The Power of Music

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

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. By connecting to music industry professionals, we will widen the pathways for people to thrive, reduce recidivism, encourage empathy, and unite to contribute to the larger movement of transforming the criminal justice system.

Our Values

We are a community united by peace, love, compassion, and understanding (the values embodied in the foundation of electronic music culture) and believe in the restoration of dignity, hope and opportunity to those who have experienced injustice.

Our History

Give a Beat was founded in 2014 on the guiding principles of electronic music culture: peace, love, compassion, inclusivity, and understanding. Since launching our Youth Music Production and DJ program in 2015, we’ve expanded to having three variations of our landmark programs and routinely offer DJ, music production, and educational programs inside and outside youth and adult correctional facilities.

In 2019, in collaboration with the California Arts Council and the Arts in Corrections program, Give a Beat launched the Prison Electronic Music Program in two California State Prisons. In 2021, we launched On a New Track Reentry Mentoring program, pairing formerly incarcerated individuals with mentors in the music industry. In 2022, we launched Give a Beat Records, a label to support people after incarceration and give them a platform to share their voices with the world. Give a Beat has positively impacted 1,000+ people who have been affected by incarceration, giving them a therapeutic outlet for creative expression, the chance to discover talent, and the opportunity to open up career opportunities through the power of music.