In the summer of 2020, Grove Studios and Leon Speakers entered into an agreement to create a fellowship intended to amplify African-American creativity in Washtenaw County. The partnership encompasses artistic development, collaborations with the community through service, and experiential learning at both Grove and Leon Speakers. We intend to support the cultivation of musical talent and growth of the modern music movement in the area to develop Washtenaw County as an innovative hub of music for generations to come.
The Amplify Fellowship has supported our fellows and their music ecosystem in South-East Michigan in putting together Albums, EPs, or Single Releases through the course of our year-long fellowship program.
These projects are our pride and joy.
Baddie Brooks
Reclamation
2023
Chill Place
Lights in the Loft
Gwenyth Hayes
Led Astray
Lorian Janine
Middle of the Sea
Ki5
Spirit
2022
2021
London Beck
The Black Satin Sessions
Dani Darling
The Future
Kenyatta Rashon
The Art of Keeping it Real
Who we’re doing it for.
ELIGIBLE FELLOWS ARE…
African-American
Washtenaw County Resident
Passionate About Music
Interested in making a difference
Mission
The mission of the Amplify fellowship is to provide resources and access to African-American musical artists to encourage free expression untethered by social inequity. We commit to leveraging business relationships and community partnerships to amplify the voices of Black artists, encouraging artistic ownership of their craft and strengthening our connections with communities in need.
Vision
The Amplify Fellowship intends to provide African-American musical artists and/or music-related artisans in our area with the infrastructure to grow, creating great music and building competencies essential to success in the modern music industry. As a result, the area’s musical community will grow in quality and collaboration and become a burgeoning element of the diverse arts and business activity within the area.
Core Values
Authenticity
We amplify unapologetically Black thoughts, ideas, and voices through the gift of music
Creativity
We encourage creators to stretch themselves and construct new meaning
Service
We proactively offer support and strategically respond to the needs of the communities we serve
People
Our relationships we build withstand challenges because of their foundation
Integrity
We do what’s right, not convenient
OUR PARTNERS
We’d love to work with you.
The application period is announced in mid-September each year and is available for all African-American musicians across generations. The participants are not obligated to be from Washtenaw County, and the fellowship is open to participants who are in college. The future fellows will complete a detailed Google form that details their vision for the next year and what they plan to accomplish. After completion of the application, an interview is scheduled with a team composed of leadership team members from Grove Studios and Leon Speakers as well as other key figures from the community. The winners of the fellowship are formally announced at an event in late October.
Follow Our Journey
