On September 27, The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music returns with LA Sounds Now in a special edition integration with the Still Waiting Speaker Series. This fall, join a provocative set of conversations with music industry professionals, artists and special guests representing the rich diversity of the Los Angeles music ecosystem offering unique perspectives on the current state of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the music industry.
Co-moderated by the Herb Alpert School of Music Inaugural Dean Eileen Strempel and Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (and multiple Grammy Award winner) Arturo O’Farrill, this series of weekly conversations will focus on the history, issues, and ongoing struggles that continue to animate the stark contrast between the music industry’s leading artists— often Black artists, female artists, and other artists of color—as compared to the industry’s executive and professional ranks. This “representation gap” has inspired conversations and activism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, but what has happened since that time? Inspiring and impactful examples of change that weave together music, activism and social justice are explored, alongside their genesis, process and possibilities for modification and replication.
Kicking off on Monday, September 27, this special edition series features a notable group of professionals including rapper, artist and producer, IDK; UCLA Alumnus and Warner Records co-chairman and chief operating officer, Tom Corson; Warner Records SVP of Fan Engagement, Elissa Ayadi; Warner Records EVP of Business Affairs and Legal, Julian K. Petty; The Recording Academy President/CEO, Harvey Mason Jr.; Kobalt Music Chief Experience Officer, Jeanette Perez; Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair & COO, Carianne Marshall; AGENDA Management & Production Founder, Brandon Sharp; Warner Music Group Global Head of EDI, Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett; and others.
Visit LA Sounds Now for the latest updates on the schedule of events in this series and stay up to date with events announcements and news by signing up for the school’s Newsletter.
This fall edition of the LA Sounds Now series will be held live in Lani Hall theater on Monday evenings from 6PM – 6:50PM Pacific time. The series will also be livestreamed for those that prefer to join virtually. The talks are free and open to the public. Visit the event series website for the schedule of events.