THE INDIE MBA:

From corporate burnout to rocking festival stages—Nicky Markin, MBA is an independent artist and strategist helping indie creatives get booked, paid, and known.

After nearly a decade in the 9–5 grind (and a detour through long-term disability), Nicky traded corporate culture for creative freedom. She’s since released music under her project Midnite Gossip, played major festivals, earned an international music award, and built a movement helping artists run their careers like a business.

As the founder of The Indie MBA, Nicky blends artistry and strategy to empower musicians who are done winging it. Her work helps artists show up like pros, pitch with confidence, and grow without burning out.

MIDNITE GOSSIP:

Midnite Gossip is a cinematic alt-pop duo from Calgary, AB, featuring Nicky Markin (vocals, production) and Mickey Valenz (drums, vocals, production, visuals). Their sound merges lush, atmospheric production with elements of trip-hop, electronica, and raw, intimate vocals, creating what they describe as a “pretty but gritty” musical and visual aesthetic.