for Platinum RocNation Recording Artist, Freeway! • Selected to receive $5,000 Promo Campaign to roll out new single "Twerkfest" • Selected to perform at 2022 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW
Rapper
Milwaukee, WI
Lands five Spotify Playlist placements • Sponsored for Free Mixtape campaign Hosted by DJ Scream
Rapper/Songwriter
Dover, DE
Sponsored to Perform for A&Rs at Exposure Open Mic in Atlanta • Booked to Perform for Radio & Label Execs during MBE Conference in Atlanta • Booked to perform at 2021 Media Matters Soundstage during SXSW • Selected for Sponsored Placement on WorldStar Hip-Hop
Rapper
New York
Lands free trip to Atlanta to perform "On God" at Exposure Open Mic