Sounds of the Underground 2025: Diasporic Kinships

Why should you get involved with us? There's many reasons why your department, organization, or company should consider partnering with Sounds of the Underground in order to bring our event series to life. We kick off the three-day experience with a powerful keynote address delivered by a leading author, researcher, artist, or music industry professional. This public talk invites our campus and local community to reflect on the legacy, influence, and future of LA’s underground music scenes, which many of our students, staff, and faculty are a part of. Our symposium with emerging music researchers gathers scholars, students, artists, and community archivists to explore the cultural, political, and sonic histories of underground music. Through panels and discussions, we center underrepresented voices and foster dialogue across generations. Finally, our final day is a music festival and archive-collecting celebration. This community-powered event invites people to contribute personal stories, recordings, flyers, and more to our Sounds of the Underground archive at the University Library with a high energy celebration of music, food, and live performances that honor the people and sounds that shaped LA.

But how can your department, organization, or company benefit from engaging with our Cal State LA community?

• Strengthens Community Impact: Your sponsorship directly supports underserved communities, empowering BIPOC youth and preserving their cultural contributions.
• Promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Aligns your brand with initiatives that actively celebrate diversity and elevate historically marginalized voices.
• Builds Authentic Community Partnerships: Provides your organization with meaningful, on-the-ground engagement with LA’s local and diasporic communities.
• Invests in Student Success: Creates opportunities for Cal State LA students to develop skills in research, event production, community archiving, and cultural preservation.
• Positions Your Brand as a Cultural Ally: Shows your organization’s leadership in supporting the arts, local history, and educational equity in the heart of LA.
• Drives Positive Media Visibility: Sponsors may be recognized across event signage, digital promotions, press releases, and social media campaigns, increasing brand exposure.
• Connects with Next-Gen Leaders: Builds connections with engaged, socially conscious students and community members who value brands that give back.
• Supports Community-Driven Scholarship: Demonstrates your organization’s investment in culturally relevant education and research.

We'd love to chat with you further about how we can work together. Please contact us at kbrown61@calstatela.edu to start your partnership.