Midnight Music Group is an artist-first label built to support grassroots artists by turning creative vision into sustainable momentum. What began as a live events collective has evolved into an artist development platform grounded in community, culture, and long-term growth.
About US:
HOW WE STARTED:
Midnight Music Group was founded in 2022 by Nick Thompson and Luke Calder with a simple observation. While the college live music scene was thriving, local college artists were largely underrepresented on stage. There was talent, energy, and audience demand, but few spaces willing to take chances on emerging voices. We decided to make a change.
Building CommunitY:
Booking house shows and campus parties, Midnight Music gave new artists their first opportunities to perform in front of real crowds. We prioritized accessibility, community, and culture over polish, allowing artists to experiment, connect, and build confidence.
As demand grew, Midnight Music expanded into local venues across Ohio University’s campus, transforming informal gatherings into legitimate live experiences while maintaining their grassroots spirit
Expansion:
Momentum accelerated through a partnership with Ohio University’s Music Industry Summit to produce The Afterparty, a joint event showcasing some of our community’s most compelling and entertaining artists. The event drew impressive crowds and garnered recognition from industry professionals and press, validating our vision for platforms dedicated to emerging talent.
By 2024, it became clear that live performances were only part of the puzzle. Many artists had talent and traction but lacked the infrastructure, branding, and strategy needed to sustain long-term growth.
Midnight Music Group pivoted toward bespoke artist development, beginning with the rollout of Cano’s debut EP: 1-800-TOO-DOPE. Working behind the scenes, the team led branding direction, content creation, and marketing strategy, executing a rollout that extended far beyond the music itself.
This project solidified Midnight Music Group’s role not just as a promoter, but as a creative partner invested in an artist’s full ecosystem.
Artist Development:
Becoming a Label:
What started as event curation evolved into something deeper. Midnight Music Group became a label in practice before it ever claimed the title, offering white-glove, artist-centric support across branding, content, live performance, digital platforms, and release strategy.
In 2025, Midnight Music Group expanded its live presence to Los Angeles, bridging Midwest roots with a broader national creative landscape while continuing to prioritize community-driven growth.
Our Mission:
Midnight Music Group exists to support local and independent artists who may not have access to large teams or traditional industry pathways. We focus on intentional growth, strong identity, and sustainability within an increasingly crowded music industry.
We believe the next generation of artists will be built through trust, collaboration, and long-term vision, not shortcuts.
