Danny Powell, President of the Heartland Song Network, has been holding Zoom meetings on the topic of Genre Segregation and Communication. The purpose is to bring a wide variety of music creators, music industry professionals and music patrons together to discuss possible strategies of collaboration between the different genres of music that make up the great music ecosystem in the heartland.
- The ideas that have been suggested include developing a music directory that is inclusive of all music genres and industry. (The Heartland Song Network is in the early process of development).
- Create local shows and events that bring a cross-section of different genres to greater audience exposure.
- Develop communication between music organizations to share information.
- Create collaborative projects matching different genres.
- Build community support (cities) to embrace and support music specific programs that include all genres.
This last-mentioned strategy was the main topic of discussion at the last meeting. The funding throughout the metro for the art of music is dismal and woefully inadequate to help strengthen the music ecosystem. There needs to be a concentrated effort by all the music stakeholders to lobby these local governments to include monies in their budgets for programs to elevate the art of music. Music is colorblind and is a reflection of our humanity. We can’t survive without it. Those who are the creators should be recognized, respected, and supported in their vocation.
Danny Powell will continue to host these discussions and if anyone is interested in participating, you may email him at heartlandsongnetwork@gmail.com. If you would like to sign up to receive the newsletter: https://heartlandsongnetwork.org/join.
