In an industry known for its resilience, ingenuity and culture-shaping influence, a new wave of talent is reshaping the music landscape, redefining boundaries and driving innovation. These 11 genre-bending artists, trailblazing executives and clever founders are proving that music is more than just entertainment—it’s a force for connection, activism and wellness.
Hip-Hop Artist
The Atlanta-born, platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated artist bridges music, activism and wellness through his introspective lyrics and soulful performances. As one-half of dynamic hip-hop duo EarthGang, Olu has collaborated with a list of superstars, including icons like J. Cole and Snoop Dogg, while promoting environmental conservation through the EARTHGANG Foundation. (Their consistent efforts led to the city of Atlanta declaring April 27 “EarthGang Day.”)
Olu’s passion and impact extend to mental health advocacy. He launched wellness brand COMPXSS in 2024, inspired by a four-week retreat and 200-hour yoga certification in Bali. COMPXSS, in partnership with brands like Nike and Soho House, fosters wellness-grounded conversations in the hip-hop community through focused retreats and experimental events. Olu is redefining balance and self-care within the music industry.
Entertainment Industry Executive
A serial creative entrepreneur, Davis has championed innovative business models and partnerships within the music industry, while pioneering new approaches to signing and artist development. Davis, who began his career as a songwriter, has held a plethora of titles, including independent label president, consultant and, most notably, senior vice president of A&R for Dolly Parton’s management company, CTK. He and his companies have worked with some of the industry’s leading artists, ranging from Jimmy Eat World to Boyz II Men. Davis has also earned a reputation as one of the music industry’s most passionate—and effective—mentors. Most recently, he led four previously unsigned musicians to record deals with major labels.
Founder & CEO, Inveniem & Definitive Authentic
Mindich’s lifelong music fandom coalesced into Inveniem, an archival and curation company that creates cutting-edge, fan-driven experiences, enhancing the connection between fans and artists. Inveniem and its consumer brand Definitive Authentic give clients an existential reminder: “Your past is your future.” They put those words into action through preserving—and expanding—the legacies of some of the world’s most beloved and influential artists, athletes and brands.
Inveniem were the curators behind The Metallica Black Box, a digital museum containing artifacts such as never-before-seen videos and photos, unheard audio and untold stories from the iconic rock band. Mindich and his team have done similar work for artists like Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and Naomi Judd.
Singer-Songwriter, Humanitarian, Wellness Advocate
Aiko began her career as a backup vocalist for R&B group B2K in the early 2000s. Since then, the singer-songwriter has curated a long-standing career that’s spawned seven Grammy Award nominations, collaborations with powerhouse artists like Kendrick Lamar and a 2024 sold-out arena tour. Inspired by wellness practices such as sound therapy, Aiko has a specific vulnerability and storytelling element within her ethereal, spiritual music, which has led many fans to describe it—and her—as having a “healing power.” She’s taken that power outside of music and into fans’ hands with the launch of homeopathic self-care line Jhenetics, soothing music platform Sleep Soul and healing products line ALLEL.
Salsa Singer
Known as “el Pavarotti de la Salsa,” the Puerto Rican singer has been praised and admired for his powerful, melodic voice—and for his efforts to expand the salsa genre to new audiences. Nieves’ notable career, which spans more than 40 years and several genre-defining hits, includes stints in groups and as a solo artist.
The longtime performer skyrocketed into the mainstream American consciousness in the ’80s and ’90s after launching his solo career. His rendition of ’60s classic “I Like It Like That,” released in the late ’90s, catapulted him to commercial success with its use in advertising campaigns and a film bearing the same name. As a solo artist, the Grammy nominee used his platform and expertise to introduce English lyrics into his music, expanding the salsa genre’s appeal and reach to new audiences.
Independent Artists
The south Mississippi trio first grabbed the nation’s attention in 2022 with a golden buzzer-approved appearance on America’s Got Talent, where they sang “You Can Have Him Jolene,” their modern twist on Dolly Parton’s 1970s hit. Parton approved, and America followed. (The song has garnered more than 8 million Spotify plays.) The group—composed of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart along with their first cousin Trea Swindle—are also seasoned industry entrepreneurs.
As independent artists, they’ve largely been responsible for their own marketing and branding, securing their own appearances and gigs. They’ve released a full-length country album, collaborated with brands like Ford and performed at the Grand Ole Opry, where they received four standing ovations—all without the backing of a major record label. From busking on the streets of New Orleans to being named part of CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025, this group is only getting started.
Founder & CEO, Seeker Music
Despite being born into music royalty (his dad was Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart), Evan Bogart has charted his own path in the industry, turning setbacks into successes. The Los Angeles native started his career as an Interscope Records intern, where he worked on Tupac Shakur’s first posthumous album. While there, Bogart passed along a demo tape that helped bring on one of his favorite battle rappers: Eminem.
His decades-long songwriting career has produced massive hits for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Becky G and Lizzo. Now, Bogart is running his own publishing company, Seeker Music. But he remains focused on mentoring and guiding the next generation of songwriters. He’s also the chair of the Songwriters & Composers Wing for the Grammy Awards, where he helped create the Songwriter of the Year Award.
Singer & Philanthropist
The New York native turned rising country singer has opened for country stars such as Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and the late Loretta Lynn (no relation). Throughout the past few years, she’s performed for millions across the world, thanks to a persistent touring schedule that’s included a 40-city European tour.
Lynn’s debut album, “Lone Rider,” jumped to the No. 1 spot on Amazon Music, making her the only independent artist to rank in the top 5. She is also an influencer with nearly a million followers across various platforms, who’s using her rising fame for causes closest to her heart. Lynn has worked with Toys for Tots, United for the Troops and the Barbara Giordano Foundation, which supports female veterans.
Founder & CEO, Hangout
Serial entrepreneur Perla is on a mission to make social media more social again—with music as the focus. Using his background in creating social networks and working for Meta, he cultivated a virtual listening community through the social music platform Hangout, which launched last November.
Hangout connects audiophiles through music discovery and curation, using its vast library of more than 100 million songs from major record labels such as Sony, Warner and Universal. Users can invite friends to their “hangout” within the platform, where they can take turns in a virtual DJ booth, playing their favorite songs. “Our vision has always been to create a platform that celebrates the joy of music but also helps support the music industry,” Perla said ahead of the platform’s launch.
Cofounders, EVA
Moreland and Stokel met as students at Belmont University in Nashville, where they were immersed in the vibrant music scene, booking everything from large house parties to small festivals. Booking pain points—scattered details, endless paperwork and overall uncertainty—led them to create EVA, an online marketplace that connects event planners and vetted entertainers in a matter of minutes.
What started as a dorm room project has become an inclusive solution that’s revolutionized corporate entertainment booking. EVA has put more than $6 million into the pockets of musicians throughout the country, connecting more than 2,500 artists with major corporate clients like Dell and Amazon. The company launched in New York City last December, expanding its influence.
This article originally appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of SUCCESS® magazine. Photo of Channing Moreland & Makenzie Stokel courtesy of Jessica Amerson.