Getting one’s foot into the music business can be an overwhelming challenge. However, two music-focused leaders have joined forces to provide support to make the road less rocky.

On June 1, Audiomack and Black Music Action Coalition announced the latest iteration of the “Black Music Executives Are The Future” program, according to a press release shared with AfroTech. The paid internship and mentorship program aims to create access to opportunities for aspiring Black music executives.

The press release details Audiomack and Black Music Action Coalition will select six Black undergraduate students or recent graduates from the past 12 months. 

“Representation is a priority for our team, and we remain committed to providing Black students and graduates with the real-world experience and opportunities to jumpstart their careers and pursue their passions in the music industry,” Audiomack SVP of Marketing and Brand Strategy Jason Johnson said in the press statement.

The paid summer internships are set to scale across various departments such as finance, marketing, human resources, technology development, and more. The Black Music Executives are The Future program is displaying what it looks like to not just talk about supporting the next generation but actually take action to see it through.

“Black Music Action Coalition is doubling down on our commitment to sustainable pipeline programs providing access for the next generation of Black artists and executives,” BMAC board leader and CEO of 50/50 Music Group Management Willie “Prophet” Stiggers shared. “For example, BMAC’s ‘Black Music Executives are The Future’ Mentorship/Internship program provides six current HBCU students with industry insights and leaders. This program exposes and teaches students through real time experiences and mentorship from some of our industry’s most successful executives.”

He continued, “Our inaugural cohort, enriched by this experience, will surely be future industry leaders. Until there is a level playing field, BMAC and Audiomack team will activate, agitate, and innovate to ensure accountability and establish equitable pathways to opportunities, access, and success. Although some have gone quiet after loudly committing to the cause of racial justice, BMAC remains steadfast and true to our commitment to repair and build a more equitable and representative music industry.”

Each summer intern is set to be paired with a music industry executive as their mentor during the three-month program. The mentors are as follows:

  • Max Gousee, CEO of Artistry Group
  • Al Branch, CMO and Partner at The Blueprint Group
  • Kathryn Frazier, CEO of Biz 3 Publicity
  • Yves Pierre, Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
  • Lydia Asrat, CEO of 10Q Management 
  • Marcus “Don Dada” Johnson, Talent Buyer at AEG

The deadline to apply to the Black Music Executives Are The Future program is June 8. To learn more, click here.