Meet Ahmad DuBose-Dawson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ahmad DuBose-Dawson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ahmad below.

Ahmad, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I believe one’s purpose is predetermined before we enter this physical realm. Contrary to the common Ideal that we as people are supposed to do multiple things in order to have a fulfilling life, I subscribe to the thought that each individual has 1 specific assignment that comes buried or wrapped up in passion and the journey to discovering what that is and then committing to the passion once its discovered is what allows for a life of alignment. I personally come from a family of thorough bloodlines on both sides. I was surrounded by love and divine guidance which set my feet on a solid path of self discovery from an early age. As a child I was able to explore all my interests and it didn’t take long for my passion for music to become apparent. Whether I was playing, creating, observing or studying music, there was never any question about what it was that made me light up on the inside the most. I actually have always been certain that I wanted a career in music, although I will admit that it took some time for me to figure out exactly what that would look like.

Throwing myself into the fire and taking a hands on approach has always been the most appealing to me. After years of music lessons supported by family, studying and fostering my performance skills in various ensembles in grade school and church, and honing my early skills in the studio with my neighborhood friends, I relocated to Los Angeles following the intuition that seemed to be pulling me. Once settled, I jumped straight into “the life” of rigorous networking as a freelance musician. I knew that I had to establish myself on the actual music scene where real music was being played, so like any other musician I hit the scene going to jams and hangs developing relationships with fellow musicians and artists that lead to various gigs both small and eventually large scale, studio sessions, fi opportunities in television and film ect. Along the way I met my bandmates from Katalyst. Upon joining the band I realized that everything one would look for in pursuing a career in music was present within the collective from performing, to writing and producing, glamour gigs, even merch and sync deals. Outside of the music I also found true comradery, accountability and vulnerability in Katalyst. We are a group of high caliber musicians on one accord that get along and were not looking for outside validation because we validate each other which is enough.

Becoming a member of Katalyst opened my mind to what else I would want to do in my life. It gave me the inspiration and additional confidence to establish my own production company with several successful platforms and projects that allow me to make various, substantial contributions to several communities in areas that are needed under my own strength and intellectual equity. By getting lost in the work that makes up my musical journey I’ve learned how to influence in different arenas that don’t always require me to be the artist or performer and still have an influence. Even during the lows of what can sometimes be a tumultuous walk, I’m able to release frustrations simply by participating in the field of music alone. The whole world could feel like it’s about to cave in and I can play one show or have one rehearsal with my bandmates and find peace which leads me to moments of gratitude that resonate through all of the simulations that come with the experiences of being a working musician. All of this discovery is a result of staying open to all possibilities that come with staying true to the one thing I have always been the most passionate about. If that’s not finding purpose, I don’t know what is.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As mentioned I am an active member and percussionist for the Inglewood based band Katalyst. We currently play around the greater Los Angeles area including a residency every 1st Saturday at Townhouse Venice. We’re currently working on our Sophomore album scheduled to release sometime in 2024. In early 2023 we toured with the Platform Jazz Is Dead performing the collaboration Album JID 13 that released in July of 2022 and backing Jazz Legends Gary Bartz, Doug Carne, Henry Franklin and Brian Jackson.

In addition to that I’ve been focusing on developing my production company Qulture 4 which was established during the pandemic of 2020 in “The Alley ” of Leimert Park. The Alley was a guerilla venue which was literally an alley Where we were able to provide Covid safe, outdoor community concerts of high caliber instrumental music to South Los Angeles every Friday night lead by the sound of My 2nd Band Black Art Distrkt

Black Art Distrikt is currently working on its debut Album set to release in Early 2024. The band also plays throughout the greater Los Angeles area and recently participated in the First Jazz Activation of The Leimert Park Juneteenth Celebration. In addition to the band’s strong presence in Leimert Park, Black Art Distrkt also has followings in Venice Beach including an indoor and outdoor residency at Townhouse Venice and the most recent community activation in the city of Compton called Jazz In Compton.

Other Qulture 4 active projects include the platforms called “Everything Raw” & “The Chamber Sessions”

Everything Raw is a live music and Dance artist development platform that takes place once a month. It’s a safe space where movement meets notes allowing artists that are normally in separate worlds, to collaborate artistically on the spot through improv in a modern social environment. In 2023 The platform was featured in The Freedom For Immigrants Celebration at La Plaza, Love Amplified Poetry Jam at The Music Center, Recently closed out The Hip Hop 50 celebration at The Glorya Kaufman School Of Dance at U.S.C. Everything Raw’s founding core include Yoda Jones, SuperDave, and the legendary Popin Pete

The Chamber Sessions is a monthly platform that features composers, string instrumentalists and featured guest artists. It puts a twist on Chamber Music presenting it in urban social environments while maintaining prestige. Some of the artists and composers that have frequented the platform include Brian Hargrove, Jimetta Rose, & Dwight Tribble.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience. It’s important to trust the process and allow things to develop honestly and naturally.

Grace. A lot of times you may react and draw conclusions in certain situations due to limited understanding. However you have to ask the question “how long is a career?” You may come across some of the same people or situations later on in your career with greater understanding which may cause you to respond differently. Learning how to move with grace early on can keep you from burnin bridges and prevent you from having to apologize in order to rekindle old relationships

Remember not to let other people’s problems become your own. You meet a lot of people along the way that vary from acquaintances to friends. It’s natural to relate, empathize and sympathize with other people’s challenges but do your best not to internalize their experiences as well

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t be afraid to take pauses or breaks. A lot of times we feel like we have to be constantly moving or working and that’s actually an unhealthy narrative. if you don’t properly rest you can’t be at your best. You have to remember to live a balanced life and make time for those who love you and understand you without you having to speak. Eat well. Get out in nature. “Be regular” or “normal” from time to time. Allow for Inspiration to flow through you. You can’t do that honestly if you’re constantly on the go

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