Arreasha Z Lawrence’s Post

Can we imagine a future in the music industries where this is not an issue? Do we have solutions that are workable and realistically achievable in the next 5 years? A focus on dignity and respect, celebrating diversity is surely key. It’s not news. I do wonder whether a 30-second daily ritual - similar to a prayer - for all music practitioners would be of value; where we take real cognisance of our own consciousness and how our decisions impact those around us. To be truly reflective and reflexive. Let’s not just hope but do. #ReflexiveDailiesMusic

What started out as a genre of music that most people, including record labels executives scoffed at, Rap and Hip-Hop is now recognized as the world’s most influential genre of music. Most influential not just music wise, but culturally as well. Since its creation, Rap and Hip Hop has changed the way people dress, speak, and spiritually and artistically express themselves. It has brought all races of people together with the words and melodies of the songs created as it has its roots in both spoken-word and poetry. For many, listening to Rap and Hip-Hop was the first time they gained some insight into the plight, culture, and minds of Black Americans. However, despite Rap and Hip-Hop being unequivocally recognized as Black American creation, there is a major issue with diversity and equity within the music industry when it comes to Black artists. Especially when it comes to Rap and Hip-Hop. After scoffing at Hip-Hop as a genre of music, record execs quickly put things in places to deprive Black Americans of ownership and equity within the very genre of music they created only after seeing the enormous sums of money they could make. Black Americans that participate in the art hold little to no ownership of their music and the proceeds of it. Only but a few artists such as Jay-Z and 50 Cent own the rights to the master recordings of the music they created. Record labels especially nowadays control and own their artists masters and publishing. That’s on top of the lack of Black execs and managers at record labels. As it stands today, there has never been a Black owned distribution label. Artists are forced to sign 360 deals that take nearly all of the money from their actual record sales out of their pockets and the only money they truly make is by touring. We often see the term Diversity and Equity thrown around in the academic arena but rarely do we see it used in places where Black Americans have been robbed of inventions that often were not originally credited to them. If we truly are to start a conversation aboit Diversity and Equity, a good place to start would be asking why there is a lack of diversity and equity in a genre of music created by Black People themselves. #rap #hiphop #diversityequityinclusion #education #conversation

This is so relevant for young recording artists to understand how careers are built.

New Post: In Canada: No to ‘Laughs’ This Year, But Yes to Women in Music - https://lnkd.in/gudH2xMz - The beloved Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, a vital annual event in the comedy world, has canceled its 2024 edition and laid off about 70% of its staff. The festival’s managing body, Groupe Juste pour rire inc. (JPR), is facing financial hardships and has sought legal measures to avoid bankruptcy. JPR said the decision is aimed at finding new investors or potential buyers to keep the festival afloat. The challenges leading to this point include the economic strain from the pandemic and other industry hurdles, including rising costs and media mergers. Despite the tough times, organizers hope to come back stronger in 2025.  Related Billboard Women in Music 2024 03/08/2024 “The decision to initiate restructuring proceedings was reached after thorough consideration of all options available to the company,” a news release states, “taking into account its very difficult financial situation given the significant changes in our business landscape in recent years.” – Rosie Long Decter Billboard Women In Music Expands to Canada in 2024 This June, Billboard Women In Music is expanding to Canada, shining a light on the influential women and gender-diverse talents who are shaping the nation’s music scene. With this expansion, Billboard Canada aims to honor those making significant strides across the industry, from production to live performances. The music community is invited to participate, with nominations now open. It offers a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals in the Canadian music industry while fostering a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape. Canadian executive Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder/CEO of Reservoir Media, one of the biggest independent music companies in the world, is an Executive of the Year hall of famer. This year, she offered this piece of advice: “Pivot to a path that allows for growth equally across your professional and personal lives. You should not have to compromise, but rather be empowered to find the route that allows for the multitudes present in you.” – Richard Trapunski Music Canada’s Game-Changing Update: Video Streams Now Count Toward Gold and Platinum Certifications Earlier this week, Toronto-based Music Canada announced a significant update to its Gold/Platinum Program for Single Awards: It will now incorporate official video streams into the certification calculations. The change celebrates the evolving ways fans engage with music, particularly through video. With this update, video streams from platforms like YouTube, Vevo and Apple Mus

Shania Twain Calls for an 'All-Inclusive Country Music' as She Accepts Equal Play Award at 2023 CMT Awards https://buff.ly/3UOmjeB #ShaniaTwain made a powerful statement at the 2023 #CMT Awards when she called for a more inclusive country music industry. During her acceptance speech for the #EqualPlayAward, Twain emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in the genre. This is a crucial step towards creating a more welcoming and diverse community within country music. Twain's advocacy for inclusivity comes at a time when the music industry is facing increasing scrutiny for its lack of diversity and representation. By championing the idea of an 'All-Inclusive Country Music,' Twain is pushing for a more equitable and open-minded approach to the genre. This not only benefits artists from underrepresented groups but also enriches the cultural landscape of country music as a whole. The significance of Twain's words cannot be understated. In an industry that has historically been dominated by a narrow range of voices, her call for #inclusivity serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists who have long been marginalized. By shining a light on the need for change, Twain is igniting a conversation that has the potential to reshape the future of country music for the better. As we move forward, it is essential for the #music industry to heed Twain's message and take proactive steps towards creating a more #inclusive and #diverse environment. This means providing # equalopportunities for artists of all backgrounds, amplifying diverse voices, and breaking down barriers that have long hindered progress. Only by working together can we truly achieve an 'All-Inclusive # CountryMusic' that celebrates the richness and # diversity of the genre.

As CEO of The Music Bureau, I grapple with balancing corporate growth and preserving Tampa's vibrant music culture. It's a delicate tightrope walk, where each step forward with a corporate partner could unintentionally erase our city's music essence. Tampa pulsates with cultural identity in music and food. The challenge is maintaining an equilibrium between corporate expansion and safeguarding our city's soul. Embracing corporate gentrification promises growth, safety, and economic stability. However, it threatens local music culture, iconic venues, and grassroots establishments. As The Music Bureau's leader, I'm committed to finding a middle ground that allows us to thrive without compromising our cultural roots. Balancing fiduciary duty with cultural preservation is a formidable challenge, but I'm determined to navigate it with integrity and divine guidance. My goal is to show corporate partners the importance of utilizing on of Tampa's most valuable cultural resources... music.

Nashville's Music Community Needs Your Voice! #Nashville is more than just a city; it's the heart of music innovation and creativity. But as we grow, it's crucial that no note goes unheard, especially from those who make our city sing. The Nashville Industry Fund is launching the Greater Nashville Music Census – a landmark survey to tune into our music community's needs, challenges, and aspirations. Whether you're strumming a guitar in your garage, writing the next hit song, or keeping the spirit of live music alive, your experiences are the melody we need to shape a harmonious future for all. Why Participate? - Ensure your voice is heard in shaping the future of Nashville's music scene. - Highlight the struggles and successes of working-class musicians and independent venue operators. - Inform policies and initiatives that support artists at all stages of their careers. Who Else is Behind It? A symphony of stakeholders, including the Music Venue Alliance of Nashville, Belmont University, AFM Local 257, the Broadway Entertainment Association, and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supported by Sound Music Cities. Join the Chorus Spread the word, share your story, and let's make sure every chord and melody contributes to a brighter future for Nashville's music industry. The survey is being launched soon. Stay tuned for details on how to participate. Let's harmonize our efforts to keep music the heartbeat of Nashville. Your voice. Your music. Our future. www.musiccitycensus.com #NashvilleMusicCensus #YourVoiceMatters #MusicCityUnity #NashvilleMusicScene

June is also Black Music Month. Here's how it all got started. https://lnkd.in/eed7nBZs #blackmusicmonth #diversityequityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion #diversityequityinclusionbelonging

Explore the connections between racial justice and music.   DRAFT/STUDY TIPS: Introduction Music, an omnipresent element in human culture, transcends mere entertainment, acting as a potent vehicle for social commentary and change. Throughout history, it has provided a voice for the marginalized, a rallying cry for movements, and a means of expressing the lived experiences of diverse communities. This essay explores the intricate connections between racial justice and music, examining how music has historically and contemporarily functioned as a medium for articulating racial struggles, fostering solidarity, and catalyzing social change. Through a critical analysis of various musical genres, artists, and historical contexts, we will uncover how music not only reflects societal issues but actively participates in the fight for racial justice.

Always happy to give my $.02 to NPR - there are so many sustainability issues with respect to music/musicians. this issue that SoundExchange has been fighting the good fight on for some time is a big one. obviously, there are other pressing issues - Spotify’s moral bankruptcy, companies building enterprise value on the back of musicians’ work w/o anywhere near appropriate compensation or consideration, entrepreneurs with no concern for artist sustainability with respect to AI etc…. all that - doom and gloom - said, there is still hope. For instance, a new Bandcamp is there for the taking for someone who presents an artist-centric approach; and new technologies, whether AI or web3, do not have to be detrimental to artists, and in fact can be hugely positive sum for artists and entrepreneurs. certainly been my bias/life’s work.