What started as an Entrepreneurship project turned into a club and I’m excited to announce the next step in its evolution -- The FAM has filed for incorporation and applied for 501c3 Nonprofit status! The FAM has always been a personification of my philosophies, my network, and my mission. I believe that as an art form built around conversation and expression - music thrives when that conversation is collaborative as opposed to competitive. Our philosophy is that bringing positivity and collaboration will lead to a more accessible music industry, more mentally healthy artists and professionals, and ultimately, more positive music for our audience. The music industry is built on unhealthy forms of competition; hierarchy, unequal access to resources and opportunities, and a ‘what can you do for me?’ mentality. One of my music idols, Scooter Braun, says that ‘As a music industry, if we remain in competition, then we die. We have to understand that we're all in this together.’
In my personal and professional life, I have made it my mission to create a FAMily -- connecting those around me with opportunities and resources and supporting my peers. Even after studying Business and Music at the best music school in the world, I’ve struggled finding a job in the music industry -- but, I’ve been most success when leaning on my mentors and the FAMily that I’ve built here in Los Angeles. Through the USC club, we’ve hosted more than 75 professionals on our panels and workshops, and we’ve thrown parties, concerts, and jam-sessions to highlight our musicians and create a comfortable social environment for members to continue to connect. Through our college- and city-based chapters, mentorship programs, and industry panels, we seek to equip the next generation of artists and music business people with the confidence, resources, and relationships to thrive throughout their careers. Sure, other organizations can do what we do; they can offer similar programming and mentorship opportunities, but The FAM is about bringing the music industry together THROUGH that programming. Music already has a healing quality - can you imagine what we would all be able to experience if we healed the industry from the inside out? I’m asking for your help to bring this vision to reality -- any contribution you can make, whether that is money, time, or resources, will take us one step closer to making a positive impact through music...because in the end, FAMily Matters.
