Backstage Circle Launches Free Global Community for Music and Production Professionals

On June 17, 2026, Backstage Circle opened its virtual doors to the world, offering a single, free hub for music, retail, pro‑audio, pro‑lighting, and pro‑video professionals.

The site pulls together five of founder Jim Norris’s long‑running newsletters—Music Spotlight, Music Retail Spotlight, Pro Audio Spotlight, Pro Lighting Spotlight, and Pro Video Spotlight—into one member‑owned platform. Subscribers now receive daily industry coverage, the Backstage Insider podcast, monthly newsletters, live and archived webinars, and a library of curated resources.

“Norris said the idea sprang from a persistent need for a focused space where professionals could find relevant news and each other,” according to the launch announcement. “Our industry runs on relationships, but the people in it are scattered across a dozen feeds and inboxes that were never built for them.” The community is meant to bring together touring lighting technicians, music retail managers, studio audio engineers, and others who work across the production chain, so they can learn what’s next in their field and connect.

Backstage Circle positions itself as an international resource. While Norris’s earlier work was largely Canadian, the new platform invites professionals worldwide. Each vertical offers news, advice, and project coverage tailored to its sector. The Backstage Insider podcast features interviews with artists, executives, and behind‑the‑scenes personnel, while live webinars cover both craft and business topics.

“Backstage Circle gives our industry partners and the professionals we serve a direct, trusted place to gather,” said Maureen Jack, Director of Business Development. She added that the site is open to publicists, brands, educators, and working professionals across all five sectors.

Norris’s background spans performance, education, and corporate communications. He toured and recorded across North America, taught Entertainment Marketing at Metalworks Institute and Music Business at Mohawk College, and served as President of NWC, an international communications company. These experiences shape the platform’s mission: to provide practical, useful content for people doing the work.

The launch marks a deliberate shift toward a community model rather than a collection of separate newsletters. By uniting the five verticals, Backstage Circle aims to reduce the noise of general social media and offer a space where industry professionals can share real insights, network, and stay ahead of trends.

Prospective members can learn more and sign up at www.backstagecircle.com. With free membership and an international focus, the platform could become a central resource for professionals across the global entertainment and music‑products industries.

The platform’s success will depend on continued engagement from its core sectors and the quality of its content. As the entertainment industry evolves, a dedicated, professional community like Backstage Circle may help bridge gaps between disciplines and streamline information flow.

At present, Backstage Circle is live and actively inviting new members. No further rollout dates or expansion plans have been announced.