Independent Artist Vinyl Release & Production Assistant
About the Role
Laura Elkeslassy is looking for a reliable, hands-on production assistant to help with the final weeks leading up to the vinyl release of Ya Ghorbati: Divas in Exile and the October 11 release performances, which will take place at BAM Café as part of Jewish Currents Live and at Joe's Pub as part of Habibi Fest. It's an opportunity to work directly with an independent artist and gain hands-on experience with music releases, live production, artist support and festivals.
What You'll Do
Pre-Production Support
- Assist with practical tasks related to the vinyl release
- Update music platforms with concert dates, multilingual lyrics, merch
- Communicate with venues and collaborators as needed
- Support industry outreach
- Assist with coordinating listening party
Production Support
- Assist the artist and band during the October 9–11 release weekend
- Assist with rehearsal & backstage logistics
- Run simple projection during performances
- Manage the merch table at the end of show
Who We're Looking For
You are:
- Extremely organized, reliable and pay attention to details
- Proactive and good at following through
- Comfortable taking a task and running with it
- Interested in music, live performance, management or the arts
- Comfortable communicating professionally with venues, musicians, and collaborators
- Comfortable working independently and remotely
- Computer savvy and comfortable with Google Drive, spreadsheets, email, calendars, Dropbox/WeTransfer, etc.
- Willing to do both administrative and hands-on work
- NYC-based
- Available in the mornings ET
- Available without conflicts October 7–11
Qualifications
- Previous experience with concerts, festivals, recordings, theater, film, or music projects is required
- Reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn are most important
- French language skills are a plus
Details
- Location: New York City
- Dates: September 1–October 15, 2026
- Hours: Approximately 5 hours/week, with an additional 20 hours around the release and show weekend
- Rate: $20/hour
- Renewable: Yes, if it's a good fit
About Us
Laura Elkeslassy
Ya Ghorbati (غربتي يا) | Divas in Exile
Vinyl release: October 9, 2026
Release performances: BAM & Joe's Pub — October 11
In Ya Ghorbati: Divas in Exile, singer Laura Elkeslassy weaves the stories of Judeo-Arab divas from the last century with new performances of folk and sacred music, spanning traditional Andalusi music, popular chaabi, and francarabe cabaret. An homage to midcentury Judeo-Arab North African voices, Ya Ghorbati awakens the sounds of history as a living testimony of what once was and of what could be.
Learn more | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube | Read the Ayin Press Folio
About Laura Elkeslassy
Laura Elkeslassy is a singer of Judeo-Arab music whose work draws from her Moroccan roots, North African folk traditions, Andalusi nubas, and Maghrebi Jewish liturgy. Her ongoing artistic journey - including forgotten ancestors, wild synchronicities found in dusty old bookstores, and the reclaiming of a lost family name - is at the heart of Ya Ghorbati: Divas in Exile. Laura has performed at venues including Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Joe's Pub and has toured throughout the US, Canada, the UK, and France. Her theater work includes the National Opera of Paris, La MaMa ETC, and Classic Stage Company. Her film work has been screened at the Venice Film Festival, the Vera List Center, the MUCEM among others.
About Ayin Press
Ayin Press is an independent publishing house and production studio rooted in Jewish culture and emanating outward. Ayin was founded on a deep belief in the power of culture and creativity to heal, transform, and uplift the world we share and build together.
How to Apply
- Submit Resume/CV
- Short cover letter explaining why you are interested in working on Ya Ghorbati and what makes you a good fit for this role
- Your availability, including your availability October 7–12
- Selected applicants will be invited for an interview on August 17