Issa Rae made headlines recently with hyper-frank remarks about the music industry.
However, rather than stew on what she feels are unsavory practices, she’s teamed up with Google to make a change.
Full story below…
Rae’s initial foray into the music business saw her launch Raedio – which she bills as “an audio everywhere company” comprised of a joint recordventure with Atlantic Records and four further branches: publishing, live events, music supervision and a music library.
It has successfully launched the mainstream arrivals of revered acts such as TeaMarrr.
Now, the imprint has partnered with the tech force to establish The Raedio Creator Program Supported by Google.
The venture will see two female artists and two composers picked to receive funding and resources to create music – and, most notably, retain full ownership of their output.
Google will fund recording fees, producer costs and marketing expenses for the female artists to piece together and release a 3-5 song EP. The Raedio record label will supervise and distribute the projects across all digital platforms. Thereafter, songs from the EPs will be added to Raedio’s music library so as to be pitched for sync placement opportunities across TV and film. One music video per artist will also be funded too.
Speaking on the groundbreaking program, Rae told Billboard:
“This partnership is perfectly aligned with my mission in helping open doors and provide opportunities for women to succeed and flourish in their craft. I can’t wait to see the impact this program and partnership has on the selectees and the music that is created as a result.”
Google’s Entertainment Partnerships Lead, Elle Roth-Brunet added:
“We are proud to create these four grants in partnership with Raedio with a goal of underscoring the importance in providing access and opportunity for women of color pursuing audio careers within the entertainment industry. This program is an extension of Google’s dedication to championing diversity within the entertainment industry and we look forward to hearing the artistic contributions of all who participate.”
Entries for the Raedio Creators Program Supported by Google can be submitted from February, with winners being announced in March.
An incredible initiative. Kudos to Issa and all involved!