UNDERGROUND
MUSIC
ACADEMY
AK
JUST SHACOI
DJ KILLA SQUID
LADY WITCH
HYPEMELO
NICK BURGESS
ISAAC PRIETO
ZOE TALLEY
INTRODUCING
ELEMENTS CLASS OF '25
Underground Music Academy proudly announces the 2025 Elements cohort, featuring a dynamic group of Detroit’s rising artists: AK, DJ Killa Squid, Hypemelo, Isaac Prieto, Just Shacoi, Lady Witch, Nick Burgess, and Zoe Talley.
This year’s class represents a powerful cross-section of creative voices dedicated to growth, exploration, and community. Each artist brings commitment, curiosity, and a bold vision for the future of music—embodying UMA’s mission to cultivate new generations of producers, DJs, and cultural leaders.
The ELEMENTS ’25 program is presented in partnership with Paxahau, Resident Advisor, Detroit Techno Foundation, and Red Bull. We’re excited to welcome these eight artists into the Elements ‘25 Course and look forward to supporting their artistic growth throughout the course.
UNDERGROUND MUSIC ACADEMY
2025:
From the Boulevard
to the Stage
If pressure makes diamonds, Detroit is a diamond mine. “As works in progress, we’re the product of pressure and the perfect alchemy of extreme conditions” says @undergroundmusicacademy founder @waajeed “We use our conditions to lift our students to their best selves." Created in collaboration with Carhartt WIP, director Evan Zott explores our 2024 Elements Course alongside promoter and producer of Movement, Paxahau, the Detroit Techno Foundation, and Resident Advisor.
Charting the journey of local talent to Movement Festival performers, Zott’s work offers an intimate look at how education and community can launch careers in electronic music. Centering ideas of motivation, inspiration and resilience, the resulting vignette pays testament to UMA’s work of empowering the next generation of music creators.
ADDRESS
2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202
