Interscope Geffen A&M Records has launched a new initiative with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide support to these institutions. The first phase of the initiative will bring Interscope Records to three HBCU campuses—Howard University, Tennessee State University and Texas Southern University—during Homecoming Week.
Immersive student-led pop-ups on each campus will allow students to listen to the new vinyl album Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1 and give them the opportunity to win concert tickets and capture memories at the photo booth. As part of the capsule collections, merchandise will be available for purchase, including crewnecks and t-shirts. Black multidisciplinary designer Laci Jordan created original vinyl artwork for each school and designed the accompanying merchandise.
The vinyl-only Homecoming SZN Compilation Vol. 1 is a collection of Interscope catalog songs inspired by HBCU Homecoming and includes two brand new tracks from rising Interscope artists. Custom artwork has been created for each of the three universities and for the consumer edition, which will be available here.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced some of the most prominent figures in our country’s history,” Interscope Geffen A&M Records EVP, Head of Marketing Laura Carter said. “But HBCU’s contributions to culture – especially music – have been especially profound. This is one of the many reasons why this compilation project is so important to the artists and executives at Interscope Geffen A&M Records. We want to deepen our ties with HBCUs nationwide and are excited to embark on this year-long journey.”
Interscope will make a $3 donation for every item sold to the related university. In addition, Interscope/UMG will develop HBCU-specific scholarship offerings for prospective interns and mentors and connect HBCU undergrads with HBCU alumni employees for fellowships.
“We are excited to showcase this partnership that reflects our commitment to student success and community engagement,” Texas Southern University’s Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Charlie Coleman III said. “The contributions from Interscope Records empower our students to pursue their dreams. Together, we’re cultivating an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship, and tradition flourish as we celebrate Texas Southern University’s 97 years of rich legacy.”
