Kamaal Malak

Producer, Bassist, Songwriter, Singer and Audio Architect

Kamaal Malak is a multifaceted musician, producer, academic, and researcher whose career spans diverse areas of the music industry. As a bassist and songwriter with the 2x Grammy-winning group Arrested Development, they significantly influenced conscious hip-hop in the early 1990s. His versatility as an artist is further exemplified by his collaborations with country music icon Shania Twain, bridging genres and expanding his musical reach. Beyond his performance career, Malak has made significant strides in music production, blending hip-hop, electronic, and world music influences.

At Vanderbilt University, Malak serves as a professor at CAL " Cultural Advocacy and Leadership", where he teaches the popular "Hip Hop Culture in America" class, bridging his professional experience with academic discourse. His scientific pursuits have led him to explore unconventional applications of music, notably his research on canine relaxation music titled "Music For My Dog." This groundbreaking study investigates the impact of specially frequency & tempo composed music on dogs' anxiety and  stress levels, further demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of music


PARTNERSHIPS / SPONSORSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

MUSIC FOR MY DOG

The Music For My Dog music series is designed to relax your canine. Scientific research measuring heart rate, cortisol levels and stress related behaviors (like barking or lying down) has proven that playing music reduces stress in dogs.
Recent studies have also shown that dogs prefer music at 396hz and 50BPM. This music is also a great option for car rides or to comfort sick or injured dogs. You can find the Music For My Dog series on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube and all of your favorite music services.

The Wond'ry

The Wond’ry is Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center. Its three story, 13,000-square foot space, located adjacent to the Engineering and Science Building, facilitates transinstitutional collaboration between students, faculty, and staff from all schools, levels, and disciplines. From engineers to scientists to entrepreneurs to artists, the Wond’ry is the primary point of connection for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Wond’ry is the catalyst for building and strengthening creativity across campus, fostering innovation in all fields, and forging a stronger “maker” culture at Vanderbilt University.

Scaler 2 - MUSIC FOR THE FUTURE

Scaler 2 makes creating musical patterns simpler and more enjoyable than ever, with a hugely-expanded feature set and improved interface, which make the software even more flexible and fun to work with than the already popular version 1. In this comprehensive course from Producertech Senior Tutor Rob Jones, you’ll be taken through every part of the plugin, whilst creating chords patterns, basslines, leadlines and arpeggios, working in a number of different DAW setups.

AMPED Kids Foundation

AMPED Kids Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of foster and adopted youth by providing access to free private music instruction and other music programs. We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children through the power of music. Through growing children’s musical gifts and interests and empowering them through mentorship, discipline and healing, Amped Kids is lifting up children and giving them a voice. Our dream is to provide hope and vision to children who are undergoing difficult life challenges and empower them for a better future through our Amped music programs.

Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly is an innovative digital imaging and photography tool, providing users with unlimited creative options, fast. It also has the potential to generate custom vectors, brushes, and textures from just a few words or even a sketch, to create stunning video edits, and to create distinctive content for marketing and social media. In the future, Firefly will enable users to do amazing 3D work, such as turning simple 3D compositions into photorealistic images.

NEXT LEVEL CREATOR - 360

Experience the ultimate music production retreat in Nashville, TN. Led by experienced industry professionals, you will learn the craft of music production from concept to distribution. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this retreat will give you the tools and knowledge to take your music to the next level. With hands-on activities and one-on-one guidance, you will be sure to leave the retreat with a deeper understanding of the music production process. Join us in Nashville for an unforgettable retreat!