XQ #MakeASong Challenge ft. SOL Development
We are inviting students (ages 13-21) to enter the first XQ #MakeASongChallenge for a chance to work with the Oakland-based hip hop and R&B quartet SOL Development. How? Create an original song or lyric that touches on issues important to you.
Prize packages:
- The first 100 submissions will receive iTunes gift cards for $20
- The top five upvoted submissions will receive home studio equipment
- Top entries will receive special interviews, amplification, and a response video from SOL Development
You don’t need to be experienced to participate. We are looking for heart and soul, and we want to hear what matters to you. Sign up for a Rethink Together profile to get started!
Join the #MakeASongChallenge and get access to:
- A platform to learn how to create a song
- Access to mentors, creators, and brands
- Amplification and exposure of your music
XQ Music & Activism Badge
Students who submit a song and complete the reflection at the end of the course will earn the XQ Music and Activism badge—the first in our Art and Activism series. Earn yours, and share your achievement!
Sign up for Rethink Together to be eligible for the Music & Activism badge at the end of the challenge. Your badge will help you build your own digital portfolio and can be shared on your profile, resume, and college applications.
TIMELINE
Dec 14: Challenge begins
Jan 14: Submissions close
Jan 15: Public voting begins
Jan 28: Voting ends
Feb 11: Winners announced
THE STEPS: Here’s What You’ll Do
JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Sign up to learn the ins and outs of creating your own song. The Challenge launches December 14th.
CREATE YOUR SONG
Watch videos, dig into resources, and learn from SOL Development as they lead you through the process.
SUBMIT YOUR SONG
Upload your own song.
LISTEN AND VOTE
Check out songs from others in the music gallery, and share your feedback.
GET FEEDBACK
Get comments from the community. Top entries get home studio equipment and feedback from SOL Development.
EARN THE XQ MUSIC AND ACTIVISM BADGE
Complete the reflection at the end of the course to earn the XQ Music and Activism badge!
ABOUT SOL DEVELOPMENT:
SOL Development (Source of Light) is a hip hop, jazz, and soul ensemble that mirrors Nina Simone’s quintessential words: an artist’s duty is to reflect the times. The band offers music to illuminate today’s cultural and political climate, matching it with a sound that allows the listener to feel empowered in finding their own activism and healing. Based in Oakland California, members of the musical group SOL Development are Karega Bailey, Felicia Gangloff-Bailey, Lauren Adam, and Brittany Tanner.
Learn Content
Learn Includes
- 4 Sessions