You Do You Foundation Mentorship Program Supported By TD Bank

Toronto, On – Velvet Code, (Marlon Wurmitzer) is a Toronto, Canada International award-winning genderfluid Electronic Music DJ, producer, songwriter, radio show host and entrepreneur.  In 2022 Velvet launched the “You Do You Foundation”, (https://youdoyoufoundation.org) to help underprivileged and financially compromised 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians utilize music on their road to wellness.   Today it is the foundation’s honor to announce the creation of the “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD Bank Group (TD).  The six-month Mentorship Program will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual) and QBIPOC (Queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color) music artists and musicians struggling with mental wellness, addiction and financial hardship with the skills and opportunities that are essential to advancing their careers.  You Do You Foundation will provide six emerging 2SLGBTQIA+/QBIPOC musical artists who are struggling with their mental health, stable housing or financial hardship with professional development workshops in various aspects of the music industry, including music production, songwriting, grant writing and life skills to ensure their continued engagement and success in the music industry and in life.  You Do You Foundation believes assisting underprivileged and financially compromised young artists that fall in the 2SLGBTQIA+ / QBIPOC spectrum is a vital factor in expanding the voices and artistry in the music industry.

Velvet Code, an established producer and songwriter in the electronic and pop music scene has been called “The Drag Hit Maker” because of their work with Drag Recording Artists around the world. In 2020 Velvet was chosen to be a part of Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Billboard remix team, with notable remixes of Stupid Love and Sour Candy.  That same year, Velvet launched their own label, So Fierce Music (https://www.sofiercemusic.com) currently with a talent roster of 40+ up and coming LGBTQIA+ artists including winners of Canada’s Drag Race Icesis Couture, Gisele Lullaby, and winner of Queen of the Universe Season 2, Taiga Brava. Velvet primary mission is to work with up-and-coming artists to help them grow and succeed at becoming successful recording artists.  There are many barriers to establishing a successful musical career for young 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists who lack financial resources, stable housing, access to contacts, networks, professional recording equipment and mentorship.

Velvet has dedicated much time & support during his career to the existing problems of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC community.  There is an urgent need for professional development and wrap-around support for emerging 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians. Each week, 75-100 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians apply for representation from So Fierce Music. The personal stories are heartbreaking. Precarious housing, discrimination & poverty, resulting in mental health challenges that keep them from creating and producing music. The “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD will begin the process of addressing this extreme need and will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ artists with opportunities for emerging music artists to engage in professional development, understand the industry, and establish professional relationships with support from a team of industry leaders and partners.

“We have come a long way, and the journey continues, but it doesn’t have to be alone.  As a queer artist, I intimately know the struggles of this community.  I’m fortunate to have the ability to speak about human rights, to a large audience and I feel it is my duty to do so.”      Velvet

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