Building Black Futures
The Audio Affect Series: In Partnership with TEC Leimert and the Undefeated Foundation
Amplifying Black creators is essential all year round. Today, we are excited to announce The Audio Affect Series – a music incubation program geared towards Black musicians and artists in South Los Angeles.
To bring The Audio Affect Series to life, we are partnering with TEC Leimert, a career and entrepreneurial focused technology and entertainment non-profit in South L.A.; and the UNDEFEATED Foundation, a non-profit founded by the globally recognized sneaker boutique and sportswear brand that focuses on inspiring the next generation of leaders through education, sport, nutrition and social justice.
Future Focused
Since 2018, TEC Leimert has been facilitating opportunities for Black and Brown creatives in industries like music, film, tech, TV, gaming, and fashion. This is a crucial step in closing the wealth gap, creating social capital in underserved communities and ensuring a diverse industry in the entertainment capital of the world.
Rich History
As a historical Los Angeles arts district, creativity has been at the core of the Leimert Park neighborhood for decades. Over the years the neighborhood has been home to numerous important arts institutions including the Brockman Gallery, the first major art gallery run by and for Black artists; and Maverick’s Flat, the iconic performance venue that hosted The Temptations and Parliament Funkadelic, among others.
In the 1990s neighborhood health food market the Good Life Cafe became infamous for its open mic nights that were frequented by Freestyle Fellowship, The Pharcyde, and many other icons of L.A.’s alternative hip hop scene.
Today, this legacy of creativity and community is alive and well in Leimert Park. In 2022, TEC Leimert hosted a collection of artists including Dibia$e, Iman Omari and Gwen Bunn at their technology conference which is held annually in the area.
The community was invited to enjoy performances from DJs as well as to learn from music producers who shared production tips. Many modern day music giants also call Leimert Park home, including Georgia Anne Muldrow, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, DJ Battle Cat, and Dom Kennedy.
The Audio Affect Series
The Audio Affect Series will take place over the next several months, and will include a series of music production workshops that will feature acclaimed L.A.-based producers as guest mentors. Participants will also be invited to submit original music they create during the Series to be included in a compilation release later this year.
Developed in collaboration with Los Angeles multi-disciplinary ill Camille, The Audio Affect series provides a unique learning experience for students at all skill levels.
Applications for The Audio Affect Series are now open, with the first workshop scheduled for March 24, 2023. If you are at least 18 years of age and based in the Los Angeles area, please register your interest. Don’t forget to follow @seratostudio, @tecleimert and @undefeatedfoundation on Instagram for all the latest updates.
