Entertainment
Steve Stoute Launches 100% Royalty Program For Artists
Steve Stoute has officially launched an initiative entitled Select that would provide independent artists with 100% of all their royalties through his very own UnitedMasters Program. According to the Wall Street Journal, Stoute originally curated the music venture back in Nov. 2017 with $70 million in funding from the likes of a multitude of Silicon Valley investments, including companies such as Alphabet Inc., Andreessen Horowitz and 21st Century Fox, and NewsCorp, all of which share common ownership. The venture based in San Francisco, CA is designed to aid upcoming artists secure their brands on digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, and more.
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The UnitedMasters Program will provide artists with an untraditional approach to the music industry with the Select platform that will allow any artist to be exposed to the masses via their iPhone or Android mobile devices. Music can be directly uploaded to the Select platform simply through iMessage and will allow users to utilize promotional tools all the while retaining the rights to their masters and all of their royalties. Select will also provide artists the opportunity to have their artistry featured on some of the most revered ESPN programming including SportsCenter, The Jump, First Take, and more.
The platform will come in the form of a subscription-based app that will cost a total of $5 per month and will also provide its users access to deals with major corporations such as Apple, CashApp, the NBA, ESPN, and more. There are also won’t be a limitation on distribution to major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and more.
While it might sound too good to be true, Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters Program has helped propel the careers of rappers like Lil Tecca, NLE Choppa, and more. Even though Steve Stoute’s tenure with the New York Knicks might have started out rocky, he’s been able to become one of the most influential music executives of this generation.
Check out ESPN’s official partnership announcement with Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters Program in the Instagram post provided below.
Artist Spotlight
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.
The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.
The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.
The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.
Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”
Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.
The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.
“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.
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