Show notes
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 InformationLatasha Woodward’s initiatives are accessible through:🔗 Music App: Who's Got Next Music🔗 Foundation: https://anncephusff.org🔗 Social Media: @WhosGotNextMusic #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.