Last winter, the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance worked with UO’s Music Industry Collective to produce Union Fest and Black History Month Masterclass Series, which included popular artists and music industry professionals providing workshops, mentorship and Q&A’s open to all students. Amidst a global pandemic, UO’s MIC collaborated with UO SOMD, CSI, Black Male Alliance, Black Women of Achievement and UO National Chapter of Black Journalists to produce a masterclass series featuring Tobi Lou, Amindi, Derrick Hardy and Bluphoria. These events culminated in Union Fest, a virtual festival produced by seven organizations working to make the world a more equitable place. 

In light of the police brutality, continued racism and COVID-19, we are planning events that build up our community while supporting them through these difficult times. Together, we will begin the change that the music industry so desperately needs. UO MIC used their resources to amplify Black voices and fundraise for the community.

First, we compensated Black artists from across the nation.

Then, we broadcasted their exclusive performances to raise funds for Eugene-Springfield NAACP, UO LRP Black Cultural Center’s Scholarship Fund, Black Unity, Irie Jamaican Kitchen and The Mambira Foundation.

Union Fest included performances from Amindi, Kaelin Ellis, Jordan Fletcher, Ratie D, Black Artist Group, COVI., DJ Stoggrd, Rari Blck, Wavy Josef and Kadren. You can find all sets available on WOW Hall’s YouTube (youtube.com/channel/UCxWtn5Nz7myqGFYw4jOXP7g).

Black History Month Masterclass Series comprised of the following events:

Chicago rapper Tobi Lou is a superstar. His breakout hit ‘Buff Baby,’ an Adventure Time inspired summer jam, racked up over 100 million streams. Lou, currently signed with the independent label, Art Club Int’l, has garnered attention from GQ, Billboard, Hypebeast, Pitchfork, Genius and more. 

On February 18th at 5:30-7PM PST, The UO School of Music and Dance hosted Tobi Lou for an inside look into his songwriting, production and recording process. In addition, he will touch on his viral success, immigrating from Nigeria, and answer a student-led Q&A.

Derrick Hardy, Tobi Lou’s manager and Co-President of Art Club Int’l, spoke with SOMD and UO MIC on February 17th from 5:30-7PM PST about his journey as a music business professional and role as an A&R executive overseeing a roster featuring Jhene Aiko, Tobi Lou, TWENTY88, bLAck pARty, Keshawn and more. Former positions include A&R for Damian Lillard and Motown Records. With Hardy’s support, Jhene Aiko won 2021 iHeartRadio R&B Album of the Year Music Award for Chilombo.

The UO MIC x SOMD met with Amindi on February 10th and February 11th from 6-7:30PM PST to discuss her creative proccess, thoughts on music videos, industry politics, and how her upbringing influences her music. After blowing up off of “Pine and Ginger” in 2017, Jamaican-American singer Amindi signed to a dancehall subsidiary of major label Warner. It was a “frustrating couple of years” which she left behind in 2020. Independently, she has continued to release tuneful, spaced-out bedroom pop. Shortly after her appearance, she worked with Amazon Music, Sprite, Vans and HBO’s Insecure.

Lastly, UO MIC hosted a meeting with Bluphoria, one of the most popular live bands in Eugene, as well as a formidable recording act. Their modern twist on vintage swamp-rock has captivated house show audiences.Hear their thoughts on breaking into the local scene, DIY music, and how identity intersects with musicianship. Two weeks prior to their meeting on February 4th from 6-7:30PM PST, Bluphoria signed a developmental record deal with Edgeout Records under Universal Music.

Special thanks to Toby Koenigsberg, Mandy Chong and many more, who were willing to support these virtual events.