Local group provides support for Indy’s rising artists

Nine Marion County-based performing artists have been selected as part of the Next Up Fellowship.

It’s a new professional development program that will provide local artists the opportunity to work with experts to enhance their music careers.

The Next Up program, which will invests $100,000 in career growth opportunities for the artists, is supported through the #IndyKeepsCreating Series. The program features music, art installations, and cultural programs through March and is part of a city and Indy Arts Council collaboration.

Cultural Development firm GANGGANG Co-Founder and President Alan Bacon, said candidates applied through an open call issued last fall or were nominated by a selection committee.

“We have nine amazing fellows and groups that we are investing directly in, and we are really excited about the future promise- not just with these nine individual groups and artists but with the future impact this will have on the city’s performing arts community,” Bacon said.

The artists will receive customized coaching and master class opportunities across areas including entrepreneurship, law, brand identity, touring, performance impact, and the history and legacy of music culture in Indianapolis.

The program will culminate in a group showcase at The Vogue in Indianapolis on Friday, March 25.

"Next Up is another incredible opportunity for artists and for Indianapolis at large,” Bacon said. “If this program helps more artists make it to the next level, then we all win. Individual success will eventually elevate other performing artists and the entire creative economy within the city.”

More information can be found at indykeepscreating.org.

The 2022 Next Up Fellows:

Huckleberry Funk, soul/R&B band
Norrie the Goat, rap artist
We Are TribeSouL, hip-hop, soul, and spoken word duo
Ed Lanier, soul, funk, and rock
Allison Victoria, soul, jazz, and hip hop to folk, pop, and more.
Wife Patrol, rock trio
PsyWrn Simone (pronounced Sī-ren Si-mōn), song, lyricism, and spoken word
Starchaser, progressive metal/modern guitar playing
Native Sun, hip hop