THE BAND
BLACK

Artistry leads. AI enhances. Humans perform.

An entire generation has never experienced the energy of a live R&B band. We're bringing it back. World-class musicians. AI-assisted music. Real development. Real performances. Built on the Music Education Initiative's proven workforce development model—training musicians and crew, creating sustainable careers, changing lives through music.

The Journey

From auditions to rehearsals to stage. Every step documented. You don't just discover the band—you watch it being built.

01
The Innovation

AI helps create songs with fresh inspiration and complex arrangements that challenge musicians. Every song refined by human touch.

02
The Auditions

Public auditions for elite musicians. Documented on TikTok and YouTube. Join the search for world-class talent.

03
The Development

Guided by Bar-Kays founder James Alexander and AJ Alexander who trained Usher. AI-assisted arrangements push musicians to new levels of accuracy and rhythm.

04
The Performance

Q2 2026 tour debut. Live band. Real instruments. Human energy. The R&B band revolution revived for a new generation.

7
Live Musicians
100%
Human Performance
Q2
2026 Tour Debut
Possibilities

The Sound

AI helps create music with fresh inspiration and complex arrangements. Then real musicians bring it to life.

Get Your Back Up Off The Wall (Demo)
The Band Black · Get Your Back Up Off The Wall (Demo)
Do Better Together (Demo)
The Band Black · Do Better Together (Demo)
I Can't Get Enough (Demo)
The Band Black · I Can't Get Enough (Demo)

Full Playlist

The Band Black · The Band Black Demo Snippets

Watch It Happen

The entire journey documented. From announcement to auditions to first performance. Be part of the story.

The Movement Begins

First Member | Will You Be First

📹 PERFORMANCE VIDEO HERE
(Little Rock | Road to Recognition Tour)

Follow @TheBandBlack on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates

The Infrastructure

Powered by The Music Education Initiative—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit training the next generation of music professionals and creating sustainable careers.

Workforce Development

Training production students and touring crew. Creating real jobs in lighting, sound, stage management. Building sustainable careers beyond the stage.

Artist Development

From student to professional. Train musicians, develop skills, and build sustainable careers. Guided by Bar-Kays founder James Alexander and AJ Alexander.

Regional Impact

Northwest Arkansas to Mississippi Delta. Training local talent. Creating opportunities. Economic development through music education.

Touring Infrastructure

Road to Recognition Tour (2025 success, 2026 expansion). Owned tour coach. Venue relationships. The foundation is built.

"GT creates the vision and the art. I build the infrastructure and partnerships that make it sustainable. Together, we're proving you can innovate with AI while creating real opportunities for musicians and crew."

— Orson Weems, Co-Founder & MEI Executive Director

Support The Mission

MEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax-deductible donations support musician training, workforce development, and sustainable music careers.

Partner With The MEI

Join The Movement

Elite musicians wanted. Development guided by industry legends. Q2 2026 tour debut.

Open Positions:

Audition Now

Development Starts Immediately | Tour Debuts Q2 2026

Connect With Us

General Inquiries & Auditions:
info@thebandblack.com
Artistic Development & Production Training:
GT Thompson: gt@MEIMajestyMusic.com
Partnerships, Booking & MEI Support:
Orson Weems: oweems@musiceducationinitiative.org