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“First you dream and then you lace up your boots.” – Portia White
While developing a new music performance TV series, “Undiscovered,” I had the good fortune to meet a team of people who truly give me hope. I work in the entertainment industry, and it is a lot of fun and can be very rewarding. It provides massive opportunity and is welcoming to one and all. It can make you a lot of money and make you famous. But there is a darker side to it, often unnoticed by most people. You only hear about that side when something horrible has happened. In the Film and TV industry, you might remember Harvey Weinstein and I am sure you remember Kevin Spacey, and there are many more. On the music side of things, there are people who prey upon the young and naive, those who are hungry enough to sign anything you put in front of them.
Well, this group of people I have met are helping young women take charge of their destiny, and this is their mission. It’s no secret that women’s voices in the music industry have been historically overshadowed and underrepresented. New Roots Empower, based in Nashville, is dedicated to changing that narrative. They provide artists with practical resources, education, and community support to develop a new generation of passionate, empowered, and driven female artists.
One of the most common roadblocks female artists face is knowing which steps to take to gain momentum with their music. New Roots Empower believes that knowledge is the key to feeling confident and that artists feel more secure and empowered to grow their careers through understanding the ins and outs of their unique brand as well as the music industry. Community is the foundation to building a fulfilling career at any level. New Roots Empower establishes a safe space for artists to express their vulnerabilities, feel less isolated, and be surrounded by like-minded individuals. There is room for everyone and a place to tell their unique story!
New Roots Empower’s premier community-building experience is a 4-night, 3-day intensive, specifically tailored to female developing artists (18+) who are ready to tackle their fears and take charge of their music careers. From recording in a state-of-the-art recording studio on Music Row to leaving with fresh new professional promo photos, to performing original music for an attentive audience, New Roots Empower provides top-of-the-line programming and resources, along with a community of artist peers and industry professionals, to ensure the biggest impact on artists’ careers. The organization is committed to helping female artists, and they believe they are unstoppable when they work collaboratively and raise each other up. It is their absolute privilege to witness the growth and transformations that occur, and they look forward to welcoming new members into the New Roots family.
“When Mark and I first launched New Roots, it was with the intention to give artists what we wish we had growing up in the music industry. Watching these artists begin to be the truest and best version of themselves after just three days inspires me to be a better coach, educator, artist, professional, and person,” says Sheridan Gates, Co-Founder.
Co-Founders Mark Thress and Sheridan Gates met in Nashville nearly six years ago and shared an ongoing passion for mentorship and creating innovative resources for developing artists. One afternoon, they decided to have a co-writing session which quickly turned into a brainstorming session about what they wished they had when they were new to Nashville. Instead of writing a song that day, New Roots Empower was born. It was the best song they never wrote! Coming from artist and coaching backgrounds themselves, Mark and Sheridan are very familiar with the challenges that all creatives face when it comes to developing their careers. Together, they’ve aligned their vast network of music industry professionals to create an extensive resource list for the New Roots community.
“I can’t thank New Roots enough for the amazing experience that they gave me. I think it’s such an amazing opportunity for young female artists, not only for the recording experience and the experience in front of the camera, but also for the lesson of your worth and being authentic in the music industry,” says Abby Foley, a New Roots artist.
Sheridan Gates, Co-Founder and Executive Director, is a multi-faceted songwriter, performer, mentor, and manager. Her passion for helping female artists find their worth and feel fulfilled in the music business is what fuels her business and everyday life. In addition to co-founding New Roots, she manages the careers of various artists and serves on the board of Women in Music Nashville. Mark Thress, Co-Founder and Deputy Director, is an accomplished classical and commercial musician with over 15 years of experience. His clients have had noteworthy success both nationally and internationally. Together, Mark and Sheridan have built an extensive network of music industry professionals to support the New Roots community.
New Roots Empower is more than just an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to creating a new generation of passionate, empowered, and driven female artists. By providing education, resources, and a supportive community, New Roots Empower is helping these artists take charge of their careers and tell their unique stories in the music industry. With a mission to advance the careers of female artists in a safe and collaborative environment, New Roots Empower is truly making a difference, one artist at a time.
I recommend you take a minute, visit the New Roots Empower website, and consider making a donation. Just imagine if your daughter tells you she is moving to Nashville to make it in the music industry. Wouldn’t you want her to meet Sheridan Gates and Mark Thress first? Their dedication to fostering a supportive, educational, and empowering environment for female artists is truly inspiring. By supporting New Roots, you’re not just donating to an organization; you’re investing in the future of female artists and their stories.
Visit New Roots Empower to learn more and contribute.
