Give a Beat 2022 Impact Report
2022:
A Record
Setting Year
Give a Beat’s mission is to use the power of music as a pathway to healing and opportunity for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
We envision a world where those most affected adversely by incarceration are not only shown compassion and dignity, but empowered to forge talents and creative careers.
Give a Beat addresses the continuum of incarceration by using music as a catalyst for change. Through our Youth Music Production and DJ Program, Prison Electronic Music Program, “On a New Track” Reentry Mentoring Program, and Give a Beat Records, we engage the music industry to help widen pathways for people to thrive, reduce recidivism, encourage empathy, and unite to contribute to the larger transformation of the criminal justice system.
Youth Music Production & DJ Program
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Youth Music Production & DJ Program 🎹
Youth Music Production & DJ Program
In partnership with the Arts for Healing & Justice Network, Give a Beat delivers our music education to young people from underserved communities and high-stressed environments.
With music and the arts serving as preventative tools, our Youth Music Production & DJ Program reaches youth from underserved communities in high-stressed environments, offering a positive emotional outlet through music. Our aim is to provide channels for creative expression, help youth identify their creative talents, build self-esteem, strengthen resilience against racial injustice and ultimately redirect lives to reduce further involvement with the criminal justice system.
Curriculum Outcomes
Redirecting Lives
Building Self-Esteem
Creative Self-Expression
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DJ Unknown at Roosevelt Park.
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Raashey (participant) and Malachi (Teaching Artist) in Fresh Tracks.
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Teaching Artist, Spiñorita, going through the basics of DJing.
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Malachi and student working on Ableton equipment.
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Teaching Artist, Shaine, and students learning how to make beats.
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Raashey and JC in the C.A.P.O. Center studio, Fresh Tracks.
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Recording studio at Jail Guitar Doors C.A.P.O. (Community Arts Programming and Outreach) Center.
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Two students collaborating and DJing B2B at the parks.
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JC, Fresh Tracks participant, mastering his latest track.
1286
Participants Enrolled
292
Total Hours of Instruction
236
Total Workshops
2022 Youth Program Updates
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Doubling Our Youth Impact
The Arts for Healing & Justice Network (AHJN) asked Give a Beat to become the 15th member of their cohort at the end of 2021. They serve a s a key connector for several residencies, including schools, juvenile halls, temporary care shelters, and parks. Ever since, our youth program has been flourishing. In 2022, we reached over 1,200 young people. Within 1 year alone, we have doubled our impact compared to 2015-2021!
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Launching Fresh Tracks, a Youth Program
Fresh Tracks is a collaborative youth program for participants aged 18-24 years old between 3 members of the AHJN Network; Jail Guitar Doors, Street Poets, and Give a Beat. Participants learn the art of music production, individually create and record songs, and worked collaboratively on a group track. Located at the C.A.P.O. (Community Arts Programming and Outreach) Center, this class serves system-involved youth and participants from under-resources communities. The mission is to keep young people out of the system and provide pathways to music education and avenues for monetizing their original work.
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Youth Fellowship
Thanks to the California Arts Council, we won the “Jump StArts” grant which enables us to have our first-ever youth fellowship! Exceptional youth aged 18-24 will receive mentoring by music industry professionals to map out their goals, strengthen music skills, and network with other artists. This paid fellowship will cultivate pathways for creative careers and support young people in their artistic endeavors.
Prison Electronic Music Program
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Prison Electronic Music Program 🎧
Prison Electronic Music Program
In collaboration with Arts in Corrections, a program under the California Arts Council, the Prison Electronic Music Program is a 6 week curriculum providing a transformative music experience of self-expression, healing, education and transferable life skills.
Our Prison Electronic Music Program teaches music production and DJing, offering an outlet for creative expression and the opportunity to bring people together through music. This camaraderie facilitates positive social groups that break down racial barriers, improves relationships with peers and staff, and supports the well-being of all who are touched by the program. The course covers related and transferable business and life skills that can be applied while incarcerated and in preparation for reentry. Skills taught harness a cycle of chance that instills inspiration, empowerment, and ultimately reduces the risk of recidivism.
Curriculum Outcomes
Digital & Technical Literacy
Music as a mood-shifter, peace builder, tool for conflict resolution
Positive Social Groups
Curriculum Pillars
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Music History
House, Techno, Hiphop, Dub
Protest music, Chicano movement music
Jazz, blues, indigenous music
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Business & Branding Skills
Social media
Personal Brand Creation
Networking
Music Deals
Event production
Roles of DJ and Producer
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DJ Skills & Equipment
Music Theory
Music Software
History of DJ Equipment
MIDI, Drum Machine, Synthesizer, Sampler, Autotune
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Music for Personal Transformation
Healing
Reflection
Creative Expression
Building Community
Photos by Peter Mertz
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Chaz teaching music production techniques on Ableton equipment.
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A snapshot from the “opening circle.”
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Participants cheering on their fellow classmate as he learns to DJ.
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“Shared Agreements” are created through the voices of each participant to ensure Give a Beat is curating a safe space.
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Todd and participant celebrating a smooth DJ transition.
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Zeroh teaching participants how to make beats.
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Native Instruments Traktor turntables.
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Participants collaborating on a DJ Set.
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Participant learning the art of music production.
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The “opening and closing circle” is a core part of our class, carving out space to build camaraderie and to share what’s on their mind.
76
Participants Enrolled (in person & remote)
4
In-Person sessions
108
Total Hours of In-Person Instruction
27
In-Person Workshops
36
Packets Delivered
2022 Updates
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Winning AIC Contracts
We are thrilled to announce we have won 4 new contracts to expand our Prison Electronic Music Program! Since 2019, we have been operating in two California state prisons. Now, we have been awarded the opportunity to teach in 3 locations, amounting to 20 program cycles per year! This doubles our impact and enables us to reach 280 incarcerated people annually. We’re fortunate to have this opportunity to expand the reach of our robust music education and cultivate the chance to heal, inspire, and equip participants with the necessary skills to thrive.
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Remote Learning
COVID-19 is still dramatically impacting prisons and the ability to deliver programs. To ensure that we can still support the education and mental health of those we serve, we are continuing to deliver our “Weekly Artist Development Series.” Each homework assignment is reviewed and responded to by a Teaching Artist, providing participants the opportunity to remotely work 1:1 with personalized feedback. More details below.
Weekly Artist Development Series
Due to COVID-19, Give a Beat developed a written correspondence course consisting of homework packets containing the three following components:
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The Opening Act
Students focus on getting in the zone by practicing breathing, mindfulness, and affirmation exercises.
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Headliner
Students dive into the curriculum which covers music history, business development, and technical music equipment instruction.
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Afterhours
Students reflect on course material and their feelings by completing writing prompts. These prompts give them the opportunity to look deeper into the role of music and into their own lives.
91%
Reported an increase in team building and listening skills.
100%
Reported that music helps them handle general stress.
100%
Reported more camaraderie and less racial tension than anywhere else in the facility.
83%
Reported they are better at expressing their emotions.
On a New Track
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On a New Track 🎙️
On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program
In collaboration with Anti Recidivism Coalition and California Mentoring Partnership, Give a Beat provides a cutting edge group mentoring model that connects music industry professionals with formerly incarcerated individuals.
Our unique On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program launched in February 2021, training and mentoring seven people experiencing reentry throughout the 12-week course. The curriculum teaches the art of music production, DJing, related business and branding skills, while pairing participants with a music industry mentor. Participants gain experience in creating music, performing in front of a group, and forming proficiency in entrepreneurial skills in the music industry. The goal is to provide pathways to creative careers, thereby reducing the chance of recidivism while also opening the music industry to a more diverse group of artists.
Each participant creates an Artist Development Plan with their mentor, which is a timeline mapped out with goals specific to their ambitions. With the intent to support participants throughout the execution and implementation of their Artist Development Plan, we turned On a New Track into a year-round reentry program, where they maintain access to continuous support from their mentor and Give a Beat.
Curriculum Outcomes
Developing Entrepreneurial & Life Skills
Powering a Cycle of Change & Reducing Recidivism
Building Creative Career Pathways
Photos by Sue Hudelson
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Teaching Artist, Chaz, supporting geriFree.
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The “opening circle” lead by Teaching Artist, Billy.
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“On a New Track” graduates with Teaching Artists; Todd, Billy, and Chaz.
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Sithy getting familiar with Native Instrument’s Traktor turntables.
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Todd kicking off the class with an introduction to branding and business kills relevant to the music industry.
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Alejandra locked in while learning the ropes of DJing.
2022 Updates
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Awarded Grant to Launch Second Cycle of On a New Track
Thanks to the California Arts Council and so many other donors, we are able to offer a second cycle of On a New Track in early 2023! We’re thrilled to present this opportunity to 8 more formerly incarcerated people as the impact from the last cycle was palpable.
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Launching a Unique Label - Give a Beat Records!
Give a Beat recognized in the pursuit of becoming an artist, it’s a necessity to provide another stepping stone beyond On a New Track to give graduates the opportunity to reach the next level. We’re proud to announce the launch of Give a Beat Records, one of the few record labels in the United States that solely supports system-impacted people.
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“Give a Beat let me know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to as long as I’m focused and determined, whether I know how to do it or not.”
Geri Meyers
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“The only time there’s light or a ray of hope is when we get to participate in these programs or workshops. The volunteers are amazing. It’s the only time we are treated as human beings.”
Sithy
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“This program was really great. I felt this is exactly what people should be doing as far as wanting to give back in this way. It’s not just to give back but actually to build capacity in people and go on to become your best self.”
Alejandra
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...A lot of us felt intimidated by the idea of going into something new and foriegn, especially being formerly incarcerated, but the fact that we were all in this together, it made it much easier and it made me more comfortable to take risks and push myself to doing what I’ve been delaying in my time here in this world
Sean
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“Having a mentor in this program helped me through a lot. They actually let me know that the process is always within.”
Koeppell
Give a Beat Records
A label for social change and a voice for the underrepresented
Give a Beat Records supports people after incarceration, helping them produce, distribute, and market original music for global release, giving our artists access to a platform to share their voices with the world.
In partnership with EMPIRE distribution, Give a Beat Records leverages our deep-rooted network within the global music industry to open opportunities and access to resources like studio time, mastering services, music video/ photo shoots, and album artwork as well legal guidance and full ownership of their music.
We are proud to put a spotlight on system-impacted artists, each with a unique voice, story, and musical style, ready to challenge narratives.
Extension of On a New Track
As an extension of On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program, we launched Give a Beat Records to support program graduates and give them a platform to release their original music + mixes while maintaining legal rights to their artwork.
Artists of color have historically faced challenges and discrimination in the music industry, and when you couple it with being formerly incarcerated, dense barriers are formed. Give a Beat Records aims to alleviate this injustice.
Existing as one of the few record labels in the United States that solely supports system-impacted people, this record label presents opportunities to continue their artistic journey and strengthen creative career pathways. We hope that the professional skills this label imparts to artists, combined with the knowledge of a strong foundation in music history, will lead to a more equitable, progressive workforce of producers and DJs in the industry.
Curriculum Outcomes
Voice for the Underrepresented
Platform for Advocacy
Strengthening Creative Career Pathways
geriFree
Through her second chance in Give a Beat’s On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program, Geri Meyers has adopted the moniker of “geriFree” and is an artist on Give a Beat Records – a label for social change and a voice of the underrepresented – and now she celebrates the groundbreaking release of “Pure Joy,” the first song on the label.
With her energetic house beats that offer vitality and positive spirit, she’s creating a danceable vibe that’s irresistible. Stay tuned for the geriFree experience – this is only the beginning.
2022 Artists
Give a Beat Records Launch and geriFree Record Release Party + more!
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The star of the night: geriFree!
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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geriFree’s mentor, Spiñorita, DJing at our Give a Beat Records Launch Party.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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We were thrilled to get the support of KCRW’s Jeremy Sole as a host and DJ at our event.
Photo by Keri Freeman.
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Behind the scenes for geriFree’s “Pure Joy” music video.
Photo by Emily Rifkin.
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This event was located at the beautiful Apotheke.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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geriFree at her release party!
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Give a Beat staff, Todd and Billy, at the Give a Beat Records Launch Party.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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Friends reuniting at the label launch event.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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The beginning of geriFree’s creative career endeavors, “On a New Track”!
Photo by Sue Hudelson.
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Michael and Virginia enjoying the music.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
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geriFree’s DJ set during the “On a New Track” graduation.
Photo by Sue Hudelson.
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Lauren, Caroline, and Jack at the event.
Photo by Paisley Zerr.
Pelligroso
Eight months after his release from the California Youth Authority (CYA), Koeppell McDade joined Give a Beat’s “On a New Track” Reentry Mentoring Program (under his Pelligroso alias), which gave him a focused path for his musical endeavors. During his time in the CYA, music was his therapy. It gave him a voice during a difficult time, but it also gave him a touchstone for a creative future beyond the bars.
In addition to his own music pursuits, Pelligroso has found a way to give back to the community. As a Teaching Artist in Give a Beat’s Youth Music Production and DJ Program, Pelligroso lends his talents to under-represented neighborhoods and enhances the opportunity for youths to discover their own creativity.
Though he’s experienced a lot and accomplished plenty, Koeppell McDade’s journey is far from finished. He has shown how one can take the promise of his own artistic talent, combine it with purpose-driven community action and forge a brighter future from the two. For Pelligroso and Give a Beat, the journey continues.
Pelligroso’s “Street Poetry” Single Release Party + more!
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Pelligroso, the star of the night!
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Spiñorita and Arabian Prince had stellar DJ sets at Pelligroso’s Party!
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Pelligroso’s “Street Poetry” Release Party was held at Melody Lounge.
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Behind the scenes for Pelligroso’s “Street Poetry” music video.
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“On a New Track” Mentor Mentee match: Spiñorita and geriFree!
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Pelligroso DJing at our Give a Beat Records Launch Party.
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Todd Strong (Program Director) and Todd Roberts (Board Member) enjoying the party!
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Pelligroso DJing at a gig in Malibu.
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Esseance (Teaching Artist) and EJ (Volunteer) at the party.
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geriFree DJing at Pelligroso’s Party.
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Billy and Arabian Prince.
Supporters
Board Members
A special thanks to our 2022 Board Members for their incredible contributions! Give a Beat is eternally grateful for this passionate, talented team to come together by lending their resources and time for a greater cause. They’ve made tangible, lasting impacts on the organization, and we credit them for a the multitude of successes we’ve experienced this year.
Board Members
A special thanks to our 2022 Board Members for their incredible contributions! Give a Beat is eternally grateful for this passionate, talented team to come together by lending their resources and time for a greater cause. They’ve made tangible, lasting impacts on the organization, and we credit them for a the multitude of successes we’ve experienced this year.
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Lauren Segal
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Virginia Cheung
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Todd Roberts
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Danielle Carrillo
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Jack Piatt
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Matthew Adell
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Michael Mendoza
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Vladimir Acevedo
Advisory Board
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Julia Bitriceanu
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Eli Goldstein
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Terri Harel
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Lara Lyko
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Tomas Palermo
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Jessica Poche
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Christina Rinker
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Mat Segal
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Melissa Segal
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Asya Shein
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Lynn Tejada
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Jim Tremayne
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Russell Wardlow
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Josh Weiss
Meet our Volunteers
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Romeo Wilson
“I enjoyed the work relationship dynamic, it was a great team to work with. I also learned a lot from this experience as far as creating a social media branding for an organization. I also am simply a big fan of the mission. As someone who has family and friends in the prison system, and as someone who enjoys all aspects of music, it’s great to see the two coincide and create an environment where everyone shares the same passion, regardless of the demographic.”
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Emily Rifkin
“Volunteering for Give a Beat has been so rewarding. I feel honored to help amplify the voices of the talented Give A Beat musicians through the videos we've made together. Plus, the ability to collaborate with these artists to create art that I'm truly proud of is an additional bonus.”
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EJ Marcus
“As someone with an incarcerated loved one, I think constantly about how damaging prison is to someone’s soul. It’s a difficult fight, but Give a Beat attempt to use music to liberate from the inside out, and I’m so grateful I get to be a part of it.”
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Danny Goliger
“Issues surrounding criminal justice have been close to my heart for many years. I believe that our justice system is too punitive. We lock up too many people for too long, and we don't give them a chance to get back on their feet after serving time. When I found out about Give a Beat, I was so excited about this organization. It sits at such a specific intersection of my social justice interests and my skills as a music producer. I felt like I would actually be able to make a difference with Give a Beat, because I believe in the power of music for healing. Giving people an outlet to express themselves can be life changing, which is why I believe in this mission.”
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Nicole Lee
“Seeing the effect of music in my own life, I joined Give a Beat because it focuses on helping others through music on a more meaningful level. Being involved in the social media side of things, I've been exposed to a countless amount of stories and data, allowing me to see the incredible impact Give a Beat has had on incarcerated individuals.”
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Seannen Sainz
"I believe in justice, equality and second chances. Give a Beat's various programs that focus on youth development, reentry candidates, and general healing through music fosters not only healthy outlets for individuals, but invaluable life skills. Through music – community, love, creativity and confidence is nurtured. Can you think of a more beautiful thing?"
Donors and Grantors
of Common Counsel Foundation
Partners
A few reasons for why we Give a Beat:
Join Our Movement
2022 was our best year yet, and we’re ready for 2023 to be our next record setting year. But, we can’t do it alone! Join our movement and donate to Give a Beat today so that we can continue connecting people with the resources to become their best selves. Every gift empowers lives with the transformative power of music!
Adityasai Pakki
ALKYD
Andy Alexander
Annalisa Clearihue
Austen Figueroa
Barbara Segal
Benjamin Krueger
Bridget Dome
Celeste Lear
Charles Hill
Che Pope
Chillson Beats
Chris D
Christina Rinker
Christine Suh
Christopher Taylor
Christopher Dilday
Church Grim
Cindy ireland
Cody LeE
Cody Winona
Courtney
Curan Tahim
Danielle Carrillo
David Patino
Deborah Kaufman
Derek Serbe
Devan Krishna
Donte Hayes
Dorothea Monteleone
Drezza
DVN
Edwin Rosero
Electron-C
Elida Ledesma
Emile Poree
Ericka Hwang
Erika Busiel
Erin Murray
EXHAUSTED
Fern Kohn
Ganea Lahti
Greg Oerlemans
Halv
Helen BoastJack Piatt
Jacob Halverson
Jaime Zavala
Jake Lubell
Jake Cassman
Jane davis
Jane Schonberger
Jennifer Halbert
Jim Bujak
Jimmie Rhee
Jimmy Greenway
Jimmy Turner
Jiway
John Joned
Joni Romanek
Kathleen Burkett
Ken Schaefle
Kimberly Owens
Klaus Hill
Kristen Compton
Lanha Hong
Lara Lyko
Laurel Stearns
Lili Mandl
Line Donnelly
Lora Larson-Miller
Lynda Arnold
Lynn Wik
Madison Conklin
Maike Both
Marc Bromfeld
Marianne Dumaplin
Mary Margaret Reynolds
Mathew Segal
Matthew Adell
Maureen mulligan
Melissa Segal
Michael Mendoza
Michelle Petruolo
Michelle Berc
Miguel Garcia De Quevedo
MOMENTUMdnb
Monomythism
Morgan Raskin
Nathalie Barrezueta
Nick Rowlett
Niki Lance
Nurit Smith
Olivia Matthews
Pat Roberts
Patrick O'neill
Paul Reynolds
Paula Cuneo
Pauline de Perio
Phil euler
Phil Simmonds
Philip Euler
Pragya Saxena
Quentin Guye
Quincy May
Raina Morris
Rama Poola
Raymond Hernandez
Rilee Eidsmoe
Rise Terney
Robert Hague
Ru Anderson
Samantha Engel
Sergio Miranda
Skylar Yepez
Sonia Sims
Stephen Mcgarrigle
storyteller
Sydney Leung
Tamara Field
Tanner Baird
Tech Support Recordings
Tim Warnock
Tod Weidner
Todd Strong
Todd Roberts
Trevor Selby
Tyler Jensen
Uncle Joe
Virginia Cheung
Vladimir Acevedo
Watson Mulkey
Wendy Cross
Wes Charles
William Tejada
William Kehoe
William Cowart
Zachary Wilson