FLINT, Michigan — As artificial intelligence continues to develop, it dominates virtual musical arenas and streaming services. This directly influences independent artists, making it difficult to break through glass ceilings that lead to exposure in the music industry.
Sonic Scout Radio offers an exclusive platform for independent artists to emerge and have a space free of industry pressure.
Artists are played by this station around the clock, ranging in genres from R&B, pop, punk, and Hip-Hop. Each show and presenter of this team offers unique musical expertise that keeps worldwide listeners informed and engaged.
Flint native Maiya LeGardye is recognized by Sonic Scout Radio as a creative powerhouse and will be launching her show, Uptown Sounds, on Friday, June 27.
In her hometown, she is mostly known for her role as
manager of Flint Local 432 and her passion for giving a platform to artists who don’t always have access to traditional airplay. She spoke with Flintside to share the inspiration behind the new show and to highlight the importance of independent music.
Flintside: What attracted you to a career in the music industry, and how has this shaped Uptown Sounds?
Maiya LeGardye: “I’ve always loved music. I knew I wanted to be an artist when I was a kid. Then I reached a point in 2018 where I was interning, but I knew I wanted to produce music. Working at the Flint Local 432 showed me the practical side of the music industry, and I got to see what makes it go. This also showed me the different career paths that are possible.
A radio show was not something that was on my radar until it was presented to me, and I thought it was amazing, especially being from Flint. When the opportunity to work with Sonic Scout Radio came about, I kind of fell in line unintentionally. Now, I really want to help expand and help others get to that same point.”
Flintiside: What makes unsigned artists and their music unique?
M. LeGardye: “It’s not a lot of independent love out here. The industry is flooded, and independent artists, who serve as the backbone for the music industry, are the ones who lose. The Flint Local 432 has always kept that underground feel, and that’s where home is for me. That’s where I get to engage with those artists that are building and growing, plus I’m an independent artist myself.
The biggest thing for me is to make sure we create and carve out space for these artists exclusively, where they don’t have to compete with big names in the industry, and they can authentically grow their audience.”
Flintside: Can you tell us more about Uptown Sounds and how you connect with artists?
M. LeGardye: “We launch globally on June 27, 2025. There is an app in the works, but listeners can go to
Sonicscoutradio.com to hear the show. All our shows are very unique and different, mine is reflective of my audience.
Flintside: How do you connect with artists for the show, and is there a particular sound you look for?
M. LeGardye: “I interact with a lot of artists through my job here in Flint. The genre’s range, but I look for authenticity. We find a lot of artists through social media, YouTube, and word of mouth. Artists can also
reach out to me directly if they want to connect. There is a $10 fee for artists each time their song is played.
I would love to launch the show with 60% of the plays coming from local artists from Flint and surrounding areas. Even if someone reaches out to me and their style might not fit with my show, there are other people on my team I can connect them with. I would love to be able to present Flint artists with an opportunity to tell our stories worldwide.”
Flintside: How can the community support Uptown Sounds?
M. LeGardye: “I would love for the community to listen and to be a part of the viewership — everyday people, you know? Folks who have stories, who have something to share, and advice to give. I would love to get community members in the studio for interviews and to share their light. The app is currently in development, but I would love for the community to be listeners.”
Maiya LeGardye can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Uptown Sounds will begin streaming on Sonic Scout Radio on Friday, June 27, 2025.
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