Get Coco Educated

Support CocoLarosa's Journey with AE West!

We are thrilled to share that CocoLarosa has been selected as one of 12 Canadian artists to participate in the Canadian Music Incubator's AE West program in Edmonton this November!

This 5 week program is designed to grow him as an artist, and will tackle challenges like business management, release planning, tour booking, and more. This incredible opportunity will provide CocoLarosa with invaluable skills, mentorship, and development that will elevate his music career to new heights. By working closely with professionals in a hands-on environment, Coco will sharpen both his creative and business expertise, taking his music career to the next level.

CocoLarosa's Story:

Coco’s career initially started on a very different path. After high school, he joined the trades as a full time marine mechanic, pulling wrenches and fixing boats on the mighty Fraser River.

And while he’s been writing songs since he was a kid, it wasn’t until two years ago that he began to publicly perform his original material. Since then, life has been a whirlwind of balancing full-time work with his growing passion and involvement for all things music.

Despite two workplace injuries, CocoLarosa performed 13 shows this summer. And after this intense season of musical pursuits, his drive to build a sustainable career in music has never been stronger.

The Goal:

The cost of the AE West program is $7,500 per artist. Fortunately, a large portion of the program fees are subsidised courtesy of CMI's generous financial supporters.

Our out-of-pocket program cost is $2,100, and there will be the additional expenses for accommodation, travel, and living in downtown Edmonton for 5 weeks.

We have savings set aside to cover the bulk of these expenses, but are reaching out to family, friends, and fans to ask for support in hopes of raising $2000 to help lessen the sting of being away from work for a month, and to ensure that Coco can fully focus on making the most of this life-changing experience.

Ways to support:

1. Buy a shirt! We have limited edition pink/green shirts available while supplies last for $40, and the classic white/black T are available for $30.

2. Donate to our GoFundMe. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help support Coco on his journey. 10% of proceeds raised will be donated to our favourite local creative arts space ‘Bez Arts Hub’ in Langley.*

3. Come to Coco’s ‘Artist on the Rise’ showcase at Bez Arts Hub on Thurs Oct 24th in Langley. It's the last show before he leaves town for the program!

4. Spread the Word. Share our fundraiser with your friends and family to help us reach our goal. Or share a tune, stream a song, watch a video. Every little bit helps.

Deadline: We aim to reach our fundraising goal before the program starts in November 2024.

Thank you for considering being a part of Coco's journey, and for supporting local independent music!!

*About Bez Arts Hub:

Bez Arts Hub is Langley's home for the arts. It supports and cares for the vulnerable creative lives of veteran artists, mentor emerging artists, and activate the arts for community care, while providing a safe and accessible space for people of all ages to experience, learn, create and present artistic expression. Bez initiates community gatherings which welcome diversity, excellence in a manner that fosters honour, affirmation and celebration.