Beatroot Music, the only Black-owned global music distributor in the U.S. and 4U Recording, a collection of state-of-the-art recording studios, both owned and operated by Made In Memphis Entertainment (MIME), have announced a Pathway to Greatness Program, dedicated to supporting aspiring musicians with crucial resources, including premium instruments, tools, and education.
With the pandemic wreaking havoc on already underfunded music and arts programs, this innovative new initiative aims to bridge the gap for underserved music students, changing the trajectory of their career paths. Having selected five students from Atlanta and Memphis, Beatroot Music and 4U Recording surprised each of them with support including donated studio time, instruments, and state-of-the art recording equipment to encourage them on their musical journey.
“Giving back to the next generation of music talents has been my goal,” said David Porter, Co-Founder and CEO of MIME. “These efforts are just a part of that goal. The legacy of what Made In Memphis Entertainment will be deals with business but also the creation with talents of sharing their soul. Nothing is more soulful than doing things to make your community better.”
“Partnering with these meaningful organizations dedicated to making resources available to student musicians is a dream come true,” said Keeyen Martin, recording artist at Beatroot. “Through this program we are able to nurture and equip musicians with the tools they need to be successful, reaching musicians when resources are extremely limited is pivotal to uplift and support the student musician community.”
The Pathway to Greatness Program partnered with the west coast based Department of Sound, who provided students with their Level 100 online curriculum, which teaches their music production program and New York City based Williamsburg School of Music gifted scholarships for private virtual music lessons. Recording artists Runway Richy and Keeyen Martin surprised students with studio equipment in Atlanta, while artists Saint Lucas, Big Homiie G, and MIME Founder David Porter delivered prize instruments in Memphis.
“We are grateful to our partners whose generous contributions will empower students throughout their pathway to greatness,” said Tony Alexander, Co-Founder and President of MIME. “In this highly competitive business, it’s inspiring to see changemakers unite to make a real difference through music.”
