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From the moment you meet Elizabeth Vargas, you realize that she's a force to be reckoned with. In our eight years of friendship, I've watched her command a room with her sultry voice (she's a former professional songstress) and have bore witness to her inspiring business acumen, but what is most impressive about Elizabeth is her generous heart (which I've seen the grand effects of, too). So when she decided to fuse her two passions (music and business) to create Edge Music Network --a music video platform that gives back to musicians and subscribers--, it made perfect sense to me. The concept also made a great deal of sense to a few powerful, billionaire-investors: John Paul DeJoria (founder of Patron Tequila/co-founder of Paul Mitchell) and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. If Elizabeth is selling something, you're likely to buy it. Not only is her passion and determination contagious, but she has done her due diligence --making her an extremely attractive business partner. But seriously, how did she get these tycoons to invest in her vision? "I simply pitched them the truth. Invest in a music video platform that has passion, love for others, and selflessly gives back," she says matter-of-factly. "They loved it!" This was not a cold-call though. Elizabeth has known Steven and John Paul for several years now. John Paul and Elizabeth met via a shared love of philanthropy –more specifically while attending prominent charity events around the United States. When she told him that 10% of all the revenue generated would go to charities that feed children like, Feeding America, homeless veterans and natural disasters, he was in. "John Paul has been an amazing, loyal advisor and supporter ever since and I'm proud to call him my partner." As for how she partnered with unquestionably one of the biggest rock stars alive, the two met through their affinity for music at Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, introduced by its founder David Fishof. "We hit it off!" she says about first meeting Steven. "I told him I wanted to own the new digital MTV and he loved the idea and wanted to be a part of it." The name Edge Music Network is actually a nod to Aerosmith's "Livin' on the Edge" (which was one of her favorite songs growing up) and her desire to provide a new digital platform for "edgy, new artists." Additionally, the blonde powerhouse has culled an extraordinary group of advisory board members to ensure that her business operates at an optimal level, including Eric Sherman (founder of VH1 Classic), Queen's Roger Taylor, The Who's Roger Daltrey, among others. With a docket of music industry heavyweights in her corner, Elizabeth set out "to be a global leader in syndicated premium video content" and to "bring effortless video viewing into everyone's home and fingertips." For Elizabeth, the desire to work within the music industry has been there ever since she was a child. "I wanted MTV when I was 13. I knew I wanted to own it or create a similar network that created positive emotion in people and unity." The journey to get from point A to point B has been an adventure. Over the years, Elizabeth has held a number of jobs that have helped prepare her for such a massive undertaking. After attending Cornish College of the Arts, where she studied jazz vocal and music theory and international business and media technology at Bellevue University, she founded media production company, Visual Media Innovation Inc. Next, she worked as a consultant/investor/ host/producer at women's golf TV series, Good Time Golf. She returned to her musical roots with Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, where she worked in digital media as well as hosted, promoted, and interviewed renowned artists like Slash, Vince Neil, Joe Walsh. Then she founded production company, The Edge HD. After spending five years on development and licensing, Elizabeth launched Edge Music Network in March 2015. Naturally, there were some roadblocks to overcome. "Technology has been my number one challenge. Lack thereof, that is. My thoughts are so forward-thinking that it has taken years for technology to catch up with my vision," she explains. So how does Edge Music Network work? Subscribers are given access to exclusive music and content by their favorite artists, and can create custom playlists, watch music videos, and are exposed to a myriad of up-and-coming artists. "Edge Music is different from other music services in that we incentivize the users' experience with the psychology of gamification coupled with their passion for the music they love. The points and rewards system is at the backbone of the platform." Users immediately begin earning points just by signing up on the mobile app or website. Points are then earned by creating playlists and watching music videos. Subscribers will be able to redeem their points for merchandise like festival and concert passes, music memorabilia, and more in the near future. Now that's a great incentive! Today, Edge Music Network's partners include Universal Music Group, Amazon, and All Digital… and music labels Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Music Group, Geffen/A&M Records/Interscope, Universal Music Classics… the list goes on. After years of hard work, Edge Music Network is finally taking off into the direction Elizabeth intended. Where would you like to see the company in the next five years? "I would like to see us cash positive enough to start giving back to those in need." What else are you working on? "Besides working in music, I've created a petition supporting the efforts to provide free healthcare for all veterans in need, which is important to me because we, as Americans, enjoy the freedoms and liberties afforded by the sacrifices of our military… it's the least we can do when they come home. To sign the petition, visit Freehealthcareforallveterans.com." ML For more information, visit EdgeMusic.com. Available in the Apple app Store and coming to Google Play soon. Which musicians have influenced your love of music? "I'm into jazz… I attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Jazz Vocal major. Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald are a few of my heroes," says the Orange County, California resident. Edge Music Network's Mission Edge Music Network specializes in globally syndicating premium video content, live or on- demand, with top tier technology distribution partners. EMN bridges the gap between content creators and the consumer by using our powerful syndication model. When the content is securely aggregated and monetized by us, everyone succeeds.