Music

Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music Is The Nonprofit Helping Women Enter The ‘Boys Club’ Of Music

The artist’s nonprofit is working to increase diversity and inclusion efforts in the music industry so that women can get hired. …

In January 2019, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative concluded that two years earlier, the music industry saw a six-year low for female creatives. The contributions of women remain underrepresented in virtually every corner of the field — from singers and songwriters to A&R professionals and marketing mavens. Because of these findings, She Is The Music is a necessary network for women in music to facilitate meaningful change in order to diminish the “boys club” industry mentality, which is why we wanted to showcase them in this debut episode of our new The Show Up series.

Founded by Alicia Keys in 2018, She Is The Music is a non-profit organization aiming to amplify underrepresented individuals in the music industry through networking, resources, and impactful initiatives. In the above video, Michelle Arkuski, executive director of the organization, says that the “overarching” goal of the organization is to “[harness] inclusivity, opportunity and visibility to increase the number of women working in music.”

She Is The Music fosters connections between its members and music industry giants in order to provide support and advice. Like-minded individuals can link up through the organization’s global online database of 7,000 she/her-identifying music industry members. She Is The Music also features programs unifying its members, like their all-female songwriting camp, their partnership with Step Up empowering female high school students, and their newly-implemented virtual mentorship program, Connect TogetHER, whose members launched their own music team after the program ended to help an alumna release her debut album.

Through instilling confidence in established and prospective industry personnel, She Is The Music provides a look into how limitless the field could be for women. “When people put gender into a title, it knocks you down a few steps,” She Is The Music’s songwriting committee co-chair and L.A. chapter head Hannah Babitt notes. “We need all genders involved to push a change and shift the numbers.”

Check out the video above to learn more about the group.

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Artist Spotlight

ISSARA unveils a soulful sonic masterpiece with her debut album, “222”

ISSARA is an enchanting singer-songwriter with a multicultural heritage encompassing Thailand, France, and the USA. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, and raised in Seattle, Washington, by her Thai father and French mother, Issara delivers her latest debut album, “222,” embodied within this 11-track masterpiece, is a fusion of soul, pop, and rock that captivates global audiences, echoing her diverse sonic experiences and eclectic musical style.

“222” offers an auditory 11-track album manifesto that transcends genres and defies expectations, inviting listeners into a world of shimmering melodies and hazy whispers. ISSARA, named after the Thai word for “freedom,” is a testimony to her emancipating musical odyssey and pledge to authenticity.

Drawing from personal experiences and paying tribute to influential women in her life, each song resonates with raw emotion and unwavering honesty. The album’s “222” holds special significance, symbolizing Issara’s artistic evolution and the universal quest for freedom. With each soul-stirring note at a time, Issara invites listeners to join her on her exhilarating musical exploration of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of womanhood.

Recorded and produced by the acclaimed Jack Bowman, “222” exudes a vintage charm reminiscent of the 70s era, embracing imperfections to convey the genuine sincerity of Issara’s vision. The album starts with a captivating rhythm in the first track, “Ride,” and progresses to an empowering anthem in the second track, “Rise Up.” The third track, “Phoenix,” is hauntingly beautiful, while the fourth track, “I See You,” showcases the artist’s signature style. These album’s tracks provide a glimpse into Issara’s soul, inviting listeners to explore a more profound journey of self-discovery and female camaraderie.

Issara showcases the resilience and unwavering determination with the support of her family and producer, maintaining a balance between the complexities of motherhood and fueled by her passion for artistic aspirations. As a bonus track, the album’s grand finale concludes with the enchanting “Missed You,” a captivating ode to love and longing that leaves listeners yearning for more.

Issara’s debut album, “222,” is a valuable addition to numerous playlists, a must-listen for enthusiasts craving introspective charm and authentic storytelling innovation. Prepare to embark on a transformative sonic voyage through the depths of the human experience as “222” takes the world by storm, setting the stage for a new era in soulful pop music.

For more information about ISSARA, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM ISSARA’s “222“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH ISSARA | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Akhil OSO Unveils Vulnerable New Single: ‘Ask Me Anything’

Akhil OSO’s latest single, “Ask Me Anything,” is a masterfully crafted musical journey that captures the intricacies and complexities of love. The lush instrumentation, haunting vocals, and poignant lyrics weave together to create a sonic landscape that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced the highs and lows of relationships.

This song is a testament to Akhil OSO’s storytelling prowess, painting vivid portraits of longing and hesitation. The lyrics encapsulate the universal struggle of wanting to open up while guarding our hearts, making it an anthem for hesitant romantics.

At its core, “Ask Me Anything” is more than just a song; it’s a conversation starter. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences, embrace their vulnerabilities, and find strength in shared humanity. In a world that often values perfection over authenticity, Akhil OSO offers a refreshing reminder that our imperfections are what make us beautifully human.