With the announcement of the highly anticipated second season of its acclaimed Artist Accelerator programme, Mastercard is once again at the forefront of the music business. In an effort to meet the skyrocketing demand for live music events, this year’s programme has formed a special partnership with OnesToWatch, an international music discovery platform famous for discovering the most promising new artists.
From the Studio to the Stage
Beginning in April, prospective musicians may take advantage of a complete package offered by the Mastercard Artist Accelerator programme. Live concerts, mentoring from seasoned professionals like HAIM’s Este Haim, and educational bootcamps exploring cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and Generative AI are all on the menu for these artists.
Covering topics including merchandizing, marketing, and self-promotion across both physical and online channels, the programme gives learners the tools they need to thrive in the digital era. Because of this, they are able to do more than just attract listeners; they can also use technology to improve their songwriting, teamwork, and revenue generation.
Harnessing Enthusiasm and Criticism
“Having a successful career in today’s dynamic music industry demands an entrepreneurial mindset. From the screen to the stage, the second season of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator is designed to help artists thrive in this dynamic digital era. Through programs like the Accelerator, brands can unite passion and purpose to lift artists up—as we enrich the fan experience,” said Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar.
OnesToWatch: A Platform for Future Icons
Along with 84% of live music fans, Mastercard has teamed up with OnesToWatch, a platform that has helped launch the careers of internationally acclaimed musicians such as Lewis Capaldi, Tate McRae, and Ashe. Both the musicians and the audience benefit from this partnership; the former gains a leg up in the live music market, and the latter finds their new musical love.
“OnesToWatch is a proven launchpad for the next wave of talent. We’ve helped propel icons like Lewis Capaldi, Tate McRae, the Marias, Conan Gray, and Ashe onto the global stage,” said David O’Connor, Founder of OnesToWatch. “Together with Mastercard, we’re giving artists opportunities, tools and the guidance they will need to build a sustainable and successful career. At OnesToWatch, there is nothing that fills us up more than championing and fostering the growth of young artists, paving the way for them to become the headliners of the future.”
A Sneak Peek at Season 2
The first confirmed contestant for the second season of the programme is Asha Imuno, a musician, producer, and songwriter hailing from California. He is known for his distinctive combination of traditional Hip-Hop and R&B elements with a contemporary spin on Soul and Funk. On March 10th, attendees at the Fast Company Grill in Austin, Texas may see Asha perform live in collaboration with Mastercard.
The upcoming weeks will see the release of a limited-edition Mastercard Music Pass NFT for fans who are ready to go on the voyage. A plethora of year-round material and experiences are available to holders of this special NFT, such as select-holder concerts, behind-the-scenes content, and chances to participate with Mastercard’s Pass to Priceless platform. Make sure you don’t miss the official Music Pass release!
Providing Resources to Legacy Artists and Cultivating a Robust Community
Continuing from the solid groundwork established in its first season, the 2024 Mastercard Artist Accelerator programme expands upon its core competencies. More than 100,000 Music Pass subscribers joined five artists on their digital travels in season one, as they were empowered to build their own pathways. Beyond the programme, Mastercard continues to help these artists by providing digital education, strategic possibilities, and mentorship as they navigate their careers.
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Mastercard’s Decades-Old Support for the Music Industry
The GRAMMY Awards®, the Latin GRAMMY Awards®, and the BRIT Awards are just a few of the esteemed events that Mastercard has partnered with throughout the years to promote the music industry. They are always looking for innovative ways to work together so that cardholders all around the world may enjoy unique live music events.
Mastercard’s new CD, “Priceless,” demonstrates their creative approach to artist mentoring and furthers their commitment to the music industry. Because of this, and because of their proficiency in creating strong digital networks, Mastercard’s Artist Accelerator programme is well-positioned for extraordinary success. In season two, up-and-coming musicians learn the ropes of the tech-driven music industry.
Subscribe to Pass to Priceless for updates on the Mastercard Music Pass NFT drop and everything else happening with Artist Accelerator.
Get more information about the programme by checking out its official website.
