Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latabia Woodward.
A visionary founder and CEO of Who's Got Next Music Inc., joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her music tech startup and its mission to amplify emerging talent through technology-driven competitions. She also serves as chairman of the Ann Cephus Family Fund, advocating for STEM education in underserved communities.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
- Background & Journey into Music Tech
- Latasha, a graduate of East Carolina University, built a successful career in business and technology before venturing into the music industry.
- She was introduced to the business side of music when her son, Offset of Migos, asked for help managing his affairs while touring globally.
- After navigating the complexities of artist management, record labels, and industry contracts, she recognized gaps in music business education for young creatives.
- Who's Got Next Music App & Platform
- Who's Got Next Music is an artist amplification platform that leverages genre-based music competitions to discover and promote emerging talent.
- Competitions occur in three rounds—two in-app voting rounds followed by an in-person event for finalists.
- The global accessibility of the platform allows artists from North America and Canada to showcase their work while fans worldwide participate in voting.
- Music Business Education & Fair Competition
- Many young artists lack business knowledge, leading to unfair deals or lost opportunities.
- The app provides a structured way for artists to engage with fans, gain visibility, and retain full rights to their music.
- Producers contribute cleared, non-sampled beats to the platform, ensuring artists avoid legal complications.
- Upcoming Launch & Events
- Beta version is currently available on Apple & Google Play stores, with an official launch planned for June.
- A February event will introduce the app to the music community, featuring panel discussions with entertainment attorneys, sync licensing experts, and emerging artists.
- Hip-hop will be the first competition genre, followed by expansions into R&B, gospel, and other categories.
- Artist & Fan Participation Model
- Artists pay a $199 contest entry fee, gaining access to premium beats and promotional exposure.
- Fan voting is real-time and transparent, directly influencing competition results.
- Winners receive $5,000, legal services from McKinley Law Firm, and additional business support.
- Ann Cephus Family Fund & STEM Advocacy
- Latasha founded the Ann Cephus Family Fund in honor of her mother, advocating for technology education among young creatives.
- The Sound Pathways program provides high school students in Atlanta with music business education using AI-powered songwriting tools.
- Students learn music production, business strategy, and transferable skills for various industries.
📘 Resources & Contact Information
Latasha Woodward’s initiatives are accessible through:
🔗 Music App: Who's Got Next Music
🔗 Foundation: https://anncephusff.org
🔗 Social Media: @WhosGotNextMusic
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