Inside look: How the TIDAL A&R team taps emerging artists for the MIA Festival

Made in America Festival is one of the greatest musical moments that happens each year that passes by. Since 2012, the Philadelphia concert series has put it on for music fans around the world and more importantly emerging artists from the corners of the globe.

Still, we can’t forget that there’s always more to music. Behind the scenes, there is a team of experts that make sure that each stage at Made in America Fest is one to remember. Rain or shine they ensure that everything runs just right, especially when it comes to curating the hottest musical acts of the year.

That’s why we had to connect with TIDAL’s SVP of A&R Jason Kpana and VP of A&R Toshi Kondo. The two have been in the game for a while and when it comes to the music industry both are veterans in the game.

 

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Can’t believe @jeezy ‘Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101’ happened 14 years ago. This photo was from August 6, 2009, when I interviewed @jeezy for a @xxl cover story. Thank you @vsatten for the opportunity. Really appreciate it. #TM101 is one of my favorite albums and it was an honor to interview a legend like @jeezy This is actually the first picture I ever took with an artist. Appreciate @jeezy for letting me rock the CTE chain for this flick. Had me looking clean like I actually had some money 💰 😉 📸 @salacuse

A post shared by Toshitaka Kondo (@toshitakakondo) on Jul 27, 2019 at 9:24am PDT

In chopping it up with Kpana and Kondo we found out what it really takes to curate the best line-up of emerging artists for this year’s performances at the TIDAL stage. After all, it takes a tremendous effort on both sides of the fence to execute and make sure the fans are happy and the emerging artists performing are too.

Eyes have to stay peeled and ears must stay close to the streets. Paying attention to who’s up next and what artists are sure to rock the stage plays an important role in a careful selection of great shows.

It’s obvious for this year’s TIDAL stage roster at Made in America Festival 2019 the two went above and beyond to ensure that this line-up will be one to remember. From newcomers like Lil Tecca to star-studded artists like Meg Thee Stallion performing on the TIDAL stage, the musical diversity reminds fans that this was no easy task.

Hopefully, the wisdom from both Kpana and Kondo will give artists and fans more insight into what it takes to make it to the TIDAL stage and to throw a raging concert that wows crowds year after year.

Check out this year’s Made in America Fest line-up for yourself below.

 

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