Candace Newman, LIVE OUT L!VE
Candace Newman, LIVE OUT L!VE
💭 Thoughts on selecting your own projects, Black Music Month, and how to find strength when you need it most.
Candace Newman is the CEO and Founder of LIVE OUT L!VE, a boutique touring & booking agency and non-profit dedicated to encouraging marginalized teens and young adults to pursue careers in live entertainment. Her LA-based organization exists to open more doors for future leaders in live entertainment and instill confidence through mentorship, events, seminars, and more. LIVE OUT L!VE is forging the path to bring better representation to the music industry while helping others discover their own passion and purpose. As CEO of LIVE OUT L!VE, Candace provides consultancy services for artists, brands, and companies. She has produced tours for artists like Rihanna and Backstreet Boys, among many others.
When she is not immersed in Live Out L!ve, you can find her hiking and hooping throughout LA with her son, at movie night, or traveling to explore new foods and cultures.
🎯 Selecting your own projects
I am currently involved in organizing several large-scale festivals, live events, and emerging artist tours. I am also working on developing youth programs that will positively impact diverse talent in the live music industry.
The best part of my work is that all my projects are exciting. Each day in my business is different. I have the privilege to select my projects and work with people I like and respect. Whether entrepreneurship or working in the live music industry, every day brings different tasks and energy as I strive to build a strong business foundation and set unique standards for producing live events.
Outside of producing live experiences, I find joy in connecting with other women of diverse backgrounds through mentorship and speaking on panels while inspiring them to find their purpose.
🐝 The vibrant energy of creative expression
Today, I'm loving the vibrant energy of creativity that seems to be buzzing all around me. It's inspiring to see people expressing themselves through various forms of art, from music to visual arts to writing. There's something infectious about witnessing the passion and innovation that comes with creative expression, and it's fueling my own excitement to dive into my creative endeavors.
🕉️ Mantra of the moment
“Own lane, own race, own pace" is my favorite mantra right now, especially in a world dominated by social distractions. In an era where it's easy to compare oneself to the curated lives of others, this mantra reminds me to focus on my unique journey. It encourages me to stay true to my path, run my race, and move at a pace that aligns with my goals and values. By embracing this mindset, I can maintain clarity and purpose, free from the pressure of external validation and distractions. It's a powerful reminder to stay grounded and authentic in pursuing my dreams.
📢 Using your platform to amplify underrepresented voices
Producer and trailblazer Jesse Collins (and his entire production team) is someone I look up to in the live events industry. His influence extends beyond just being a producer; he has become a prominent figure in shaping the landscape of entertainment, particularly within the events industry and Black culture. Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) has made significant contributions to the events industry through some of the most iconic and memorable events in recent years. From awards shows like the BET Awards and The Oscars to high-profile events like the Super Bowl halftime show, JCE has demonstrated its knack for creating immersive and impactful experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. As a Black producer in an industry that has historically been dominated by white voices, JCE has used his platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Through his work, he has provided opportunities for diverse artists, creatives, and professionals to showcase their talents and stories on a global stage, helping to reshape the narrative of what is possible in entertainment.
🎶 Black Music Month
I’m looking forward to kicking off summer this June with the energy of family events and culmination celebratory ceremonies; June also brings an exciting buzz around Black Music Month, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural appreciation and inclusivity. Black Music Month honors the contributions of Black artists to the music industry, celebrating the influence of Black music across genres. This June's celebrations are deeply impactful for me - my son is graduating middle school, and I'm launching several exciting endeavors. Hopefully, I'll also be enjoying the sunshine (which has finally made a long-term appearance here in Los Angeles, which has oddly been missing.)
💪 How to find strength when you need it most
Music is one thing I cannot live without. It was my constant companion, the soundtrack to my life as a displaced foster youth growing up in Los Angeles, providing solace and strength when I needed it most. Through every challenge and triumph, artists like Michael Jackson’s music inspired me, guiding me toward a career in the music industry. Today, as a live music industry producer, I am passionate about creating access for others, using music as a powerful catalyst for change and connection. Music has shaped my journey, and I am committed to sharing its transformative power with the world.
I've been closely following the unique marketing campaigns of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, and even though I don't consume dairy products, I stock up for family members who do. Their advertisements around diversity and inclusion are commendable as they go beyond simply selling ice cream by genuinely committing to social justice. Their campaigns highlight important issues such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate action, reflecting their long-standing values and company ethos. Using its platform to advocate for positive change, Ben & Jerry's resonates with socially conscious consumers, demonstrating that a brand can have a meaningful impact on society while staying true to its core business.
Follow Candace on Instagram & Linkedin and check out her company here.
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