CMT & Mtheory Reveal New Members Of Equal Access Program
Pictured (L-R, back row): Denitia, CMT’s Leslie Fram, Mtheory’s Cameo Carlson, Alex Evelyn and Angie K. (L-R, front row): Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, Roberto Martinez and Camille Parker. Photo: 353 Media Group
Six candidates have been chosen to participate in this year’s Equal Access Development Program, an artist and management training initiative helmed by CMT and management services company Mtheory.
Artists chosen for the year-long program include Angie K, Camille Parker and Denitia. The music management professionals selected to participate consist of Ahsaki LaFrance-Chachere, Alex Evelyn and Roberto Martinez.
The program offers funding and training, and provides the rising artists and management professionals with access to industry leaders, helping to ensure a multi-faceted pipeline of diverse, creative talent in country music.
Launched in April 2022, Equal Access is one of the first collaborative efforts to address inequities in country music – both on and off the stage – by creating opportunities for commercial success. Spearheaded by an all-female team, including Mtheory’s Cameo Carlson and Tiffany Provenzano alongside CMT’s Leslie Fram, the program aims to proactively influence the continued disparity of underserved groups in country music.
Carlson says, “Research continues to show the enduring racial and gendered hierarchy within the industry, and its ripple effect throughout every facet of the business: radio airplay, songwriting, publishing, streaming, record label signings, artist development, touring and more.”
She continues, “Only through deliberate, consistent efforts like Equal Access, will we begin to see stronger representation of underserved groups in the format, and we’re committed to helping this new group of exceptionally talented individuals successfully prepare for careers in country music, particularly in this current legislative environment that has become an increasingly prohibitive place for creativity to grow and flourish. Thank you to all of our supporters for making this program possible, particularly our title sponsors at CMT and across the Paramount companies.”
Fram adds, “CMT, along with Paramount Global and its Content for Change initiative, is proud to partner with Mtheory once again and is committed to leading the industry in igniting systemic change. Equal Access accentuates our roster of groundbreaking initiatives including CMT Equal Play and CMT Next Women of Country, and contributes significantly towards leveling the playing field in country music. We look forward to collaborating with this amazing new group of artists and managers to amplify their work to CMT audiences and beyond.”
