4.7.2025

Hometown Hero D Smoke to Perform at More In Music’s Sound Mind Summit, Dedicated to Promoting Mental Wellness In Music

The Sound Mind Summit Follows the Inaugural More In Music Conference at Cal State Northridge (CSUN) in Los Angeles on May 4th

Presented by the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health’s Take Action L.A. Initiative, the Sound Mind Summit Features a Panel Discussion and Fireside Chat with a Mental Health Professional, and Concludes With L.A. Native D Smoke’s Performance More In Music Conference, Produced in Part by a Cohort of Young Aspiring Professionals (College Students and Individuals Between 18-25 Years of Age), Features Informative Panels and Networking Events to Demystify Music Industry Professions and Build a Path Towards the Future Panelists for the More In Music Conference Include Fana Hues, Kenyon Dixon, DJ Hed, and Professionals From Companies Like Live Nation, YouTube, Universal Music, Def Jam, TikTok, Warner Records, AEG/Goldenvoice, UnitedMasters, Billboard Magazine, and More

 

The Announcement:

The multi-faceted nonprofit More In Music is dedicated to taking the mystery out of the music industry, offering education, mentorship, and support to make the industry more accessible to aspiring professionals. Last week, MIM officially announced the inaugural More In Music Conference, and its impressive array of panelists and speakers. Today, More In Music proudly announces that acclaimed multi-hyphenate and Inglewood native D Smoke will perform at the Sound Mind Summit. The GRAMMY Award-nominated rapper, actor, author, and Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow champion is a strong advocate for awareness of mental health and wellness, often delving into the topic in his music. D Smoke’s performance at the Sound Mind Summit follows the More In Music Conference on May 4th, 2025 at Cal State Northridge (CSUN) in Los Angeles.

“As artists, we often pull from the deepest parts of our souls, sharing our experiences and our vulnerabilities, ultimately leaving us depleted at times,” says D Smoke. “Consequently, our artist plight must include a process of rejuvenation, care and replenishment. Our wellness is paramount.”

Presented by the L.A. Department of Mental Health’s Take Action LA (“Take Action for Yourself, Take Action for Others, and Take Action for your Community”), the More In Music: Sound Mind Summit, is a free event focused on wellness and mental health, creating a supportive space for open discussions on mental well-being while connecting students and the community with valuable resources. The Sound Mind Summit will include a Fireside Chat with Dr. Carroll Brown, who will host a discussion with D Smoke about mental wellness best practices for artists and industry professionals. Throughout the summit, More In Music will host a Wellness Fair, featuring vendors that will provide mental health resources to the summit attendees. The summit ends with D Smoke’s performance, putting a cap on an exciting and informative day of networking, panels and more.

The Sound Mind Summit immediately follows the inaugural More In Music Conference. Running from 9am until 5pm, the More In Music Conference presents a collection of panels, workshops, and conversations designed to give actionable advice and provide crucial context for aspiring music professionals. Among the topics covered include data analysis in the music industry, A&R, artist management, breaking into the scene as an artist, and navigating the industry as a professional. Other notable speakers include L.A. hip-hop fixture DJ Hed, artists Fana Hues and Kenyon Dixon, producers like Amorphous, Ichiban Don, and Killah B, and professionals from companies like Live Nation, Def Jam, TikTok, Spotify, CAA, Warner Records, UnitedMasters, YouTube, and more.

More In Music Conference is unique because the event is produced by a Cohort of students, who work in tandem with the More In Music team, a group of expert Industry Facilitators, and the More In Music Advisory Board to produce the event in its entirety. The student Cohort will get hands-on experience producing a conference and will receive dedicated mentorship from the board and a plethora of additional industry experts, composed of musicians, executives, and professionals in Marketing, Production, Social Media, etc.. Students will learn about programming, booking, event production, budgets, event logistics planning, and more. Each student will be assigned to a committee, led by expert facilitator or advisor to work collectively with all committees to help curate and produce the event.
More In Music Conference looks forward to providing college students and the Los Angeles community-at-large with the opportunity to gain exposure to careers in the music industry, and learn from some of the most accomplished executives in the business. Join More In Music in its mission to inspire all generations of music professionals, who will help the industry reach a more equitable and ethical future.

More In Music is always looking for partners, donors, and volunteers who are passionate about educating others, inspiring the youth, and transforming the culture. Please visit MoreInMusic.org for more information about getting involved. More In Music partners have the opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping the future of music.

 

Please contact Michelle, Annjie, or Destiny, or email moreinmusic@audibletreats.com for more info.

The Background:

About D Smoke
Daniel “D Smoke” Farris is a three-time GRAMMY-nominated musician, actor, and author. This untraditional triple-threat is in the midst of completing his 3rd full length album; is the lead of the short film, “Play Hard”, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; guest stars in Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown; and has a young adult novel that’s soon to be published.

About More In Music
More In Music was established by Noelle Chesnut Whitmore in February 2019. Motivated by a desire to impact her community and instigate positive change, she saw the need to educate, especially young people, on the values of hard work, history, God, and perseverance. Combining her love for music with her commitment to giving back, More In Music was created to fulfill this vision.

More In Music is a multi-faceted nonprofit, with a mission to More In Music aims to bridge generation gaps through skill workshops, panel discussions with industry pros, networking events, mentorship programs, internships, podcasts, and digital programming. Using her connections formed for years working at companies like Goldenvoice and The Recording Academy/GRAMMY Awards, and, as CEO of the Peace & Purpose Agency, running marketing campaigns for clients like Netflix, BMW, and AFROPUNK, Whitmore has invited a list of speakers and panelists from all over the industry, including Merck Mercuriadis, the founder and CEO of Hipgnosis Song Fund, and dozens of other executives from all sectors of the industry (view a full list of past speakers HERE).

Mission Statement:
At More In Music, our mission is to illuminate the diverse career paths within the music industry, ignite the passion of current and future leaders, and cultivate a culture of empowerment and support.

• Peer to Peer – We believe in the power of shared experiences. Through storytelling and mutual support, we foster a community where industry professionals uplift and inspire one another, creating a unified and nurturing environment.
• Peer to Youth – Our goal is to offer young individuals invaluable insights into the real-world experiences of industry veterans. By sharing stories of success and challenges, we equip the next generation with the knowledge and resilience they need to navigate their own musical journeys.
• Youth to Future – We bridge the gap between emerging talent and established leaders through comprehensive programs. Our panels, workshops, mentorships, internships, and digital content—including web series and podcasts—are designed to provide practical skills and opportunities for young professionals to thrive in their careers.

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and empower, and help shape a future where every industry professional has the tools to succeed.

The More In Music 2025 Advisory Board:

Legacy Advisors: Eric Parker – CEO & Founder, Konnect Dot Kelley Purcell – VP of Membership & Industry Relations, Recording Academy Sherri Francois – Chief Impact Officer, Sola Impact & Executive Director of Sola Foundation Cheryl “ Salt” James – Artist – Salt N Pepa, Speaker, Writer & Producer Damien Smith – Manager, Full Stop Management; Head of Music and Touring, Parkwood Entertainment Bridge Advisors: Yannick “Thurz” Koffi – Artist, Creator of Party In My Living Room Lauren Gaspard – Director of Urban Marketing, Interscope Records Chrystal Anderson – Head of Marketing, Gala Music Malachi Fuller – Director, Producer, Co-Founder of Hyyer Creative Naledi Nyahuma Seck – VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The Orchard Bomani X – Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist, Artist & Digital Strategist Jessica Campbell – CEO, Marketing & Creative Director, PO3 Agency Chantel Diaz – Director of Inclusivity & Well-Being – Live Nation Craig Posey – Event Producer, Co-Founder of RCE, Community Manager – Vydia, & Manager – Kenyon Dixon Marissa Wallace – VP of Client Experience – Egami Group Aysia Rowe – CEO & Executive Producer – Amavas Bazaar Tony “Tone” Clark – Manager & Tour Manager – Tone Mgmt Loren LoRosa – Founder – Brown Girl Grinding & Reporter/Producer Shannon Juarez – Special Projects Manager – Goldenvoice Kenyon Dixon – Grammy-Nominated Artist, Singer, and Songwriter Annjelica Houston – Publicity Manager – Audible Treats Mont Brown – A&R – Columbia & Philanthropist Josh Foster – Drummer, Musical Director & Owner – FEELOVERFLASH. Credits: Mariah Carey, Reneé Rapp, Black Music Honors Show, Stellar Awards Show, and more. DJ Rosegold – DJ, Producer & Creative Curator Sarah Moussabik (International Advisor – Morocco) – Co-Founder & Creative Director – Finetune.ma & Artist – Sarah & Ismael Future Gen Advisors: Kyland Talbott – Student, Senior – UCLA & Aspiring Live Entertainment Professional Courtney Roberts – Student, Texas Southern University & Aspiring Music Industry Professional Lauren Clark – College Grad – Berklee College of Music & Aspiring Music Industry Professional Read more about the board and its members HERE