Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Kelley.

Hi Joe, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

A lifelong music lover, my journey began as the frontman of a high school emo band before graduating from UMASS Amherst and heading to New York City to pursue my passion for the music industry. In 2010, I launched the U.S. leg of BalconyTV, showcasing emerging talent in unique settings. By 2016, I was leading Billboard’s Artist Relations Department, where I worked with top-tier talent and industry leaders until the pandemic reshaped the landscape.

Post-pandemic, I pivoted to artist management, joining a small, dedicated team to manage Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legends Duran Duran, overseeing key aspects of their iconic career. From there, I founded BLCKJEANS MGMT, an indie management and booking company dedicated to discovering and elevating incredible talent from across the U.S.

I also host a weekly online radio show, Fascination Beat, where I interview emerging artists from NYC and around the globe. Additionally, I curate and host Industry Nights, a monthly music industry meet-up and new artist showcase series. Since its inception in 2018, Industry Nights has served as a major platform for rising stars like Noah Kahan, Kim Petras, ARIZONA, Ella Mai, Noah Cyrus, and many more.

Through all these ventures, I remain deeply committed to connecting people through music and helping artists thrive on their creative journeys.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Absolutely not. Without a formal foundation in music, breaking through and finding the jobs to sustain myself early on was incredibly challenging—and it still can be to this day. I worked for free for many years, pouring my energy into growing something I deeply cared about. Those unpaid hours were a labor of love that eventually led to my big break when I was fortunate enough to be drafted by Billboard for what was, at the time, my dream job.

The journey has been far from linear. I’ve had side hustles to make ends meat, faced emotional ups and downs, and experienced firsthand the mental toll the music industry can take on individuals who don’t start out with resources handed to them. I’ve become very vocal about these struggles because I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel.

Despite the challenges, I’ve always found purpose in staying resilient and helping others navigate their own paths. Whether it’s through artist management, my radio show, or Industry Nights, my mission remains the same: to support and uplift emerging talent while fostering meaningful connections in the music world.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m the founder of BLCKJEANS MGMT & MEDIA, where I specialize in artist management, working with bands and artists across the U.S. to optimize their careers. My work includes booking shows, marketing releases, building opportunities to grow their brand, creating monetization strategies, fostering valuable connections, and so much more.

In addition to artist management, I host a weekly radio show, Fascination Beat, where I dive deep with up-and-coming bands, exploring their creative process, stories, and unique perspectives in a long-format interview style. I also curate and host Industry Nights, a series that has become a major platform for artists on the brink of fame.

I’m known for my unwavering passion for music and my innate ability to discover and champion incredible new talent.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m passionate about combining my love for music with giving back. Over the years, I’ve organized and hosted numerous concert series to raise money and awareness for non-profits that align with causes I care deeply about. These events support organizations that I believe contribute to the social good—or at least what I see as the social good. It’s incredibly fulfilling to use music as a platform for positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blckjeans.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkelley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.kelley.7792
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjkelley/
• Other: https://joekelleyportfolio.my.canva.site/joe-kelley-portfolio-2025