Backline program continues with 4 new artists
The live music industry as we know it is dead in the water.
But Backline — the Fast Company-recognized career advancement program for local musicians — has managed to continue, and in some ways, improve.
Radio Milwaukee — WYMS-FM (88.9) — and local startup accelerator gener8tor Thursday announced the four local artists selected for Backline this year.
Rapper Lorde Fredd33 is a noted name in the scene, earning praise from Pitchfork and other outlets for his last album “NORF: The Legend of Hotboy Ronald.” The other three participants are exciting up-and-comers: rapper Cam Will, self-described “anti-pop singer-songwriter” Bisca Rae (formerly known as Liza Jane), and So Zuppy, the stage name for producer Micah
Foust’s solo project.
Despite the economic downturn, Backline was able to provide each artist with $20,000 grants, as it offered each of its participants since it began in 2018, thanks to contributions from American Family Institute and other businesses and organizations.
The customary networking trips to New York and Los Angeles were scrapped, too, but the artists have been able to do virtual meetings with music industry players in those cities, Nashville and Atlanta, talking to reps from Atlantic Records, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and other major players in the music industry.
Traditionally, they’d book 10 meetings per trip, said program director Enrique “Mag” Rodriguez. For the virtual Backline program this year, the artists actually have 30 meetings on the books.
They’ve had other opportunities despite being stuck at home. With the grants, each of the artists was able to get gear for in-home studios. And with schedules open for many producers, Cam Will was able to collaborate remotely with Milwaukee-born producer Bizness Boi (Swae Lee, Lil Nas X) and Skysense, who worked on Drake’s seminal album “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late.”
The program continues through next month, with various songs, albums and videos expected from the Backline class through the fall, Rodriguez said.
This fall, Backline also will offer a special session for its 14 alumni, Rodriguez said.
Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.
Piet also talks concerts, local music and more on “TAP’d In” with Jordan Lee. Hear it at 8 a.m. Thursdays on WYMS-FM (88.9), or wherever you get your podcasts.