Kat Harlton
Photo: Colin Gaudet
So Fierce Music is a Canadian-based entertainment and education company founded by internationally renowned DJ/Producer Velvet Code. It’s Canada’s leading record label focused on highlighting 2SLGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual) creators.
So Fierce Music’s non-profit organization, the YOU DO YOU Foundation supports 2SLGBTQ+ and QBIPOC (Queer Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) music artists and musicians who are struggling in their lives with an opportunity create music and express themselves.
I had the opportunity to chat with Velvet Code about So Fierce Music, The You Do You Foundation and what’s next.
Kat: Can you tell us about yourself and So Fierce Music?
Velvet Code: I’m Velvet Code, music producer and founder of So Fierce Music! I created So Fierce Music to provide a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ artists who have been marginalized and discriminated against for a long time, so that they could unapologetically express themselves and create music that breaks boundaries.
Kat: Why is it important for So Fierce to shine a light on and support 2SLGBTQIA+ artists?
Velvet Code: We, as queer artists have had to fight to be seen and heard, and a future in the mainstream music industry is one of those fights. Despite having made considerable strides over the years with marriage equality and public acceptance on some levels, queer music is still not embraced by the music industry. If we don’t look or sound a certain way, or if we don’t fit into one of their “genres” we are seen as irrelevant, or not appropriate. So Fierce Music is just the first step towards equality in music. The fight continues.
Kat: Tell us more about the YOU DO YOU Foundation and how it supports 2SLGBTQIA+ creators?
Velvet Code: We believe that assisting underprivileged and financially-compromised artists that fall in the 2SLGBTQ+ / QBIPOC is an important fight to allow artists to recover. Poor mental health, addiction, secure housing, and financial hardships are difficult stumbling blocks and many queer artists, musicians and youth from the 2SLGBTQIA community simply can’t afford to create music. YOU DO YOU FOUNDATION helps bring music back into their lives while they’re on their road to recovery.
Kat: What’s coming up next for So Fierce Music and its artists in 2023?
Velvet Code: We have an exciting line-up of events, beginning in June with An Alternative Pride Kick-Off party on June 3rd, to be announced shortly. Following that, we will be hosting our annual gala fundraiser on Saturday June 17th, “A Fierce and Fabulous Affair: Pride Ball” at El Mocambo. We are working on some exciting things for the fall as well, so make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date!
Kat: Tell us more about the A Fierce & Fabulous Affair: A Pride Ball coming up in June – what can attendees expect?
Velvet Code: We are excited to have an amazing cast of new artists now part of the So Fierce roster who will have a chance to showcase their talents at our annual gala fundraiser for Rainbow Railroad and YOU DO YOU Foundation, “A Fierce and Fabulous Affair: Pride Ball” including Phoenix Black and non-binary drag artist MacKenzie Drive.
However, we are super excited to announce that this year, we will have all three winners of Canada’s Drag Race headlining the event! A Fierce and Fabulous Affair: Pride Ball takes place on Saturday June 17th at El Mocambo, featuring all three winners of Canada’s Drag Race, as well as Ada Vox, Shay Dee, Naomi Leone, Lady Nova, Danny Dymond, Seyonce Knows and Brayo Bryans. After last year’s successful launch, we hope we can turn it up a notch to bring an incredible experience.
Kat: What have you learned along the way, that you would like to share with other artists and creators, especially those who may face more barriers than others?
Velvet Code: Work ethic and being kind are two requirements of So Fierce Music. We do not tolerate any negative energy at So Fierce Music. We want our artists to get along with each other, whether that means to collaborate with one another or to perform with one another at our events. And at the end of the day, if it’s not fun, done!
So Fierce Music Links:
Website: https://www.sofiercemusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiercemusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofiercemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sofiercemedia