BUILDING A LEGACY FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC - INSIDE THE JOSIE MUSIC AWARDS - GOLDY’S CLOSET EPS #304

What does it really take to build an awards show from the ground up and turn it into an international destination for independent artists?

Goldy Locks sits down with Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino, the mother-daughter force behind the Josie Music Awards, to talk about the vision, family, faith, and determination behind what they’ve built.

From the first awards at Dollywood to artists now traveling from around the world, Josie and Tinamarie share how the event grew, the massive work happening behind the scenes, and why genuine relationships, education, and networking remain so important.

They also dig into the realities of being an independent artist, where creative freedom often means becoming your own businessperson, promoter, marketer and advocate. They explain why the Josie Music Awards look beyond followers, popularity and sales to recognize an artist’s complete body of work, longevity and dedication.

From honoring legendary names to expanding television and media coverage, this is the story of a family that believed independent artists deserved their own place at the table, and decided to build it themselves.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How an idea became the Josie Music Awards

• The journey from Dollywood to increasingly larger venues

• What happens behind the scenes as thousands of submissions arrive

• Why relationships still matter in the entertainment industry

• Creating education and networking opportunities beyond the awards

• Independent artists versus the traditional major-label system