This past weekend, Live Out L!ve LA held their inaugural “Set the Stage: The Benefit Concert” on February 24th at Volume Studios in Inglewood, CA. Independent music artists such as GAWD, Love Moor, Ben Kenobe, V.C.R. and Vaale Murra took the stage.
Launched in 2019, the Live Out L!ve Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing young people of color and gender diverse backgrounds access to career paths in live music entertainment. The foundation offers live music education, workshops, speaking engagements, panels, and internships. Founded by entrepreneur and entertainment executive Candace Newman, Live Out L!ve is also a boutique touring and booking agency.
“Confidence, empowerment and community” are three things Newman says she is trying to instill in the greater Los Angeles community through the Live Out L!ve Foundation.
“I just really want to see young professionals and students have the confidence and abilities to do anything they want to do,” says CEO Candace Newman. “I’m so inspired to encourage Annenberg students to dream big and to keep going.”
Growing up in foster care, music was the soundtrack of Newman’s life. It kept her strong through adverse times. Through Live Out L!ve, Newman hopes to give college students the opportunity to see other career opportunities beyond being the mainstage talent.
R&B artist Love Moor says that perseverance is a trait that she hopes inspires young people through her performances.
“Seeing a person like me come from Alabama to LA to perform, I hope it inspires people to continue their dreams and move forward,” says Moor. Hip-hop, rock, and rhythm and blues inspire her style of music. She recently released a new single titled “Co-dependent” that focuses on a platonic bond between two friends.
Signed to Issa Rae’s music label, Raedio, R&B duo GAWD sought to highlight the Black femme energy through their funk infused performance of songs such as “Wink. “We are so honored to be a part of a great cause. We do this for the community,” says the duo.
With the recent release of their EP “Cathedral City,” the two were excited to announce a new partnership with Hoorae Media and Walmart.
A working musician and current student at USC, V.C.R. also took the stage. She is currently completing her master’s degree in musical composition at the Thornton School of Music. Describing her music as cinematic soul, the Memphis native thinks it’s important to give back. “Doing things like this in real life is much more important than things in the digital world,” says the composer.
“I’m a classically trained violinist and composer, so everything that I create, I have to see it first,” says V.C.R. She recently worked with Andre 3000 on his first solo album, “New Blue Sun.”
Palestinian and Columbian R&B singer, Vaale Murra was excited to represent her community. Describing her music as “diverse and sexy,” she sees the depth within her music. Sonically, she hopes that concert goers can hear the influence of Victoria Monet and Shakira.
Thankful to be a performer that night, she shared her excitement for the opportunity.
“It feels like a blessing, an answered prayer and I’m really happy to be able to represent the Palestinan and Latin American community,” says Murra.
A former USC film student, rapper Ben Kenobe is also a a filmmaker and author. One of his latest songs “Nosferatu” was featured in the Netflix film “They Cloned Tyrone” [2023]. He encourages aspiring artists to “find out what you love, do what you love, and love what you do,” says Kenobe.
Set the Stage is an essential fundraising campaign for Live Out L!ve. The foundation aims to provide funding for the development of educational programs, job shadowing opportunities and mentorship programs specifically designed for young people from different backgrounds. The musical event also held a silent auction with unique goods up for grabs, including a photoshoot and an exclusive merchandise box from SZA.
After a night of vibes, impactful music and creating change, the benefit concert left its mark for young people who are pursuing other career opportunities in live music.