BRING ON THE RHYTHM.

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME.

THESE ARE THE BREAKS.

Music Forward Team

Berania Barraza – Project Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “OMG” New Jeans

How do you practice self-care? I practice self care by taking an hour in the day to enjoy my hobbies, so I have something to look forward to everyday.

Caitlin Carter – Project Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Renaissance” Beyonce, “I Would Die 4 U” Prince, or anything by Robyn

How do you practice self-care? It’s been tough as a new mom, so I am grateful for the times I can get the basics: a shower, a few uninterrupted hours of sleep, a good meal. Going on walks always helps too

Laura Clark – Director of Education

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Unstoppable” Sia

How do you practice self-care? Technology breaks and taking time hiking in nature. I feel more connected to the present moment when I remove tech and connect to my senses in nature.

Ellen Felton – Education Associate Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Better Things” Ymori & Pueblo Vista

How do you practice self-care? I take naps (if I can) to give myself a mental break. I also get my nails done every two weeks, when I feel good I do good.

Adrian Flores – Director of Marketing

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? Anything by Jack Harlow

How do you practice self-care? I practice self-care by working out, reading, writing, taking my dog on long walks and meditation. I also try to do a new activity once every other week.  

Cameron Haywood – Education Coordinator

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “The Wildheart” Miguel

How do you practice self-care? I like to workout, meditate, and make music.

Mallory Jackson – Human Resources Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “California Stars” Wilco

How do you practice self-care? I try to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and I make sure to incorporate small movements into everyday life (even if it’s just taking a walk during my lunch break).

Danielle McDuffie – Digital Marketing Coordinator

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Altar” Kehlani or anything Phil Colins

How do you practice self-care? It can be hard to put yourself first, to even care about practicing self-care in the first place. I’ve been making a more conscious effort lately. I try to give myself alone time to help decompress. I watch game shows to bring up my energy, I’ll take time off of technology to slow my mind down, and I love to spend time outside and learn about my surroundings.

Elisa Morimoto – Director of Operations

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Mr. Blue Sky” Electric Light Orchestra

How do you practice self-care? I’ve learned how to reframe chores as a form of care, small steps in a positive direction versus must-dos of a never-ending list. I’m a working mom who can deprioritize myself – so I need to have the grace to forgive myself when I forget to do these things. I remember I’m not alone in these experiences and they are parts of me and also part of the range that is humanity. The stuff of life!

Cinnamon Muhlbauer – Operations Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “All Day Music” War or “Little L” Jamiroquai

How do you practice self-care? I listen to music, play with my animals, and buy a new pair of shoes. The music takes me to a better space, my animals keep me grounded and the shoes, well the shoes keep me on the right path.

Oswaldo Navarro – Education Partnerships Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Renaissance” Beyoncé

How do you practice self-care? Exercise helps me get in the zone as well as de-stress.

Nurit Smith – Executive Director

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Songs in the Key of Life” Stevie Wonder

How do you practice self-care? Morning yoga & walks, meditation as needed, baths, Morning and nightly rituals help keep me grounded.

Erin Sullivan – Project Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Heard it in a Past Life” Maggie Rogers

How do you practice self-care? I’m trying to learn to listen to my body and not fight back against its cues. If it wants to rest, I let myself rest without guilt. If it wants to go out and make a batch of cookies, I’ll indulge that too. It helps my mental health to not push back against what it wants or needs, and not focus too much on what I feel like I “should” do at any given moment.

Phebe Wickham – Marketing Associate Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Freedom” George Michael

How do you practice self-care? I love going for walks. A bit of fresh air, new surroundings, and sunlight can do absolute wonders for my mental health.

Nia Williams – Workforce Associate Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Tunder, Lightning, Strike” The Go! Team

How do you practice self-care? I try to trust what my body is telling me! If I am feeling stressed, anxious, tired, etc, I try to understand why and move through the feelings rather than against them.

Rick Williams – Artist Development Manager

What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Uptown Funk” Bruno Mars

How do you practice self-care? I take time to enjoy my passion — music! Whether it’s playing music, listening to music, or writing music, something music-related always serves as a great pick-me-up. I also make sure to spend lots of quality time with my family.

From the Community:

What song makes you feel better when you are feeling low?

What is your favorite way to practice self-care?

Check out our Mental Health Awareness Month | Staff Picks playlist with all songs mentioned.

Want to take action? Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources to support change.

YOUTH

 One Love Global: Toolkit for Youth Political Power (One Love Global)

 ACLU: Student’s Rights – Free Speech, Walk-Outs, and Other Protests (ACLU)

 Do Something – Racial Justice Toolkit (ACLU)

 10 Young Racial Justice Activists You Should Know (Do Something)

Selma Online (Interactive Online Learning Experience)

VOTE

 Rock the Vote 

 Campus Voting Project 

 Vote Save America 

 When We All Vote 

 Youth Voter Movement 

GENERAL

 Anti-Racism Resources

 Anti-Racist Resources (Crooked Media)

 Black Futures Lab

 Black Lives Matter

 Center for Policing Equity 

 Equal Justice Institute 

 Equality Includes You (Medium.com)

 Fair Fight (Stacey Abrams)

 Healing Justice Resource Guide (Black Lives Matter)

 National Black Justice Coalition 

 NAACP Legal Defense Fund 

 Race Forward 

 Text for Change  (Black Lives Matter)

MENTAL HEALTH

Teen Mental Health

The Loveland Foundation

Jed Foundation for Teens and Young Adults

Melanin & Mental Health

Girls Health.Gov

The National Alliance for Mental Illness

Ten Percent Happier

Behind the Scenes

ALLYSHIP

 11 Terms You Need to Understand (The Aspen Institute)

 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice (Medium.com)

 The Future is Us: Amanda Gorman’s powerful inauguration poem inspired us to reflect on our past and rise together. (The SPL Center)

 Talking About Race (National Museum of African American History and Culture)

 White Allies in Training (White Allies in Training)

PARENTS/EDUCATORS

60 Resources For Talking to Kids About Racism (Creative With Kids/Oakland Public Library)

 Resources for Talking About Race, Racism, Racialized Violence with Kids (Center for Racial Justice in Education)

 Teaching for Black Lives Handbook for Educators (The Washington Post)

 Zinn Education Project 

Let’s take strategic action and mobilize for our communities.  Plus, remember your voice is your vote, especially in local elections!

“I think women play a major part in opening the doors for better understanding around the world.” — Nina Simone  

In honor of Women’s History Month and as we reflect on one-year of our new and variable reality, we are uplifted and inspired by the significant role of women driving real and lasting change in the industry and our world. We have seen the impact of more women taking the lead. And we’re here to be a part of it.

As a majority-female led and operated nonprofit, our commitment to breaking the barrier of gender in the music industry is at the heart of our mission. Music Forward champions a more inclusive music industry and we invite you today to meet the Women of Music Forward.

TYRA D. x CHAKA KHAN | Watch Now

ADEM DALIPI x GARY CLARK, JR | Watch Now

JAZZY CADIENTE x H.E.R | Watch Now

JAKE EXAVIER x JOHN LEGEND | Watch Now

JALYN WADE x MF DOOM | Watch Now

DAMOYEE x NINA SIMONE | Watch Now

BENZER x STEVIE WONDER | Watch Now

VITO x USHER | Watch Now

ZAVIAN x SAM COOKE | Watch Now

Want more? Check out our 2021 Black History Month Music Forward Staff Picks Spotify Playlist here. 

“When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. “  — John Lewis

Now is the time to be courageous,  to take responsibility and to take action. Much-needed change is underway as we all do our part to pave a more equitable path for our communities and our country. There is strong momentum during this time and advocates nationwide are coming together as champions of positive change.  Over the past few weeks, we have joined forces with other national organizations with shared values and vision in an effort to raise a collective voice supporting Black communities, Gen Z voter mobilization, and social and economic recovery. It is in this moment that we can all fully understand what the late inimitable John Lewis meant when he encouraged us to get into “good trouble”.

“Kids In America” 

We are living amongst the largest generation of young people in history, an army of informed and socially engaged youth that is cause for great optimism. Young people are a driving force for change and in an election year that fact carries monumental weight. Millennials and Gen Z comprise nearly 40% of the electorate and over four million young people will turn 18 this year, becoming eligible to vote. That is why we have partnered with Rock the Vote, When We All Vote, and Voto Latino for #DemocracySummer2020 as well as other organizations committed to combining resources in an effort to mobilize youth voices to the polls via a series of empowering and educational events leading up to the November election.  #DemocracySummer2020 kicked off with a virtual live stream event featuring performances from Katy Perry and Black Eyed Peas and appearances from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Cory Booker, Lucy Hale, Saweetie, Music Forward Ambassador Sofia Carson and many others. 

Monday, August 31st, we join Rock the Vote once more alongside activists, performers, trailblazers, and elected officials for We Vote. We Rise. Get a sneak preview of our video featuring 18 of our young female artists performing a powerful cover of Alicia Key’s “Superwoman” here,  honoring the power of women, as we imagine the America of the next 100 years. We will also participate in National Voter Education Week, October 5th – 9th, a campaign that will equip voters with the tools, information, and confidence they need to cast their ballots this fall.  This year, the decisions voters make in November will reverberate for a generation to come, through all three branches of American government and across the world and we are committed to amplifying the voices of our young people and advocating for the power of voting, stay tuned and join us as we approach one of the most important elections of our lifetime.

“Everything Must Change”

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) is an advocacy organization formed in alliance with #TheShowMustBePaused, and is a coalition of artists, producers, songwriters, managers, attorneys, organizations, and other passionate industry professionals that have come together to address systemic racism within the music industry and society at large. The initiative has been signed by over 200 artists including Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B,  Lil’ Nas X, Music Forward Ambassador Khalid,  Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Quincy Jones, and Snoop Dogg and over 160 partners, including Music Forward Foundation, have joined the coalition to help influence culture on matters of racial justice and equity through policy, philanthropy, and voter education.

“The music industry unfortunately has not been immune to the systemic racism that plagues our country,” BMAC founding member Binta Brown, tells Rolling Stone. “Fixing our society requires addressing the issues in music, media and entertainment, and it requires all of us working together. Our aim is to harness the power of music and activate our community to effectuate real, positive systemic change not only within the music business, but for our artists, black communities, and society as a whole.”

BMAC was created to address long standing racial inequities in the business and is focused on ways to solve these problems. This aligns directly with our mission. Music Forward is unyielding in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and our programs are designed to help break the barriers of gender, poverty, and race to create access and opportunity for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and artists across the music industry. 

“Something to Talk About”

Over the summer, our Executive Director Nurit Siegel Smith was invited to participate in the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention and Public Art & Civic Design. 

She presented a session on the theme, “Power, Money, and Public Benefit”,  focused on how the strategic alliance between public benefit organizations and private corporations will be critical in our social and economic recovery, exploring the value proposition for both, what it means when resources are shared, and how a shift in power transforms our communities. 

During the discussion, Nurit challenged everyone to think about the untapped potential of dollars in the private sector, and the impact they could have on public good. The virtual conference event explored the dynamic between public and private entities, and how we will need each other to rebuild for an economy that serves all Americans. This month, Americans for the Arts launched the new #ArtsCreateHope campaign. Let’s keep in mind, how much the arts mean to us in times like these!

“Make the Pledge”

This month, we are excited to support Americans for the Arts Action Fund as it launches its ArtsVote “Make Your Vote Count” pledge campaign with artwork designed by renowned contemporary artist and Americans for the Arts Artists Committee member Shepard Fairey. In partnership with state arts advocacy organizations, the Arts Action Fund has customized Voter Info Factsheets for every state and U.S. territory, which provide the latest details and deadlines on vote-by-mail ballots, early voting, and in-person voting, offering registered voters info on all the new election rules and deadlines created due to COVID-19.

In closing, as we all reflect on purpose and priorities, the time is now for each of us to do our part; continue to follow along and join us as we inspire and empower the next generation. It is never too early to start making a difference. As John Lewis’ New York Times Op-Ed article put it so beautifully, 

“Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”

A Note from our Executive Director: 

In March, amidst all the uncertainties in our lives, we continue to focus on a certainty and honor Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on the contributions and influence of women. And this year we pay homage to the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. Music Forward champions a more inclusive music industry which includes striving for gender equality across the entire ecosystem that creates, disseminates, and promotes music around the world.

We launched our #WomenForward video series at the beginning of the month which highlights talented female professionals powering the entertainment industry. Via tips and advice that they each share from their own impressive career journeys, they are helping to energize the next generation of female leaders.  We are proud to share that this series was created, produced, filmed, and edited by women for women.

New episodes are available every Friday and we are excited to announce that we will be extending this digital video series to celebrate women beyond Women’s History Month. Watch episodes here. 

We celebrate the pioneering women who came before us, the inspiring women leading us today, and the young girls shaping our future. We celebrate your sisterhood. We celebrate your strength. We celebrate your motherhood. We celebrate your power. Rock On! Shine On! Persist On!

Throughout the conversation, all six panelists shared words of encouragement, joy, and strife. At one moment, the audience laughed together with content-creator Eddie G! when he encouraged everyone to watch his YouTube video on “How To Be A Failure!”.  Here, Eddie advised the audience to not let their failures bring them down. Instead, he emphasized the need to learn from failures, to continuously work to fix the problem, and to ultimately grow and discover more about yourself in the process. On a similar note, Candace stressed the importance of not settling for less, as well as standing strong and being rooted in your dignity and values in the face of adversity.

All in all, those in attendance appreciated the experts for sharing their time and advice on a rare cold and rainy day in Los Angeles. Listening to their stories shone a positive light and hope for the future of the industry for people of color and other underrepresented communities. Though the panelists experienced both struggle and success in their professional lives, they asserted the need to stay strong, resilient, and to remain true to your authentic self.  The music industry has a lot of catching up to do, but times are a ‘changing thanks to these leaders!

 Jesse Tesso was our 2019 Fall/Winter Programs Intern and is a senior at UCLA. 

In 2020, Music Forward will continue to provide exclusive access to experts and opportunities for our next generation of music industry leaders, like Jesse, and invite you to join us in our movement!

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Music Forward co-hosted an exciting panel and mixer at Live Nation with the Women’s International Music Network and the Alliance for Women Film Composers for #SheRocksIt, a conversation celebrating women in the music industry.

The panel brought together powerful industry leaders across the sector: Emily Simonitsch, SVP of Booking for Live Nation Entertainment, Pamela Burga, Manager of Diversity and Belonging for Live Nation Entertainment, Ursula Kneller, Process Innovation for Universal Music Group, Starr Parodi, President for Alliance for Women Film Composers,  Kathryn Bostic, composer and artist, and Malina Moye, guitarist and singer/songwriter. Each woman spoke to the nuances of their career pathway while providing valuable insights to an attentive audience.

The panel convened into a mixer with delicious food, drinks, and the opportunity to mingle. Music Forward’s very own Victoria Elise, of the Los Angeles Bringing Down the House 2019 class provided an enchanting musical performance. #SheRocksIt gave the music industry community an intimate evening of thought provoking conversation and meaningful connection.

Music Forward is featuring some of the amazing female leadership of The Fillmore New Orleans and its opening team to highlight the strides of women who are building a more equitable and inclusive music industry.

Abby Jones

General Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Being a woman has tailored empathy and the ability to nurture into Abby’s leadership style. Her history of being the “new kid” in school taught her to be adaptable, resilient and to see every obstacle as a new opportunity.

“You can’t let yourself get distracted or compare your situation to others. My journey is unique to me and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Spearheaded by Abby, Fillmore NOLA’s female leadership strives to create a revolutionary live music experience for fans, artists and team members. Their shared goal is “to awaken the Fillmore legacy with a unique voice that serves and supports our New Orleans community and surrounding regions.” Aiming to exceed the expectations of guests and touring talent, the women of The Fillmore New Orleans exude passion and determination for the shared mission.

“Every leadership team in every venue is going to create a different experience, regardless of their gender make-up. My mission is to ensure we lead in example for our team members and guests showing them a group of united, strong, intelligent women that are running an amazing venue.”

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: Believe in yourself and ask as many questions as possible. Learn everything you can about all aspects of what you are doing, if even at the time, those aspects may not see relevant. This also means, make sure you listen, watch and observe. So much of on the job training comes from learning from other’s experiences. Do not wait for that next position to become available before you start doing THAT job. Finally, it’s going to be okay to be told no a few times, because sometimes, in hindsight, it’s the best thing that could have happened. You never know when opportunity will come knocking so just make sure you are ready to open the door. 

Road to Role: Brunswick Bowling Center -> Chicago Nightlife -> Kendall College -> Plaza Millennium Park -> The James Hotel -> David Burke’s Primehouse -> Director of Restaurant Operations, House of Blues New Orleans -> Director of Foundation Room and Music Hall Operations, House of Blues New Orleans -> General Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Stacy Butler

General Manager of House of Blues Anaheim (The Fillmore New Orleans opening team)

Being a woman in the music industry has driven Stacy to be the best — not only to prove to others that she’s earned her place in leadership but to herself. Though knowing that she’s helping pave the way for other women in the industry has added some pressure, it also gives her a sense of purpose in the knowledge that she’s making a difference. She’s confident that having women who are driven and know that they deserve a seat at the table at the helm of The Fillmore NOLA, will create a strong sense of leadership and a solid base for a very successful team.

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: Be dedicated and always follow through. Work smart, not hard and make sure to stand out. Don’t ever think you know everything, you have to be open to learning something new every day. Be humble, but be confident and know you deserve to be here as much as any man.

Road to Role: Managing nightclubs in Hollywood -> General Manager, The Viper Room -> Director, Foundation Room – House of Blues Los Angeles -> Assistant General Manager, House of Blues Anaheim -> General Manager, House of Blues Anaheim

Alexandra Mason

Operations Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Though not unheard of, Alexandra’s unique start as a woman in security taught her to stay focused on what she really wants rather than what others think. Eager to make her mark on the industry, she sees the predominately female leadership of The Fillmore New Orleans as an incredible opportunity to shake things up.

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: Stay strong and trust your gut. If you think a system can be improved or streamlined, or that you’ve got a cool and off-the-wall idea, don’t be afraid to speak up! We’re looking for the loudest voices with the smartest ideas – be heard!

Road to Role: Security/Door Host, House of Blues Chicago -> Team Lead, House of Blues Dallas -> Music Hall Supervisor, House of Blues Dallas -> Operations Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Kelli Hovanec

Music Hall Director, House of Blues Dallas (The Fillmore New Orleans opening team)

Kelli has found that many young women attending the shows or working at the venue have been very excited to have a female manager to look up to — being able to be a part of that has been an awesome experience for her. She believes in the predominantly female-led leadership of The Fillmore NOLA’s ability to create an organized and thought-through experience.

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: The time is now to do amazing things in this industry!

Road to Role: DePaul University -> Restaurant Host/Server/Supervisor, House of Blues Chicago -> Music Hall Manager, House of Blues Chicago -> Music Hall Director,  House of Blues Dallas

Lauren Ramos

Senior Sales Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Compared to other areas of the hospitality industry, Lauren has found the music industry to be refreshingly welcoming to women. The female leadership of The Fillmore NOLA presents an exciting and different energy with the level of community and respect felt among the female leaders at the venue. There is a culture of collaboration and wanting to see each other’s departments succeed.

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: Make sure you give yourself as much exposure as you can to the different facets of the venue. It really helps you understand the bigger picture and how every department is integrated together. Stay open to feedback that can help you grow.

Road to Role: 10 years in hotels and restaurants -> joining the Live Nation team.

Jonay Campbell

Box Office Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

As a working mom, Jonay balances two very different worlds — one of play dates and picnics, and one with shows every night. Though the hours can be demanding, she loves being exposed to to all the different types of people that come to her venue. In regards to the new leadership at The Fillmore NOLA, she finds that female leadership lends itself to a more personable experience.

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: It sounds cliché, but I’d say “don’t be afraid to be yourself”. If you’re assertive, be that. If you’re loud, be that. If you like things that aren’t mainstream, that’s cool too. That’s the beauty of working in a creative industry. No one needs to water themselves down, there’s room for all of us. 

Road to Role: Various Positions, House of Blues New Orleans -> Box Office Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Alexandra Rosen

Marketing Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans

Working with the network of powerful women on the Live Nation and House of Blues teams in New Orleans gave Alexandra the confidence, strength and leadership needed to navigate her growing career. Female leadership of The Fillmore NOLA “brings a fresh outlook and voice into the industry, especially in a city where for so long, the industry was predominately male.”

As Alexandra sees women shining across all industries and communities, she hopes to open new doors bringing elements that are more empowering and encouraging of female leadership to her venue and community than the typical “Ladies Night.”

Her advice to young women starting their careers in music: Be transparent, ask for help, bond with your coworkers, speak up, share your thoughts, ideas and opinions! Always make time for self care, even if that means a face mask at your desk at 8 pm on a Wednesday or 5-minute yoga by the copy machine. The Future is FEMALE!

Road to Role: Marketing Coordinator, Live Nation New Orleans -> Marketing Manager, The Fillmore New Orleans