Music Forward teamed up with our Ambassador and multi-platinum selling global superstar, Khalid, for a very special All Access program during his Free Spirit tour. The experience took place at Amway Center in Orlando with a group of aspiring young musicians from nearby Jones High School. The program included a private sound-check and an exclusive Q&A session with Khalid and his Musical Director, Khirie Tyler. They discussed creative processes, musical inspirations, and advice for a career in the industry.

Marchel Washington, Jones High School Senior – Class of 2020 recounts her extraordinary experience:

The day was August 16^th, I spent the whole time thinking about meeting him. I could barely sleep the night before; I was just too excited. Khalid was my prime focus that day. Free Spirit, his album, was playing on a constant loop and I was more than ready to hear him in person.

The experience was more than I expected. We were treated like VIP and skipped a long line of people just to hear his soundcheck. The music, the dancers, the lights, the people, were indescribable. It felt as if I was on a different planet, in a different place, it felt refreshingly new. If I could, I would relive that night all over again. The entire day is a memory I refuse to lose.

I will always remember meeting Khalid. He was humble and down to Earth. He did not have a complex feel as if he was better than anyone else, he felt human. His demeanor was comforting overall. I must admit, Khalid gave the best hugs ever. A lot of people say not to meet your heroes or any celebrities because they aren’t what they seem to be, but Khalid was an exception.

Khalid taught me an incredible thing. He said ’Creativity cannot be rushed; it has to flow.’ I am a poet and at times it can be hard to create. I try to force creativity, but Khalid taught me that it will not function that way. Creativity will flow when it needs to and when it is unlocked. I learned a valuable lesson I will never let go: to be humble, patient, and creative.

This experience opened my eyes and made me realize I could do and be more. It made me want to explore life more as a creative. I want to grow as a poet, create works that connect with people and bring comfort and truth. It made me want to write poems that will have the same impact that Khalid had on me. My entire outlook on being an artist has changed due to that night and I am forever grateful to the Music Forward Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

Music Forward teamed up with Cricket Wireless and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Julia Michaels, to present an All Access program with local youth. We invited ten young women with aspirations of careers in the music industry to meet Julia and talk candidly about pathways to success, the creative process, and real-world insight into the industry.  The group of participants came from across Los Angeles and represented a diverse array of musical backgrounds; they arrived with excitement and eager minds for this unique experience. They were also invited to go behind-the-scenes of a production studio to learn about the relationship between live entertainment and film before experiencing Julia’s in-studio performance as part of Live from the Cricket Lounge.

The aim of this event—as with every All Access program—was to create a space for young people to explore the music industry from an inside perspective and make valuable connections for next steps on their own career paths. Music Forward gives our participants the opportunity to channel their creativity through inspiration from others’ professional experiences within the field. Julia answered a variety of questions during the session and gave honest, genuine advice about the obstacles she’s faced within the music industry and how she has overcome them. After the Q&A, Julia performed an intimate set with an acoustic rendition of her most popular song, “Issues,” along with other new releases. To end the special night, she connected directly with the group and took photos during a personal meet and greet.

This was a particularly special event as Julia is part of our inaugural Ambassadors Council, which launched this week. The Ambassadors Council is a group of inspirational artists dedicated to empowering the next generation by contributing to the Music Forward mission. Ambassadors stand with us as advocates, harnessing the power of music to elevate the next generation.

When given the opportunity to chase their dreams, the ambition and potential of these young women are unmistakable. And we are confident they will excel in anything they set their minds to achieve!