Event Recap – #INDEPENDENT MUSIC Panel – November 17

Yesterday I had the opportunity to represent Gender Amplified on a wonderful panel of music industry professionals at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem. The panel was organized in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Academy, an initiative that fosters leadership and professional development in the arts through seminars, workshops, panels and internships.

S/O @ApolloEd @gordonchambers @produceramadeus @tamar_kali @whoissteffreed @genderamplified for a great night of building & knowledge

— Wes Jackson (@westothejack) November 18, 2014

Our topic was the state of independent music in the midst of an ever-changing music industry. As I looked into the crowded sea of artists, Gordon Chambers, our distinguished moderator, guided the conversation with a series of thought-provoking questions and inspiring career anecdotes.

I was in great company alongside Amadeus (Producer, Platinum Boy Music), Wes Jackson (Founder and Executive Director, Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival), Tamar-kali (Musician, Songwriter), and Steff Reed (Singer, Songwriter, Producer). Each of the panelists brought an interesting and unique perspective to the conversation. I learned so much from their insights.

"When women are being disrespected in the space that I'm in I have to take a stand" @GenderAmplified #IndependentMusic

— Apollo Education (@ApolloEd) November 18, 2014

From the importance of major labels in modern music to the day-to-day practice of being a working musician balancing life and career goals, our talk touched many facets of art in culture. However, the most exciting aspect of the evening was speaking to young girls and women after the panel event. One young lady expressed how she wished an organization like Gender Amplified existed while she was still in college. Another woman shared her dream of starting a non-profit for women producers. She did not realize that other women were already out there building similar communities. She felt supported. I was glad to be in attendance to help inspire these women on their unique journeys toward greatness in music production.

Blown away by Ebonie Smith of @GenderAmplified… Wow.

— Shay Leonia (@ShayLeonia) November 18, 2014

As Gender Amplified continues to grow, it’s important to me to continue to remain accessible to women at all stages of their careers. It’s important to continue to go into the crowds and find those women on their paths as music producers. Their stories inspire me and help affirm the community building work that I do. My desire to reach out to them with professional resources and words of encouragement is the act of living the mission and promise of Gender Amplified.