PRESS RELEASE
Published August 30, 2023
Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)—the professional network for active music professionals with disabilities, neurodivergence and other chronic conditions—has announced its Executive Committee with a newly created Advisory Board Chair position for 2023. The committee will work to steer and build on RAMPD’s mission priorities amplifying Disability Culture, inclusion and equity in the music industry.
RAMPD’s online search platform connects the music, entertainment and events industries to its global network of music creators and Industry professionals with diverse disabilities, allowing anyone to find and hire peer-vetted talent—from Los Angeles to Australia, artists to corporate professionals, and spanning across all genres. RAMPD also provides opportunities, development and education for its larger community. The organization has worked with giants like the GRAMMYs, Netflix and others to provide cultural awareness while breaking down stigmas around disability and mental health conditions.
The New Executive Leadership:
Precious Perez (President) is a Boricua artist, author and disability advocate with recent performances at the Kennedy and Lincoln Centers. Having risen from Memberships Co-Chair to Vice President, Precious’ leadership has naturally progressed her to President of the organization. “I am beyond honored to spearhead this crucial movement with our incredible team,” Precious says. “RAMPD is everything the community and industry needs. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without it…I’m excited to continue our groundbreaking work.”
Namel ‘TapWaterz’ Norris (Vice President) is Co-Founder of Hip Hop movement 4WheelCity and an anti-gun violence activist. He has performed or spoken at the United Nations, the White House and the Recording Academy, and has worked with music icons Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder. A founding member of RAMPD, Namel is Head A&R at RAMPD Records—home to “Shining and Rolling” and “Lift Me Up”—an entity he has helped develop to support the collaborative releases of creators with disabilities. “With immense joy and gratitude, I am thrilled to have been elected as Vice President of RAMPD”, Namel says. “It is an honor to contribute my skills and dedication to an organization that is at the forefront of inclusion of people with disabilities in the music industry.”
Lachi (Advisory Board Chair) is Founder of RAMPD and has had a hand in all facets of the organization. She currently serves on the Board or DEI Committees at the GRAMMYs, the National Independent Venue Association, and the Songwriters of North America. As an internationally touring and charting recording artist, Lachi has worked on a number of major projects. As an award-winning community leader and two-time PBS host, Lachi’s cultural activism has landed her discussions with the White House, the BBC, Good Morning America and others. “I’m exceedingly proud of the massive strides RAMPD has taken in such a short period,” Lachi says. “I’m thrilled to pass the torch to passionate and talented advocate Precious Perez. This new dynamic team greatly reflects RAMPD’s deep commitment to changing the social perception of disability, increasing representation and instilling accessibility as a core value across the music industry.”
Lisa Sniderman / Aoede (Secretary) is a playwright, artist and disabled artist advocate who’s been honored with more than 100 accolades and awards. Lis has served as RAMPD Events Co-chair, helping make award shows more accessible, and is continuing to serve on her second year as RAMPD Secretary. “As Secretary, I’ve really enjoyed being part of such a charismatic, dynamic leadership team,” Lisa says. “I look forward to continuing to actively participate in RAMPD and to all that unfolds under new leadership.”
Rev Chris Wylie (Treasurer) is the Co-founder of Rolling Nation Network which uses music to provide wheelchair van grants for people in need. Also a songwriter, Rev Chris first co-chaired the Partnerships Committee. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve RAMPD as the incoming Treasurer,” Chris says. “I look forward to helping RAMPD continue to build and grow its influence.”
About RAMPD
RAMPD is a fast-growing global network dedicated to making disability inclusion and access a reality in the mainstream music industry. It was founded in May of 2021 by recording artist Lachi after a public talk between the Recording Academy and several disabled artists revealed a serious lack of visibility, access, and representation for professional disabled artists. Joined by founding members including touring artist Gaelynn Lea, RAMPD has grown to become the premiere network and platform for music professionals building bridges for disability and accessibility in the music industry.
