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
• Recognizing careers and bodies of work instead of popularity alone
• Faith, family and staying focused through criticism
• Honoring music legends alongside emerging independent talent
• Television, media expansion and what's coming next

SOUND BITES
"We look at the work, the dedication and the career behind the artist."
"Independent doesn't mean small. It means you're building it your way."
"You can't build something this big without relationships."
"This became so much more than handing somebody an award."

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Goldy Locks' Opening Remarks
00:30 Goldy Locks' Appreciation and Audience Engagement
01:24 Where the Idea for the Josie Music Awards Began
02:19 From Dollywood to a Growing Awards Show
03:37 Bigger Venues and a Bigger Vision
04:57 Managing Crowds and the Reality Behind the Production
06:44 Why Relationships and Networking Matter
08:50 Faith, Family and the Foundation Behind It All
10:23 Pushing Forward When People Say It Can't Be Done
12:39 Growing Beyond Awards Into Education and Connection
14:14 Thousands of Submissions and the Review Process
16:10 Juggling the Awards, Businesses and Multiple Projects
19:20 Taking the Josie Music Awards to Television and Media
20:57 What's Next for the Platform
22:24 Larry Namer and a Changing Entertainment Industry
23:20 The Freedom and Challenges of Being Independent
25:58 Celebrating Legends and Entire Careers
29:08 Building a Business With Family
31:47 Upcoming Events and Ways to Get Involved
33:56 Final Thoughts and Closing