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Music Media Collective Announces Founding Board and Advisory Members to Strengthen the Future of Music Journalism
Wed, April 9, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
Music Media Collective (MMC), a new nonprofit built to revitalize music journalism and support professionals across music media, is proud to announce its inaugural Board of Directors and Advisory Board members. This group of diverse and deeply respected industry professionals represents the first wave of voices joining MMC in its mission to create a more equitable, independent, and community-driven future for music coverage.
As traditional music journalism continues to be gutted by consolidation, clickbait, and shrinking budgets, the Music Media Collective was created as a support system for those still driving discovery, context, and connection across the music ecosystem.
MMC’s mission is to provide funding, infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities for journalists, photographers, radio veterans, podcasters, publicists, and other media creatives, offering resources and paid opportunities to help them not just survive but thrive. From the biggest festivals to the smallest local scenes, MMC exists to uplift and strengthen the fans, artists, venues, and platforms driving music culture forward.
Led by founder Stephanie Seiple, Music Media Collective houses several flagship programs, including:
Asses in Seats: a live music podcast that blends music news and guest interviews with the energy of sports talk radio, inviting fans to engage in real-time conversation while raising funds for mission-driven music nonprofits during each episode. Seasons 1 and 2 have supported the Recording Academy’s nonprofit, MusiCares.
Legacy and Legends: a live event series spotlighting iconic artists andbehind-the-scenes music pioneers.
CrateDigr: a Letterboxd-style social network where fans can review, rate, and discuss music, concerts, and festivals; share photos, videos, setlists, and other content; and connect over live music experiences. It also serves as a platform for artists and venues to share music and promote upcoming events to targeted audiences.
Founding Board Members Include:
Maggie Poulos – Founder, Mixtape Media (Publicity)
Leo Lavoro – SVP, Jensen Communications, Inc. (Publicity)
John Morrison – Journalist and Cultural Critic (Journalism)
Bo Rains – Grants Specialist & Musician (Funding)
Mitch Beer – Co-host, Asses in Seats; Indie Label Owner (Podcasting)
Rich McKie – Formerly WXPN/World Cafe, Tri State Indie (Photo/Video)
Additional board members will be added in the coming weeks, with founding board members helping identify and invite those best aligned with the MMC’s mission and vision.
“As a steward of our mission, I see my role with the Music Media Collective not only as an advocate but also as a collaborator and caretaker. Supporting our many artists, partners, innovators and each other with empathy, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring that every decision we make is rooted in sustainability, fairness and purpose. The challenges are real, but so are the moments of inspiration. Together, we will amplify voices, create opportunities, and carry the torch for future generations.” — Leo Lavoro, SVP Jensen Communications, Inc.
“The Music Media Collective knows, and loves, the vital role that music journalism plays in the music ecosystem and the true fan/artist connection. The MMC is excited to be the hub that connects the music media community with the resources, energy, and support it needs in a constantly changing media landscape.” — Mitch Beer, Co-host of Asses in Seats; Indie Label Owner
“It’s become scary when you think about how much community-based music media has disappeared,” says MMC Founder Stephanie Seiple. “Music media is a vital part of the music ecosystem. Without it, artists, venues, and fans lose out on discovery, connection, and live experiences. And when that’s diminished, it chips away at the livelihoods of the people trying to build or sustain careers in the music business.
There’s power in numbers, and we’re building this organization for the industry, by the industry, to restore access and opportunities in music coverage, and to bring together the people who’ve been doing the work all along, whether they’re in journalism, radio, podcasting, photo and video, PR, or creating content across new and emerging platforms. Our board and advisory team reflect the expertise, collaborative spirit, and drive we believe are necessary to rebuild a flourishing music media landscape.”
Advisory Board (So Far):
Laura Wilson – President, National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF)
Michael Kauffman – Executive Director, Clio Music
Taylor Esche – Head of Publicity, Cash or Trade
Donald Cohen – President, The Fan Alliance
Frzy – Emmy Award-Winning Rapper
Mark Schulz – Senior Director, External Affairs, Musicopia
Barry Griffin – Founder, Azimuth.ai; Former RCA Records
Music Media Collective will host a virtual town hall this spring to share more about its programming, pillars, and how to get involved.
Sign Up for updates, collaboration opportunities, or to join the community.
For Press Inquiries: info@mmcollective.org