Mastercard Launches Second Season of Artist Accelerator Program in Collaboration with OnesToWatch

In a bid to further amplify its presence in the music industry, Mastercard has announced the launch of the second season of its Artist Accelerator program. This year’s installment is specifically crafted to cater to the escalating demand for live music experiences witnessed throughout 2023. Teaming up with OnesToWatch, a renowned global music discovery platform for emerging artists across various genres, Mastercard aims to unlock an array of remarkable opportunities for artists, fans, and mentors alike.

The program will kick off in April with the introduction of a live touring series in collaboration with OnesToWatch. Emerging talents will have the chance to showcase their skills through live performances while benefiting from mentorship provided by industry experts such as Este Haim from the esteemed sister trio HAIM. Moreover, participants will undergo educational bootcamps focusing on cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and Generative AI. These initiatives are designed to equip artists with the necessary skills for merchandising, marketing, and promoting themselves both in the digital realm and physical spaces.

According to recent statistics revealing that 84% of live music enthusiasts express a desire for better avenues to discover new artists, OnesToWatch emerges as a beacon, spotlighting tomorrow’s potential superstars on concert stages more prominently than any other emerging artist platform in the industry. Through this strategic collaboration, Mastercard endeavors to empower artists both on and off the stage, fostering their growth and success in the live music sector while facilitating fans in uncovering their next favorite artist.

Leading the pack for the second season is Asha Imuno, a 22-year-old artist, producer, and songwriter hailing from California. Imuno, renowned for his distinctive fusion of nostalgic elements from classic Hip-Hop and R&B with a contemporary twist on Soul and Funk, is set to captivate audiences with his mesmerizing performances. His debut appearance with Mastercard is scheduled at the Fast Company Grill on Sunday, March 10, 6:00 p.m. in Austin, Texas, as part of the magazine’s 11th annual event.

Enthusiasts keen on following the journey can acquire the limited-edition Mastercard Music Pass NFT for the second season. This Music Pass promises exclusive access to a plethora of content and experiences throughout the year, including concerts exclusively curated for select pass holders, behind-the-scenes insights, and engagement opportunities with Mastercard’s Pass to Priceless platform. The anticipated drop of the Mastercard Music Pass is slated to occur in the forthcoming weeks.

Building upon the triumph of its inaugural season, the 2024 Mastercard Artist Accelerator endeavors to further nurture emerging talents within the digital economy. With a robust framework of mentorship, digital education, and strategic opportunities, Mastercard remains committed to supporting artists as they navigate their career trajectories.

Mastercard’s enduring commitment to the music industry, artists, and fans is underscored by its continued partnerships with esteemed events such as the GRAMMY Awards, Latin GRAMMY Awards, and The BRIT Awards. Furthermore, the brand is dedicated to forging new alliances aimed at delivering exclusive live music benefits and experiences to privileged cardholders worldwide. Notably, Mastercard even launched its album, “Priceless,” through an innovative collaboration aimed at mentoring rising artists. Leveraging its proven track record and expertise in the music domain, the second season of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator program is poised to furnish emerging talents with the requisite tools and capabilities to thrive in today’s tech-driven era.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up on Pass to Priceless to receive notifications about the forthcoming drop of the Mastercard Music Pass, ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this enriching musical journey.