Music manufacturer, Leon Speakers, and Grove Studios have announced the Amplify Fellowship, a new program intended to increase the volume of African-American voices in Washtenaw County.

In addition to funding educational workshops about music and content creation at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, Leon Speakers has now committed to supporting three African-American artists with the recording and engineering of their next musical projects.

“As we have seen recently, all of us are responsible for addressing the inequity that plagues our society, and we respect that both organizations want to do their part,” Rod Wallace, educational programs coordinator at Grove Studios, said in a press release. “The fellowship’s workshops and network development will support Grove’s vision of turning Washtenaw County into a true hub of innovation, musically and otherwise.”

Three individuals will be selected after participating in an application and interview process. Once chosen, applicants will receive 40 hours of studio time, at Grove Studios, as well as engineering and production support for creating an upcoming project. Some of their music will be included as part of an annual compilation album that will also feature other artists from Grove Studios. The album will help benefit local community organizations as well.

“Some of the drive to make this happen was built off of what we saw happen this summer and the public outcry about the need for there to be justice for African-Americans when dealing with the legal system,” Wallace explained. “[We want to] identify a spot where we can support the African-American community in doing something positive.”

Grove Studios prides itself in being a support system for the community.

“It takes resources and funds and tools to be able to support people who are interested in creating. Grove sees itself as being a place that nurtures content creators . . . that’s the position that it wants to play in the community,” Wallace said. 

To apply, applicants need to be African-American, a resident of Washtenaw County, passionate about music, interested in making a difference and over the age of 18.

The fellowship application deadline is Oct 19. For information and to apply, visit the Amplify Fellowship website.

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