Katie Brown

Jan 20, 2025 | icareifyoulisten.com | Katie Brown

Candice Hoyes is a multi-hyphenate artist who leans into the full range of her creativity. As a soprano, producer, songwriter, filmmaker, and archivist, Hoyes leads with her versatile and dynamic voice to not only tell the stories of her Jamaican heritage, but also those who inspire her. On Jan.

Oct 21, 2024 | icareifyoulisten.com | Katie Brown

Kebra-Seyoun Charles is a dynamic and innovative artist who breathes fresh air into the classical genre. As a double bassist and composer who is intent on maintaining the roots of dance in their music, Charles has coined the term “counter-classism” to describe how they combine multiple styles and genres to create unique listening experiences for classical music audiences. Charles grew up in a household with a mother who is an African drummer.

Jun 25, 2024 | icareifyoulisten.com | Katie Brown

Having masterfully weaved himself into the Black classical music scene, the Chicago-based innovator LaRob K. Rafael is creating “good trouble” in every aspect of his work. Capturing the essence of John Lewis’ charge, Rafael is advocating for the inclusion and elevation of historically excluded voices in classical music, seeking out artists who have been left out of the conversation and platforming their work.

Apr 3, 2024 | icareifyoulisten.com | Katie Brown

For decades, American orchestras have struggled to increase the number of Black musicians on their rosters. In a study released by The League of American Orchestras in 2023, Black people represented 2.4% of musicians in surveyed orchestras – an increase from their findings in 2014, where Black musicians totaled 1.8%. And while this is seemingly small progress, the work needed to ensure this growth was no small undertaking.

Dec 18, 2023 | icareifyoulisten.com | Katie Brown

Artists often comment on the pressure they feel from fans to produce new music and bring freshness and creativity to each project. But depending on how far artists stray outside of their normal style, experimentation can also cause pushback from supporters, who, it turns out, actually want to hear the music they’ve come to expect from that artist. Known for his melodic “lover boy” approach to rap, Drake shocked listeners with his dance album Honestly, Nevermind in 2022.