YouTube Music’s Foundry artist development program is back, seeking to support “the next wave of independent artists.”
this OEM plan Providing a launching pad for independent artists who are just starting out. It provides marketing and promotional tools as well as resources and development support to help these artists thrive.
The initiative has supported more than 250 Since its launch in 2015, it has attracted artists from around the world. Arlo Parks, Dua Lipa, Clairo, Girl in Red, Guna, Japanese Breakfast, Kenny Bates, Natanael Cano, Savayama Rina, Rosalia , snail mail and temswait.
The latest wave of Foundry artists in 2024 are Kashkobain, Orion Sun and Tommy Richman. Cash Cobain, a rising rapper and producer known for his innovative “sample-drilled” sound, is gearing up for the release of his debut album, Play Kash Cobain.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of YouTube and it’s been a big part of my journey. I would spend hours hunting for beats and finding new, fresh artists on there. When I first started my career, I would All tracks are uploaded to YouTube, which is an important part of getting my music out there. I love YouTube and am honored to be the newest member of the Foundry project,” said Cobain.
Los Angeles artist Orion Sun returns after a two-year hiatus with her self-titled album, Orionexpected to be released in September.
“I’m honored to be a part of the Foundry, and it’s things like this that are building a new era of musicians.”
Tommy Richman
“Creating music is very visual for me. I love recording clips from my favorite movies or editing movie scenes for fun! I also enjoy watching interviews, documentaries, and some conspiracy theories. I love getting lost in pop culture analysis and True Crime Podcast,” said Orion Sun.
“On YouTube, I create, discover and find virtually all the music I never knew I needed in my life. YouTube is its own planet and I love it there! I’m so excited to be a part of the Foundry Project.
Rounding out the first wave is Tommy Richman, a genre-crossing artist whose recent single ” Millions of babies, It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
“YouTube has been a major conduit for music discovery in my life, so I discovered artists like Denzel Curry and Jean Dawson on YouTube early on. I’m honored to be a founding member part of the factory, and it’s things like this that are building a new era of musicians,” Richman said.
YouTube hints that more independent artists will join the Foundry program on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Foundry is evolving its approach to cater to today’s independent music scene, including more opportunities and more resources, as well as influencer promotion.
A new feature will be Foundry Music Nighta series of live performances at independent venues in partnership with Foundry artists National Association of Independent Venues (Niva).
The first event will be held on September 10th at The Troubadour in Los Angeles and on October 23rd at Cannery Hall in Nashville. The lineup for the Los Angeles and Nashville shows has yet to be determined.
In addition, Foundry artists will receive ongoing support from the YouTube team, workshops, coaching, marketing assistance, and access to YouTube Music features. YouTube Music will also showcase Foundry artists through playlists, social media promotions and even advertising boards.
YouTube said Foundry will continue to identify influential artists and provide them with the resources they need to connect with fans and succeed in the music industry.
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