Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Newman.
Candace, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, to young teen parents. I grew up at times displaced, living with unfit family members and often times in foster homes with complete strangers. The experience left me driven to persue a better life for myself.
After graduating college with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Entertainment from California State University, Fullerton and a Masters of Arts in Communications from California State University, Los Angeles I began my career in the music entertainment industry.
I’ve always had a passion for music and the entertainment industry but I was never certain which sector I would land in. In college, while I attended California State University, Fullerton, I worked as the event manager for the Titan Student Union where I developed an interest in event planning and logistics. I learned about audiovisual, stage lighting, venue setup and how to manage the entire event. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career that combined both interests – music and events.
I’m also an entrepreneur at heart so I ventured into event producing and promoting through a company I launched called ‘Social Butterfly Entertainment’, where I partnered with actor/comedians Tony Rock and Ron G to curate live events across the city of Los Angeles.
After working for various entertainment companies like Fox Entertainment and Universal Music Group, In 2009, I landed an opportunity at Live Nation Entertainment, as an executive assistant where I kicked off my career in live events and touring.
For the last decade, I worked to help bring some of the world’s most celebrated artists closer to their fans by collaborating with live music venues all over the world to book, produce, and promote tours for a variety of talent from Rihanna, David Blaine, Backstreet Boys, Toni Braxton and a host of others.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has not been a smooth one. As one of the few women of color in the touring and booking industry I have faced many challenges. In an industry that is predominantly male-driven and plagued with deep-rooted gender and racially bias corporate structures, I found myself having to navigate a space that was not designed for my success. One with very few resources to support my career development. And quite simply an environment that lacked other people from diverse cultures that I can identify with and opportunities that I could strive for.
Inspired by my own professional journey and fueled by my desire to open doors for more diverse faces in booking and touring, I launched Live Out L!ve in 2019 with a goal, to be at the forefront of change, creating a live entertainment culture of empowerment and inclusion by educating and encouraging marginalized groups to pursue careers in the industry.
Live Out Live – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Live Out L!ve creates opportunities and sparks conversations to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse leaders in the live music industry.
I’m leveraging my industry experience to introduce teens and young adults to the tenacious yet rewarding concert promotion and booking side of live entertainment and creating a more diverse and inclusive class of newcomers to the industry.
Live Out L!ve, is dedicated to arming a wave of new faces with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to open more doors in touring and booking and essentially, Live Out L!ve.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Live Out L!ve is on a path to success:
Since launching, we created Live Out Live Presents: Touring 360 Tour Booking 101 course. Taught at 1500 Sound Academy in Inglewood, CA. Where students learn the basics of the touring industry, is introduced to new job titles, and insight into the strategy and planning it takes to put on some of the largest concerts and tours across the globe.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.liveoutlive.com
- Email: info@liveoutlive.com
- Instagram: liveoutlive_la
- Facebook: liveoutlive_la
- Twitter: liveoutlive_la
Image Credit:
Michael Cummings
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