Inglewood recently hosted an impactful workshop aimed at aspiring music producers, featuring a lineup of acclaimed industry talent. The Audio Affect Series, a free three-day event, brought together around a dozen renowned producers such as Dahi and DJ Khalil with 80 eager students looking to refine their craft.
Co-hosted by the South L.A.-based nonprofit TEC Leimert, along with music production software company Serato and streetwear retailer Undefeated, the workshop was designed to provide hands-on instruction to Black and brown producers of all skill levels. This initiative was set up to bridge the gap in access to resources and mentorship in the music production space.
The seeds for this workshop were sown a few years back during a music production activation at TEC Leimert’s annual conference in Leimert Park Plaza. Attendees were captivated by live beat-making sessions that continued late into the night, highlighting a strong demand for such creative spaces. Executive Director Paris McCoy recalled the experience, saying, “It was just so clear that this was the type of space that artists wanted to be in, so I was just like, ‘We got to make it happen.'”
The conversations began to take shape when TEC Leimert reached out to Serato about collaborating on a program to assist emerging music producers. The response was overwhelmingly positive from Serato, as they were already considering a similar project. OP Miller, head of artist relations for Serato, explained, “We started to realize that there was a gap between some folks who were trying to get into the music production space but didn’t have the [tools] and/or, depending on where they are, access to mentors who can help them kind of walk through things.”
The first official Audio Affect Series session in 2023 took place at Serato’s studio in L.A.’s Arts District. Four workshops were held over several months, with approximately 35 participants in each beginner-friendly session led by local talents like Lyric Jones, Georgia Ann Muldrow, and Dahi.
This year, the event took a step further by expanding its reach in Inglewood, selecting approximately 80 participants out of 200 applicants. Undefeated contributed merchandise such as hoodies, which many workshop attendees sported proudly throughout the weekend.
Participants of varying ages, ranging from teens to Gen-Xers, filled the expansive studios of Volume Studios. With headphones on, they immersed themselves in the beats they crafted, captivated by visual representations of sound dancing across their computer screens.
Designed for those with intermediate to advanced skills, the workshop covered essential topics like discovering one’s personal sound as a producer, sampling and clearing tracks, and building a compelling online presence. Attendees participated in live demonstrations and had dedicated time to create beats of their own, culminating in a final day where students showcased their creations to the entire group.
The lineup of speakers included notable figures such as Dām-Funk, Dibiase, Thurz, and Amber Navran, each sharing insights from their unique perspectives within the music industry. Erika Jasper, a DJ and self-identified ‘novice producer,’ reflected on her experience at the inaugural Audio Affect Series in 2023 and expressed her desire to return for further growth.
“I figured it would be nice to learn from some of the best producers in the game,” said Jasper, who performs under the name q.sol. “Plus, Serato always does a phenomenal job at providing the best instruction, step by step.”
Thomas Phillips, who has been making beats for around 25 years, attended the workshop hoping to take his music more seriously. A software engineer looking to move into audio engineering, he emphasized the need to focus on his craft and be more intentional about it, even bringing along his 7-year-old son to share in the experience.
Linafornia, a producer and DJ from Leimert Park, noted the significance of such programs for those starting their musical journey. “This is a necessary program to have for people who are interested in making music and they get to hear perspectives from people who look like them, who are around their age,” she said. Reflecting on her own experiences, she wished that a program like this had existed when she was younger.
Dahi, a Grammy-winning producer, was motivated to join the Audio Affect Series again to help budding musicians refine their skills. “Showing people the tools to make better music is something that I’m always championing and I think that is something that we need to do more of,” said Dahi. He guided students through his creative process, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in cultivating future talent.
Amber Navran, a multi-instrumentalist and member of the band Moonchild, shared her journey of finding her sound. After years of traditional music training, she finally took the plunge into production, highlighting how encouragement from peers and structured guidance helped her break through her hesitations.
“To be surrounded by producers, people you can meet, collaborate with and be inspired by is so powerful,” Navran concluded, echoing Linafornia’s sentiments about the significance of community in artistic growth.
To conclude the workshop, participants will have about two months to finish and submit a beat for consideration in the Audio Affect Series’ compilation project, which will be curated by legendary producer and DJ Battlecat and released on vinyl next year.
Given the enthusiastic feedback from attendees, McCoy and her team aim to establish the Audio Affect Series as an annual event, providing more opportunities for aspiring producers to hone their skills and connect with industry experts.
image source from：latimes
