BDTH – Music Forward Foundation https://musicforwardfoundation.org Transform Lives. Inspire Leaders. Influence Culture. Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:54:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-Website-Glyph-Red-32x32.png BDTH – Music Forward Foundation https://musicforwardfoundation.org 32 32 Kayla Erhardt Thrives with Music Forward and VocalizeU https://musicforwardfoundation.org/uncategorized/kayla-erhardt-thrives-at-music-forward-and-vocalizeu/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kayla-erhardt-thrives-at-music-forward-and-vocalizeu Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:54:20 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9688 ...]]]>

A Star is Born:

Kayla Erhardt is 18 years old and is beginning to shine through her music. Music Forward Foundation first met Kayla in 2016 when she participated in Bringing Down the House (BDTH) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through workshops and performances, she says the organization has “helped me become a more comfortable musician as far as performance aspects…taken me under their wing and helped me develop myself overall as a musician.”

In an effort to provide additional opportunities to young musicians, Music Forward partners with other leading music industry organizations, such as VocalizeU. For over 20 years, VocalizeU has offered a 10-day Artist Development Intensive program for students to train with music icons, vocal experts, and industry executives. Since 2018, they have offered a scholarship to a Music Forward alumni, and this year Kayla was awarded the opportunity. When she found out that she would be training in such a comprehensive and unique program, she was overjoyed. In her statement of purpose, she said, “the same way a flower is given life and continues to grow, music watered me. Between the good and the bad, the stage gave me a home when I had no home. The melody gave me a voice. The lyrics gave me meaning.” Kayla understands what it is like to not have a home. As a young girl, she moved around the foster care system and in her mid-teens was homeless for a period of time.

Kayla states that this 10-day Intensive has been the “best week of my life.”  When asked what she was most excited about before attending the program, she said, “I was most excited to meet and collaborate with other musicians that were my age.” And she got to do just that! “Within the workshops, I have been able to gain a knowledgeable perspective behind the logistics of what it means to be a musician… Overall, I have learned to collaborate with other artists and write music together, while having to adapt to different personalities.”

“Being given this scholarship through Music Forward from VocalizeU has been an opportunity of a lifetime – I have never experienced anything like this before!” Kayla’s light will continue to shine as she starts Berklee School of Music this fall. Shine on, Kayla!

 

Written by Mariam Boyadjian

]]> The Big Easy Takes Hollywood https://musicforwardfoundation.org/news/the-big-easy-takes-hollywood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-big-easy-takes-hollywood Fri, 28 Jun 2019 22:32:05 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9565 ...]]]>

With new talent emerging all over the nation, Music Forward aims to partner with the best! On June 19, The Big Easy visited Los Angeles when Music Forward industry mentors Kemic Smothers and Octarve H. Anderson, Jr. from OAKSway Entertainment joined our home office in Hollywood. With them they brought Bringing Down the House alumni from New Orleans, Jake Exavier (Class of 2019) and Dallas Burke (Class of 2018), and OAKSway Entertainment artists Maxxi Bryant and Peblo Da BG. Music Forward sat down with the team and gained important insight into their experiences with Bringing Down the House in their city, as well as what the future looks like for these young artists.

OAKSway Entertainment is an entertainment management firm invested in providing opportunities for young artists to grow their musical presence and build their brand. They have been a Music Forward partner for three years, and as the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.) Kemic Smothers said, “this has been a rewarding experience for young artists from not only New Orleans, Louisiana, but all over the nation.”  

Experiences with Bringing Down the House (BDTH)

 

The one word 21-year-old alumni, Jake Exavier uses to describe his experience is  “exciting.” Through the program, he learned about artist management, stage production, connecting with other upcoming artists and artist branding. These were all crucial, transferrable skills that he credits helping him to market his own brand, as well as write and perform his own songs. On June 11, Jake released his single, “Upside Down,” and gave the New Orleans audience a sneak peek of the song during his performance at the New Orleans Bringing Down the House showcase. Every day, he works diligently to ensure he gets to where he wants to be in the future, which is being a well-known artist. 

Dallas Burke, BDTH 2018 alumni, went from performing in a band called The Tainerz, to becoming a solo artist at just sixteen years old. He claimed that BDTH was a great learning opportunity because he now has the “knowledge of how the music business works.” When asked what it feels like to transition from being in a band to going solo, Burke decided he enjoys riding solo more. “Working independently is great because I have more of an opportunity to drop the type of music I personally want to put into the world.”

Upcoming Artist

Maxxi Bryant, an OAKSway Entertainment artist, is thrilled to be at Music Forward headquarters. She recounted, “I have been living vicariously through Jake, so coming from his experiences and watching him do the showcase, I just think that it is very stimulating…This is the only foundation within my radar that I have seen [provide free access to workshop and performance opportunities]. And of course, once it opens up doors, it opens up doors – you’re teaching, you’re motivating, you’re potentially putting them out there to be seen and that’s awesome.” Growing up in a musically-oriented family, she has always had her heart and soul in music. Maxxi is appreciative of the opportunities she has seen Music Forward provide others – she said, “You give young people the willpower to be themselves.” To further hone her musical abilities, she will be applying to be in the Bringing Down the House Class of 2020.

 

Words of Encouragement from C.O.O. Kemic Smothers

  • “You have to dedicate yourself to your craft in the business in order to be successful and move forward.”
  • “I never want to see anyone give up on their dreams, ever.”
  • “If you are born naturally talented, never let your flame go out.”

 

 

 

 

Written By Mariam Boyadjian

]]> Bringing Down the House 2019-It’s a Wrap! https://musicforwardfoundation.org/news/its-a-wrap-bdth-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=its-a-wrap-bdth-2019 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:51:59 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9517 ...]]]> The 2019 Bringing Down the House program is a wrap! The 2019 class was as diverse as it was talented. We saw a variety of genres represented including pop, hip hop, electronic, rap, rock, R&B, and mariachi. There was a collaborative spirit where young artists connected creatively across genres to support one another’s artistry during performances creating musical magic. Nearly 2,000 fans came out to support the artists at four concerts across the country. The results were outstanding and inspirational!

This year, Music Forward added a mentoring component to the program that allowed artists to work closely with industry mentors to plan and execute their showcase performances.  We are excited to add this piece in our program and will continue to develop opportunities that bolster connections, build confidence, and support artist development. In addition to our mentors, industry professionals reviewed applications, shared expertise during panel discussions, answered questions from participants, offered guidance during hands-on activities, provided performance feedback at showcases, and served as concert emcees.  Los Angeles artists had a special treat when singer and actress Sofia Carson visited their live production workshop. Sofia shared some performance tips and advice with the emerging artists and it was a special experience for everyone involved. We are grateful to the industry professionals who generously shared their time in support of our young artists.

Bringing Down the House would not be possible without the partnership of so many Music Forward champions. Special thanks to Live Nation and House of Blues for venue support and expertise. In addition to our industry professional volunteers, our general event volunteers and program alumni donated their time to ensure smooth and successful experiences across the country.  Bringing Down the House Chicago is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and, also made possible through sponsorship from our partner, Preach Management. Finally, we thank DLS Events, the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, and the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation for their continued support of Bringing Down the House Los Angeles.

Although we’ve just concluded this year’s program, the Music Forward team is back to work planning for the growth of the program and creating performance and learning opportunities for our ever-growing group of Bringing Down the House alumni. Keep an eye on these remarkable artists and stay tuned for exciting updates to come!
]]> Live Production – BDTH 2019 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/uncategorized/live-production-bdth-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=live-production-bdth-2019 Mon, 22 Apr 2019 17:41:30 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9305 ...]]]> Bringing Down the House 2019 workshops wrapped up in the Live Production session where Class of 2019 artists got a behind-the-scenes look at everything involved in creating a sensational show in a world-class venue. Artists experienced interacting with production teams firsthand to understand roles, etiquette and technical details. Each act worked with mentors and developed their own stage plot and tech rider for their upcoming showcases and everyone also tuned-up for a sound check and live rehearsal. The Class of 2019 in Los Angeles got a special treat with a visit from special guest, actress and singer Sofia Carson, who stopped by to share her insight and experience in preparing for a big show, how to overcome stage fright, and tips for an effective sound check. Check out photos below for highlights from the sessions in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and New Orleans.

Chicago Session Location: House of Blues Chicago

Las Vegas Session Location: House of Blues Las Vegas

Los Angeles Session Location: The Wiltern

New Orleans Session Location: House of Blues New Orleans

 

]]> Stage Presence – BDTH 2019 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/news/stage-presence-bdth-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stage-presence-bdth-2019 Fri, 19 Apr 2019 03:15:43 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9269 ...]]]> Bringing Down the House 2019 continues with the Stage Presence workshop where Class of 2019 students prepare for their chance to shine on legendary stages nationwide at upcoming showcases. Industry professionals guide students through exercises focused on effective storytelling, audience engagement, and communicating through performance. Mentors and artists review the elements and preparation required for a flawless performance and put together a road map of their set from stage entrance to stage exit and the incredible performance in between. Check out photos below for highlights from the sessions in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and New Orleans.

LOS ANGELES

Stage Presence Panelists:

Cesar Alan – Artist, Cesar Alan

DJ Omega – Artist, DJ Omega

Dylan Dunlap – Artist, On the Grind Management

Bruce Elebee – Founder, BeeHyve Consulting

Justin Emord – Bassist, Love and a .38

Tai Jones – Artist, 2TAI

Session Location: Live Nation Entertainment Hollywood

LAS VEGAS

Stage Presence Panelists:

Aaron Ameen – Talent Buyer, House of Blues Las Vegas

Angel Mendoza – Actor

Brad Ohlson – Band Manager, Incarnate

David Tatlock – Artist, Soul Juice Band

Session Location: House of Blues Las Vegas

CHICAGO

Stage Presence Panelists:

Aminata Burton – Artist, AMI

Ken Burroughs – Management, Podcast

Shantina Lowe – Singer/Songwriter, Shantina Lynet’

Tamika Rennell Smith – Project Manager, Illumivation Studios

Session Location: House of Blues Chicago

New Orleans

Stage Presence Panelists:

Kareem Ratliff – Artist, Instagram

Kemic Smothers – Executive Director, New Orleans Media Arts Institute

Ronjanique Steele –  Brand Manager/Public Relations, SYH Agency

Session Location: House of Blues New Orleans

 

]]> Music Marketing – BDTH 2019 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/news/music-marketing-bdth-2019-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-marketing-bdth-2019-2 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:09:47 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=9065 ...]]]> The fun continued with Bringing Down the House 2019 at the Music Marketing workshop where Class of 2019 students connected with marketing leaders to learn the fundamentals of building and promoting your brand as an artist. Panelists covered topics ranging from content creation and promotional strategies to trends in digital media and more. Marketing professionals also supported each act in creating a customized marketing plan to promote their upcoming Bringing Down the House showcase in each community. Check out photos below for highlights from the sessions in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and New Orleans.

LOS ANGELES

Music Marketing Panelists:

James Whitaker – Senior Business Development Manager, Blavity

Kelly Vaught – Chief Marketing Officer, BeCore Experiential Marketing Agency

Sierra Lever – Senior Marketing Coordinator, Capitol Music Group

Renee Ramirez – Marketing Associate, Live Nation Entertainment

Trevor Douglas – Artist, Trevor Douglas Official

Session Location: Live Nation Entertainment Hollywood

LAS VEGAS

Music Marketing Panelists:

Carrie Farina – Director of Corporate Ticketing, MGM Resorts

Chondell Leland – General Manager, School of Rock Las Vegas

Joy Chuang – Brand Marketing Manager, House of Blues Las Vegas

Mike Xavier – Artist, Mike Xavier Music

Session Location: House of Blues Las Vegas

CHICAGO

Music Marketing Panelists:

Carla Brown – Founder, Carla D. Brown Media & Public Relations

Chamille Weddington – Owner, Out the Box Promotions

Tamika Rennell Smith – Project Manager, Illumivation Studios

Vanessa Abron – Founder/Director, Agency Abron

Session Location: Blue Lacuna

NEW ORLEANS

Music Marketing Panelists:

Bradford Roublow – Founder, Bentley Barz Entertainment

Kemic Smothers – Executive Director, New Orleans Media Arts Institute

Kareem Ratliff – Artist, Instagram

Ronjanique Steele –  Brand Manager/Public Relations, SYH Agency

Octarve Anderson, Jr – CEO, OAKSway Entertainment

Raion Ramsey – Artist and Director, Young Starz of NOLA

Devin Minix – Artist and Program Manager, Notes for Notes

Session Location: House of Blues New Orleans

 

]]> Music as a Business – BDTH 2019 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/uncategorized/music-business-bdth-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-business-bdth-2019 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 15:29:24 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=8991 ...]]]> Bringing Down the House 2019 is under way and the Music as a Business industry session was full of knowledge and insight. The Class of 2019 artists connected with local experts and influencers to learn music business strategies and how to navigate the industry. Agents, managers, talent buyers, attorneys and other professionals discussed topics like networking, building an artist team and negotiating contracts during a panel and Q&A. Professionals then supported the artists in developing and delivering a promotional pitch to establish themselves as leaders in the industry. Here are the industry experts from the Music as Business sessions in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Chicago who helped make it all possible:

LOS ANGELES

Music as a Business Panel (from left to right):

DeMarco White – Program Manager, Music Forward Foundation

Max Mason – A&R, Quincy Jones Productions

Brandra Ringo – Senior Director A&R, Warner/Chappell Music

Jermi Thomas – Senior Director A&R, Island Records

Adam Dorn – Film Composer, IMDB

Nurit Smith – Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation

Session Location: Live Nation Entertainment Hollywood

 

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS

Music as a Business Panel (from left to right):

Shaun Fauntleroy – General Volunteer

Alex Donaldson – Artist, Crash Midnight

Paul Insinna – Entertainment Attorney, President/CEO, Poptrend Music

Marissa Goad – General Volunteer

Mike Xavier – Artist, Mike Xavier Music

Aaron Ameen – Talent Buyer, House of Blues

Julius Niskey – Founding Partner, Niskey.com

Jose Gonzalez – Instructor, Mariachi Nuestra Raices

Session Location: House of Blues Las Vegas

 

NEW ORLEANS

Music as a Business Panel (from left to right):

Bradford Roublow – Founder, Bentley Barz Entertainment

Kemic Smothers – Executive Director, New Orleans Media Arts Institute

Kareem Ratliff – Artist, Instagram

Ronjanique Steele –  Brand Manager/Public Relations, SYH Agency

Octarve Anderson, Jr – CEO, OAKSway Entertainment

Raion Ramsey – Artist and Director, Young Starz of NOLA

Session Location: House of Blues New Orleans

 

 

 

 

CHICAGO

Music as a Business Panelists (with Class of 2019):

Alison Oliverio – VP Sales Operations-Venue Sales, Live Nation Entertainment (not pictured)

Dionte Durham – Senior Legal Counsel, Infosys Limited

Ken Burroughs – Management

Chinyere Achebe – Program Coordinator, Music Forward Foundation

Session Location: House of Blues Chicago

 

]]> Open Session – BDTH 2019 https://musicforwardfoundation.org/uncategorized/open-session-bdth-2019/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=open-session-bdth-2019 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 22:15:31 +0000 https://hobmusicforward.org/?p=8454 ...]]]> Before the announcement of the Bringing Down the House Class of 2019, Music Forward hosted Social Media Workshops and Jam Sessions for all program applicants in the four cities where BDTH will be taking place. Applicants were invited to engage with an expert panel of social media professionals before playing live music with the other talented young artists who applied to the program. Here are some highlights from the events:

LOS ANGELES

Open Sessions BDTH 2019 - Panelists

Social Media Panel (from left to right):

DeMarco White (Facilitator) – Program Manager, Music Forward Foundation

Lainney Dizon – Director of Digital Marketing and Social, Rostrum Records

Patrick Adeleye – Digital Marketing Specialist, STAR Digital

Alexis Cassy – Social Media Coordinator, Live Nation Clubs & Theaters

Shayla Williams – Social Content Producer & Strategist, Savage X Fenty by Rihanna

Daniela Genie – Partner Manager, Tik Tok

Session Location: Live Nation Entertainment Hollywood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS

Social Media Panel (from left to right):

Aaron Ameen – Talent Buyer, House of Blues

Mike Xavier – Artist, Poetic Music Group

Eric Hendrickson – Marketing Manager, House of Blues

Jenna Fischer – Social Media Coordinator, MGM Resorts International

 

Session Location: House of Blues Las Vegas

 

NEW ORLEANS

Social Media Panel (from left to right):

Shara Johnson (Facilitator)

Derin Lindsey – Graphic Designer/Brand Consultant, Derin Lindsey: The Brand

Ronjanique Steele – Brand Manager/PR Consultant, Steele Your Heart Agency, LLC

Jack Baus – Show Marketing Manager, House of Blues

Bradford Roublow – Artist Marketing, Live Nation

 

Session Location: House of Blues New Orleans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHICAGO

Social Media Panel (from left to right):

Tamika Renell (Facilitator)

Blake Biesen – Social Media Manager, Jeff McClusky & Associates

Jake Dinneen – National Promotions Manager, Jeff McClusky & Associates

Chamille Weddington – Marketing Strategist, Columbia College Chicago

Megan Ramhoff – Show Marketing Manager, House of Blues Chicago

Erica Love – Marketing Strategist

Session Location: House of Blues Chicago

 

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