From the South to the World.

EMERGENT & CO. bridges the gap between emerging creatives and global audiences.

Our mission is to provide artists with the essential space, community, and resources they need to flourish and expand their creative horizons.

Through strategic partnerships with international institutions, brands, and organizations, we amplify the voices of talented creators from the South and other historically underrepresented communities.

Our Team

  • CEO & Co-Founder

    Taylor “Tay Powers” Barner is an international DJ, producer, music executive, and serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience at the intersection of culture, technology, and impact.

    Before becoming Head of Music for Sean Parker’s social platform Airtime, she collaborated with leading artists in pop, hip hop, and R&B, and contributed to several award-winning films. She also served with Notes for Notes, Inc., building state-of-the-art recording studios for youth across the country.

    Now, as the Founder and CEO of Emergent & Co., Tay leverages her deep industry knowledge and passion for creative equity to lead a dynamic ecosystem that uplifts emerging talent and transforms communities.

  • COO & Co-Founder

    Will York III is a dynamic business strategist and creative entrepreneur known for bridging culture, commerce, and community. With a proven track record in business development, he has advised Fortune 500 companies on transitioning to clean, sustainable energy solutions while driving innovation at the intersection of impact and industry.

    Beyond the boardroom, Will is a builder of ecosystems. He co-founded Prauper Studios, a forward-thinking creative agency and design studio, and in 2020 launched BLK Fathers, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to reshaping narratives around Black fatherhood and empowering men of color through mentorship, resources, and financial literacy.

    Today, as a founding partner and COO of Emergent & Co., Will leads strategy and operations for a multidisciplinary platform that amplifies Southern creatives and fosters culturally rich, community-rooted experiences. His work reflects a deep commitment to equity, storytelling, and creating spaces where emerging talent can flourish.

  • Technical Director

  • Creative Lead & Graphic Designer

  • Videography & Content Lead