Courtney Stewart

Courtney Stewart Influences the Evolution of the Music Industry

December 23, 2020
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Labeled by the Southeast innovation community publication, Hypepotamus, as “an influencer in nearly every genre of music,” Courtney Stewart (Founder of Right Hand Music Group) has joined Techstars Music to help find the next generation of entrepreneurs who can shift how we listen to and interact with music and musical acts.  

Stewart has created quite a buzz in joining Techstars Music, as he contributes to reinventing the industry. This includes helping artists connect directly to fans, launch new creative acts, bring virtual and augmented reality technology to the recording industry, and improve the safety and experiences around live performances.

Stewart in his twelve plus year career in the music business has experienced and survived its continued evolution. He states, “A big wake up moment for me was when Napster hit,” Stewart told Hyepepotamus. “It was kind of like the COVID moment we are going through right now. Everything just stopped in the music business.” Stewart recognized that technology was influencing every aspect of music and he wanted to be part of that transformation.  

“I think about young producers who might be struggling using some of the popular programs out there, and they might get frustrated and aren’t able to reach their full potential. But they could create their own program that literally is a game-changer,” added Stewart.  

To ensure that the Techstars Music team is bringing in new talent into the MusicTech space, the program has committed to 50% of its program CEOs being diverse — with a particular focus on Black, LGBTQ+, and female founders. Managing Director Bob Moczydlowsky spoke about the diversity pledge in a feature in Rolling Stones this November. 

Read the full story: https://hypepotamus.com/feature/techstars-music-feature/

Courtney Stewart Khalid

Courtney Stewart is headed for Billboard’s Power List 2021

December 12, 2020
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In the year 2020 Billboard has taken a different approach to compile its annual Power List. In an opportunity to evolve with the music industry they have decided to list powerful figures by leadership and elevation in conjunction with influence and segment.

The new decade has brought about a significant change by inspiring a new generation of leaders that are powerful and game changing. The Power list recognizes leaders that are exceptional in their jobs and make moves that elevate the entire music business. This doesn’t take away from the level of power; instead, it’s focused on how well leaders use their power.

Needless to say, Courtney Stewart, founder of Right Hand Music group made the Billboard 2020 Power List. Here is what they had to say about Stewart:

Billboard Music

Barely five years into Khalid’s career, Stewart’s client is a six-time Grammy nominee with 6 billion streams for his sophomore album, Free Spirit. Khalid’s 2019 tour, which wrapped in Australia in December, included double sellouts at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, New York’s Madison Square Garden, London’s O2 Arena and Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, says Stewart. Through his secondary company, Keep Cool, Stewart is working with breakout R&B artist Lucky Daye, who has been nominated for four 2020 Grammys.

Billboard also states the list will continue to evolve and values the thoughts and input of their audience. Going forward there will be a way for others to chime in and provide feedback to influence the way the future Power List’s will be produced.

Although the list was published in January of 2020, we believe Courtney will make the list in 2021. With the continued success of Khalid (in 2020 Khalid has won five Billboard awards, iHeart Music album of the year, and Grammy nominee for record of the year) and artists on his roster, Stewart’s power will overflow into years to come.

Courtney Stewart

Courtney Stewart Partners Right Hand Co with Techstars Music

December 1, 2020
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Techstars Music is excited to welcome Right Hand Music Group. Founded by Courtney Stewart, Right Hand represents global superstar Khalid. Courtney and his team will join their investment committee effective immediately. This is their first member company owned by a person of color. When the committee forms in early December to make final evaluations of startups, Techstars will be in a much better position to ensure people of all communities are represented on both sides of the table.

In the last few months, there’s been more public discussion than ever about fairness, transparency, and opportunity in the music business.

The global music business is facing both unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Now, more than ever, we need to do our part to support entrepreneurs regardless of their cultural background, economic status or physical location.

As investors, we think this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a gigantic business in music and live events. We also think it is our moral obligation to do our part (however small and specific our role may be) to start building a more equitable and diverse music business.

As a result, we’re making the following commitments:

1. Techstars Music 2021 will run entirely remote

2. Techstars Music is committed to 50% of our program CEOs being diverse 

Read full details of the article here:

Rolling Stone