Welcome to Unrelated Family

Music is the life force that compels us to be better than what are; its grooves can transport both body and mind to a place of wonder, calm, seductive peace, or to a fantastical space of energy and raw emotion.

Unrelated Family’s desire is to showcase real music, good music, music that breathes life. In 2008, family members Charles, Kelly, Chanel Laren and Ráfa began a journey to tantalize your musical senses. With years of experience in the promotion and entertainment business, our family’s quest is to provide the listener with an explosion of energetic beats, rhythmic drums, dynamic chords and vocals like never before heard.

Jaded by radio’s homogeneity and dissatisfied with today’s uninspiring mainstream CD tracks, Unrelated Family seeks to bring to the forefront Baltimore’s passionate live music scene. With an emphasis on showcasing some of the most talented, yet underplayed, new and independent artists, Mondays will never be the same again! Join us as we present eclectic groups of performers ranging in genres from R & B, Neo Soul, Rock, Latin and Hip Hop. Ours is a guaranteed, make you wanna jump up out of your seat and move to the beat!

Meet Our Family:

CHARLES
Event coordinator, MC, and original founder of Unrelated Family in 2002 with close friends and current silent partners, Charles found that the company’s original scope of party promotion was not enough to satisfy his desire for live music. Charles’ desire to bring Baltimore’s live entertainment scene to the forefront propelled him to use his drive and talents in recreating the direction of the company. Complemented by his longtime friendships with fellow Unrelated Family members, Chanel Laren, Ráfa, and Kelly, this dynamic host seeks to have every listener swaying to the beats of an unfiltered sound. “Our goal is to highlight the incredible artists that are out there, who are underplayed, or struggling to find venues. It’s our responsibility as music lovers to make sure these artists are heard. Combined in one venue, our showcases are sure to evoke soul, passion, energy, and feel good vibes like nothing you've ever felt before!

CHANEL LAREN
Radio host, talent scout and showcase co-MC, Chanel Laren’s breathtaking passion for music is evident in her every word and laugh. Her skills as a radio personality and MC, lend an air of openness to all our showcases. Inviting every listener to become a part of our family and to join her on the journey of delving into the essence of what drives our featured artists, Chanel Laren is a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. “Music is in my soul, it’s my life’s passion. There’s an indescribable feeling when I hear music that is so moving, so profound, that it literally speaks to my soul. If I can open someone’s mind to the possibilities of what music has to offer, then I have done my job.”

RASHIDAH "RÁFA"
Resident blogger, content editor and talent scout, Ráfa’s skills as a writer and editor are put to use in ways that satisfies her spirit's creative thirst. Combining elements of poetry, prose, and on the spot interviews, Ráfa’s aim is to present Unrelated Family’s candid reaction to concerts, events, and artists. Her desire for transmitting music’s voice via the written word is inspiring. “Real music has a voice, each part of the show combines for one effect. Not just the singer speaks; the drums, guitar, horns and keys all shout their might to produce a solid sound of pure emotion.”

KELLY
Our videographer, showcase designer and talent scout stops at nothing to produce a phenomenal show! With years worth of experience assisting in the production of television shows such as BET’s Spring Bling, Sunday’s Best, and Bobby Jone’s Gospel Fest, Kelly’s raw talent of production brings an added element of cohesion and sophistication to each showcase. “Live music gives off an unparalleled energy, and difficult to capture on a CD. Live music is a show, complete with ambiance and a great performance, all of which helps to result in unforgettable synergy.”