Elijah Awada (He/Him)
Elijah Awada is a third-year Journalism student at the University of Minnesota. He is a strong believer in music’s role as a catalyst for social change, and he hopes to uplift the voices of politically motivated musicians and songwriters through his work at Amplify. As the host of Radio K’s Local Show, Off the Record, he has developed a keen interest for the Twin Cities music scene and its most prominent players, and as a musician himself, he has actively participated in this scene. All forms of music interest Elijah, but his favorite genres include jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Ultimately, Elijah is fascinated by the intersections of cultural identity and music and the ways in which one can express themselves through their art. Follow his instagram @amplify_instrumentals for a curated selection of instrumentally-based songs that achieve a political message.
Gabby Erenstein (She/Her)
Gabby is a junior at the University of Minnesota majoring in journalism. She has always loved supporting musicians by attending their concerts and buying merch of her favorite artists. She doesn’t play any instruments but she loves to listen to music, especially live music. She is the definition of a loyal fan and consistently listens to the same musicians as she has grown up. Her favorite concert that she has ever been to was 5 Seconds of Summer’s Take My Hand tour in Minneapolis. Gabby’s Instagram focuses on her personal favorite social justice songs, @gabbyerensteinmagazine.
Myah Goff (She/Her)
Myah Goff is a fourth-year journalism student at the University of Minnesota. Her passion for music began at a young age when her father, who hosted open mic events for artists in Chicago, instilled in her an appreciation for art as a vessel for social justice and political activism. Immersed in the world of music, Myah would spend hours listening to and writing about her favorite albums, strumming her guitar, and producing music for fun in her bedroom. As she grew older, her passion for music evolved into a desire to share her love of the art form with others. Through her work at Amplify, she hopes to shed light on musicians who use the power of sound to move, inspire, and transform. Follow her instagram @amplifying.girlswithguitars to learn more about female guitarists of color who have been historically overlooked in the music industry.
Maddie Roth (She/Her)
Maddie Roth is a second-year journalism/sociology of law double major at the University of Minnesota. She loves music and vividly remembers her grandpa playing and singing “Piano Man” by Billy Joel to her when she was younger. This is when her passion for music began to flourish. Maddie also is an advent concert goer and enjoys live music! Her favorite genre is alternative music, but she enjoys listening to all different genres. Since moving to the Twin Cities, Maddie has gone to several smaller venues to support local artists. She loves discovering new musicians to add to her playlists! Maddie is an advocate for promoting social justice issues, especially those related to drug addiction. She hopes to advocate for those who feel they are voiceless through this magazine. Check out her Instagram, @amplify_maddieslyrics, to see some of her favorite social justice lyrics.
Vy Nguyen (She/They)
Vy Nguyen is a third-year journalism and dance studies major at the University of Minnesota. Growing up as an AAPI performer in the Twin Cities and being surrounded by local music and dance makers of all identities, they have gotten to experience firsthand the power that music and performance can have on social change. They are passionate about exploring the intersectionality of different artistic mediums as a means of political activism. Through their work at Amplify, they hope to connect a community of artists who share the same passion for art making and social justice. Check out her instagram, @amplify.takethestage , to learn more about venues you can support to keep this music alive.