Event Recap: July Artist & Industry Mixer

Last Wednesday, we hosted one of our quarterly Artist & Industry Music Mixers at Native Hostel. We wanted to create a space where local artists, creatives, and industry professionals could come together to network in a casual and comfortable environment. The mixer was an opportunity for like-minded individuals to socialize, share their ideas, and make contact to progress their careers in the music industry. The happy hour kicked off at 6pm and featured special acoustic performances by AMF artists Kady Rain & Alesia Lani.

Kady Rain started the night with her own unique acoustic pop set accompanied by partner, co-writer & guitarist Ben Bazzrea. With a neon jumper and bright yellow hair, Kady captivated the audience with her music, singing songs that advocate for self-expression and self-love. She ended the set with one of her most recent singles “It Wasn’t the Roses.” The song is so dance-able it’s hard to imagine the pain behind her words – she wrote the song (any many others) about a past abusive relationship that left her hospitalized for 10 days.

After a small break and a few more cocktails, Alesia Lani took the stage. She blessed the audience with her soulful voice and charismatic stage presence with guitarist Jordan Burchill, performing her own songs and a few of her favorite covers. The audience fell silent as she began her own rendition of Childish Gambino’s “Redbone,” but she quickly encouraged them to sing along with her. She even sang her own freestyle thanking AMF and the team at Native Hostel! It’s no surprise to us that Alesia Lani was named the 2015 and 2016 Austin Hip Hop Award winner for “Best R&B Artist.”

We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who attended the event and to Native Hostel for hosting! Save the date for our next Music Mixer: September 19 @ Hotel Vegas.

All photos by Sophia Lawson.

Poster art by Jasmine Brooks.

This project was supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Department.