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2025 MEDIA RELEASES Q4
THE DEBUT OF “THE COUTURE FREEQUEENSEE WITH CEO LEXI“
November 16, 2025
Chicago, IL — The Couture Life Media proudly announces the official debut of “The Couture FreeQueenSee with CEO Lexi”, a new on-air experience premiering Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST on My Radio Chicago / SDR Network. Centered around Business • Music • Culture, the show invites listeners to elevate their mindset, sharpen their strategy, and tap into authentic creative leadership as CEO Lexi brings her signature truth, transparency, and elevation to the airwaves.
With over a decade of impact within the independent music industry, CEO Lexi Couture has built a respected reputation as an advocate, educator, designer, and creative visionary. Known for her commitment to empowering independent musicians and independent record labels, Lexi has championed artist rights, proper music registration, brand development, and industry professionalism. Her work has earned multiple honors, community awards, and recognition across Chicago’s creative and entrepreneurial communities.
Lexi’s multifaceted empire includes:
- Couture Music Management: independent artist development, music release strategy, industry education
- The Couture Music Institute for the Arts, NFP: nonprofit dedicated to training and advancing independent musicians
- Lexi Couture Designs: digital design, website development, branding assets
- Couture Marketing & Branding: promotional materials, brand identity systems, event branding
- The Couture Life Media: multimedia brand offering media coverage, interviews, events, and production
- The Couture Life Magazine: digital publication highlighting entrepreneurship, music culture, arts, fashion, and community excellence
In addition to her leadership in music and media, CEO Lexi brings extensive podcast production, scriptwriting, hosting, video production, and editing experience making The Couture FreeQueenSee a polished, engaging, and culturally relevant platform designed to inform and inspire.
“This show represents clarity, power, and purpose,” Lexi says. “It’s time for independent artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to rise into their next chapter. Tune in and turn up your frequency.”
The premiere episode airs New Year’s Eve, marking the beginning of a new era for Chicago radio and independent media as CEO Lexi merges storytelling, strategy, industry insight, and cultural commentary with signature Couture energy.
ABOUT THE COUTURE FREEQUEENSEE WITH CEO LEXI
A dynamic weekly broadcast dedicated to the intersection of business, music, and culture. Designed to elevate independent creatives and entrepreneurs with real-world insight, expert interviews, industry breakdowns, and transformative conversations.
ABOUT MY RADIO CHICAGO / SDR NETWORK
My Radio Chicago is one of the city’s leading digital stations for independent artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural programming. As part of the SDR Network, it delivers high-impact, community-centered broadcasting across Chicago and beyond.
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:
The Couture Life Media
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further editorial opportunities or corrections;
MEDIA CONTACT:
The Couture Life Magazine – Press Office
📧 contact@couturemusicmgmt.com
🌐 www.couturemusicmgmt.com/the-couture-life-magazine
@CEOLEXICOUTURE
INDIE MAJOR MOVE: EASY O’HARE JOINS HUSTLE.
November 9, 2025
Chicago, IL — Following a joint announcement made earlier today via Instagram and other social platforms by Chicago rapper Easy O’Hare (@easyohare_) and music executive John Monopoly (@johnmonopoly), The Couture Life Magazine is officially recognizing and reporting on the exciting new partnership between the rising independent artist and Hustle.
Easy O’Hare, known for his unapologetic lyricism and authentic storytelling rooted in Chicago’s hip-hop culture, has officially joined the Hustle. roster, with its strategic campaign experience this move will accelerate Easy O’Hare’s growth trajectory.
The partnership, amplified by the involvement of legendary Chicago industry figure John Monopoly, whose decades of experience in A&R and artist development offer a seasoned infrastructure, this collaboration positions Easy O’Hare to expand beyond local acclaim into broader markets.
John Monopoly celebrated for his longtime influence in music management, brand development, and his pivotal role in elevating Chicago talent and several other major artists and brands from all around the world, brings extensive industry insight and strategic leadership to the table.
“The Couture Life Magazine is honored to share this development, Easy O’Hare’s consistency and individuality represent the best of Chicago’s new wave while his authenticity and hustle align seamlessly with Hustle.’s mission.
This partnership with John Monopoly isn’t just a business move, it’s a cultural moment for the city’s independent music scene.
Together, this marks the next level for the hip-hop movement in Chicago and beyond.”
- CEO Lexi Couture, Editor-in-Chief of The Couture Life Magazine.
The Couture Life Magazine continues to spotlight independent music success stories and industry movements that shape the culture from the ground up.
ABOUT EASY O'HARE:
Easy O’Hare is a Chicago-based independent rapper whose music blends street realism with smooth melodic delivery. Known for his independent grind and growing online presence, he’s become one of Chicago’s most promising unsigned talents.
ABOUT HUSTLE. :
Earlier in 2025, John Monopoly and Paul "St. Paul" Holyfield teamed up to launch Hustle., an artist-centric music development entity, label and distribution company focused on empowering independent artists through creative direction, strategic campaigns, and growth partnerships.
ABOUT JOHN MONOPOLY:
John Monopoly is a respected Chicago music executive and manager with a proven track record in A&R and artist development. His career spans collaborations with iconic artists and contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further editorial opportunities or corrections;
MEDIA CONTACT:
The Couture Life Magazine – Press Office
📧 contact@couturemusicmgmt.com
🌐 www.couturemusicmgmt.com/the-couture-life-magazine
@CEOLEXICOUTURE
Chicago’s Lucky Spearman Goes Viral: Kards Entertainment Visionary Steps Into a New Era of Digital Stardom
November 8, 2025
Chicago, IL — The Couture Life Magazine proudly spotlights the rising momentum of Lucky Spearman, an independent R&B artist, DJ, entertainer, and the visionary behind Kards Entertainment, whose recent surge on TikTok has propelled him into a new wave of visibility and impact across the digital entertainment landscape.
Recognized for his smooth vocals, charismatic performances, and crowd-moving DJ sets, Lucky Spearman has carved out a unique lane in Chicago’s creative scene. With a foundation rooted in R&B artistry and a natural ability to energize any room from live shows to digital streams Lucky continues to demonstrate the versatility and innovation that define today’s independent entertainers.
His platform, Kards Entertainment, serves as his blueprint: a creative ecosystem built on authenticity, entertainment, and connection. Under this brand, Lucky has expanded his artistry beyond music and into full-scale entertainment, engaging audiences through live performances, DJ sets, events, and viral social content.
In recent months, Lucky has experienced major viral success on TikTok, gaining rapid traction as a DJ whose energy, transitions, and personality resonate with both long-time supporters and new fans discovering him daily. His growing digital presence reflects his evolving role as a multi-hyphenated entertainer who blends R&B soul with modern-day virality. Lucky (@lucky_spearman) has now garnered 71.5K followers on TikTok thanks to his imprint Klub Kards After Dark, which goes live on TikTok Tuesday through Sunday, 1 0PM–2 AM CDT, giving fans an immersive, late-night experience that showcases his musical versatility and dynamic performance style.
“This is the part of the journey where talent meets timing,” says The Couture Life Magazine. “Lucky Spearman is showing what’s possible when consistency, creativity, and branding align.”
With more content on the way, upcoming performances, and new music in development, Lucky is positioned to continue expanding Kards Entertainment and amplifying his presence on and off the stage. Most recently, Lucky DJ’d at the “Power: Force” Premiere watch party on November 7th, 2025, showcasing his ability to energize high-profile events and connect with diverse audiences.
The Couture Life Magazine will continue covering Lucky Spearman’s journey as his momentum grows and his entertainment empire evolves.
About Lucky Spearman
Lucky Spearman is an independent R&B singer, DJ, and entertainer from Chicago. Known for his signature tone, vibrant personality, and high-energy performance style, he is also the founder of Kards Entertainment, a creative brand dedicated to music, entertainment, and impactful audience engagement.
About The Couture Life Magazine
The Couture Life Magazine highlights independent creatives, business leaders, and cultural innovators through elevated storytelling, editorial coverage, and media excellence.
For interviews, coverage, or feature requests, contact:
COUTURE GEMS: WHAT'S NEW IN THE INDIE MUSIC SPACE
Tidal Launches “Tidal Upload” for Independent Artists
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
Revived Fight for Artist Compensation: “Protect Musicians Act”
Tidal now lets self-releasing artists upload their music directly, bypassing traditional distributors. BUT these uploads do not generate streaming royalties.
Instead, Tidal offers cash incentives via a “Spotlight Program” + a contest (“Upload Headliners”) with a $100K prize pool.
Impact for indies: It’s a way to get your music on a premium platform for exposure, but not a reliable revenue stream via traditional royalty flows.
Revived Fight for Artist Compensation: “Protect Musicians Act”
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
Revived Fight for Artist Compensation: “Protect Musicians Act”
A revised version of the Protect Musicians Act has been introduced in Congress.
This bill is backed by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) and the Artists Rights Alliance (ARA), and aims to give artists more bargaining power with streaming companies especially in the context of AI-generated music.
Why it matters: If passed, it could reshape how independents negotiate compensation and ownership in a streaming ecosystem increasingly influenced by AI and big tech.
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
Illinois passed a law (HB 4975) that makes it illegal to use AI to replicate a person’s voice or image in recordings without their consent.
This protects artists’ identity from being misused in AI-generated songs or videos, a growing concern in the era of generative content.
Local relevance: For independent musicians based in Chicago or anywhere in IL, this is a significant safeguard.
Proposed 7% Amusement Tax in Illinois Threatens Indie Venues
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Illinois Moves to Protect Musicians’ Likeness + Voice via AI Law
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is warning that Illinois’ proposed 7% amusement tax(SB 2111) could devastate smaller music venues and indie promoters.
Many independent stages in Illinois are already not profitable, and this tax could push local artists and promoters out of business.
Why this matters for indies: More tax means higher ticket prices, fewer shows, and fewer stages where emerging artists can perform.
Chicago-Rooted Backlash Against Spotify
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Nearly 70 Chicago musicians have signed an open letter calling out Spotify citing issues like data privacy, low compensation, and the rise of unlabeled AI‑generated music on the platform.
This reflects a larger movement of indie artists questioning how streaming platforms operate and whether they truly support creators.
Potential ripple effect: If more artists pull their music or demand change, it could shift how Spotify and other DSPs negotiate with independent creators.
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Chicago Venue Rosa’s Lounge Launches Its Own Indie Record Label
Rosa’s Lounge Records was created to spotlight “unrecorded talent” in Chicago — especially in blues, R&B, and rock.
The label is structured so that artists retain their music rights, which is a big plus for independent musicians valuing ownership.
Opportunity: More local infrastructure for Chicago artists to record and release music while keeping creative control.
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
The HITS Act (Help Independent Tracks Succeed) has officially passed.
This allows qualifying independent producers and artists to deduct 100% of production expenses in the year they happen, rather than amortizing over several years.
Why this is huge: It gives indie creators major financial flexibility, especially when investing in recording and production.
Indie Music Community Pushes for Fair AI Licensing
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
Groups like the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), and Music Creators North America (MCNA) are demanding to be part of AI licensing negotiations.
They argue previous deals between big labels / publishers and tech companies have left small creators out of critical revenue-sharing structures.
What’s at stake: How future streaming (and AI‑driven) platforms pay songwriters for generative content.
Chicago-Based Independent Label Closes
Tax Relief for Independent Producers: HITS Act Is Law
Chicago-Based Independent Label Closes
Trouble in Mind Records, a well-known indie label based in Chicago, shut down operations (ceased being active) as of June 1st, 2025.
They’re maintaining their back catalog, but their closure represents a loss of a long-standing institution in Chicago’s indie music scene.
Takeaway: Even established indie labels face sustainability issues in the changing music business.