Fourth River 2025 Recap

For six weeks in autumn of 2025, The Rising Artist Foundation and music collective Honcho nurtured the music community in Pittsburgh. Named in homage to the city’s underground, essential aquifer; Fourth River helped artists nourish and navigate their creative careers with clarity. Ten emerging Pittsburgh-based musicians received a grant and personalized creative development from acclaimed artist Midland. For the greater musical community, Fourth River presented six, free seminars with industry professionals from across the country at the historic Wood Street Galleries. Fourth River was a pioneering program for a cultural, creative hub in the center of the U.S.

For six weeks in autumn of 2025, The Rising Artist Foundation and music collective Honcho nurtured the music community in Pittsburgh. Named in homage to the city’s underground, essential aquifer; Fourth River helped artists nourish and navigate their creative careers with clarity. Ten emerging Pittsburgh-based musicians received a grant and personalized

creative development from acclaimed artist Midland. For the greater musical community, Fourth River presented six, free seminars with industry professionals from across the country at the historic Wood Street Galleries. Fourth River was a pioneering program for a cultural, creative hub in the center of the U.S.

Grantees received a grant, health insurance and 12 sessions (6 creative, 6 professional). By the end of the program, they had:

  • Improved their production skills
  • Fostered a new creative community
  • Received foundational industry knowledge
  • Broadened their professional network
  • Engaged with established musicians & industry leaders

Industry Seminars

Six, free seminars were offered to the public. We brought in 13 music industry professionals to lend their expertise on the following topics:

Grantees

Viii Dorsey  
Davis Galvin  
EZDOESIT  
Ivana  
A Pup Named Rosy  
a.e.  
Naeem  
Slowdanger  
frogonbough  
Fiona Ishem  

Continued Support

Honcho put on a live showcase at the legendary New Hot Mass club on December 20, 2025. The Rising Artist Foundation will continue to support the grantees with guidance throughout the next stages of their careers.

Guest speakers

  • Ashraf El Gamal, YouTube Music
  • Mariesa Stevens, Liaison Artists
  • Joseph Edward Keyes, Bandcamp
  • Melanie Sheehan, (formerly) Rough Trade Records
  • Joyce Liu, 1432r Records
  • Bradly Palmer, Concord Music Publishing
  • Zack Weinstein, Sunset Songs / Mexican Summer
  • Aaron Clark, Honcho
  • Nyshka Chandran, Resident Advisor
  • Ally Jane Ayers, Brooklyn Fi
  • Adam DeGonish, Citizens Bank
  • Adam Farrell, Loma Vista Records
  • Fabienne Leys, ATC Management