Micah McGee, known as Strooly, began his musical journey in a family of artists and musicians. His earliest memories include playing piano at his grandparents' house at age four, fascinated by harmonies and rhythms. Growing up around painters, illustrators, and screen printers instilled a DIY creative mentality that influenced his approach to art. Though he learned multiple instruments by ear (piano, guitar, drums, cello, and stand-up bass), his transition to electronic music production happened in college when limited space made traditional instruments impractical. After moving to Memphis in 2010, he joined a collective of DJs and producers called Voodoo Village, gaining experience in the backend of running a label. This eventually led to co-founding Future-Everything with his partner Anthony Carter, creating what he describes as "a living museum" for artists he believes in, focusing on music that evokes strong mental imagery and emotional narratives.

Musicians J Opp and Benjamin Reese are co-owners of Havenhaus, a DIY music venue in Memphis. The venue began as a small house music space that J started after the COVID pandemic shut down other DIY venues like Pagan Mom House. What began as a necessity to keep the local music scene alive has evolved through several locations to their newest location next to Earnestine & Hazel's in downtown Memphis. J describes finding each new space as almost divinely ordained, with opportunities consistently appearing at the right time. When the previous Cooper Young location began showing limitations (one porta-potty, no AC, electrical issues, and noise complaints), J and Ben found their current downtown location with a built-in bar, stage, lights, and sound system - the perfect next step for Havenhaus.

At the age of 5, Suroor Hassan wanted to become a pop star. She discovered Britney Spears who taught her unapologetic self-expression and artistic presentation. This early fascination with pop as an idea has led her to experiment with the art form, blending sounds she heard growing up in Pakistan, layered hyperpop glitter, poetic themes of queer joy and angst, and performance. Not only is Suroor a pop star on the rise who recently finished a tour of the Midwest, she’s an adjunct professor and scholar working on her dissertation.

Almost a year ago, the music and lifestyle platform BitchBopz—led by Ashley Koehler—was born and has since taken the Memphis music by an ultra hot storm, highlighting all things femme, femme, femme. Frustrated with not being able to use her marketing and design talents for something that gave her purpose, Ashley formed BitchBopz out of a need to amplify authentic music she loved which blossomed into an engaged online community. Eventually, artists Taylor Mix and Ellen Whelan joined as co-Bopperz, and now, the trio is getting ready to throw a big anniversary bash at Ugly Art Co. after a wildly successful Grammys Watch party—their largest feat yet, but with so much more to come. 

Singer/songwriter Victoria Dowdy started her music career relatively late. She always sang since childhood but was too shy to purse it professionally until it hit her: she would regret it for the rest of her life if she didn’t follow her path. Now, she’s a star on the stage, collaborating with musicians (including her duo with Ethan Baker for Oakwalker), releasing albums and singles, and finding the happier side of herself through writing.