LINDSEY on the scene

WITH LINDSEY WILLIAMS

Tri-state recording artist and live performer presents part four in a series of discussions on the state of the local music scene

"On the Scene" returns after a month off for a very busy June. Meanwhile, I had several encouraging conversations with organizers, promoters, and supporters of the arts regarding locally-created original music. However, I want to focus on what I found when I talked to musicians. The conversations I had with some of my talented friends taught me to look at myself and how I engage with new music. I learned I'm not letting enough in. I shouldn't be writing this on my own. This edition is my attempt to educate myself first and share with you what I found and where this could be going. Southern Indiana, you have the floor!

"(There is a) breadth of talent available in the Evansville region. Everything I've done in the last five years with the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, ParksFest, and now For the Sake of the Song is to create new experiences that connect the talented performers in our area with an audience who doesn't know how much they love them yet."

- Zach Evans: promoter, musician, director

"In other cities, I've noticed support for local, original music. I'm not saying Evansville and the larger tri-state area don't support it; it's just more profound in major cities. I believe curating and promoting more writing events, and clinics could help. I realized there are so many more ways to monetize your music than just songwriting. Producers around the world pay me to compose 8-bar chord progressions. I'd like to share what worked for me and what didn't so that more producers look to Evansville when they need originality and efficiency."

- Theo Akai: Ghanaian-American guitarist/ composer/producer

"In other cities, I've noticed support for local, original music. I'm not saying Evansville and the larger tri-state area don't support it; it's just more profound in major cities."

"Let's create a Bluebird Diner right here. We have a very talented Evansville. Promote it, brand it, and create an inviting atmosphere. I think it would also benefit to invite successful professional songwriters in for shows on occasion for inspiration. Ultimately, at this stage in my life, my main goal is to inspire and expose young and old to music." - Tony Henning: singer/songwriter, painter, performer

"If we would support each other as musicians, as a family, I think we could all get a lot further. That's what I'm trying to do with the Stories + Songs podcast: bring everybody together!"Tim Ash: singer/songwriter, recording artist, performer, podcaster

These are just a few examples of the types of music creation and promotion going on around us. But we need something unified, a solid network of collaboration and interaction. Perhaps an exposition-type event for players and audience alike? An interactive show that brings all of the elements of Facebook to an inperson gathering to network, demonstrate, and discuss the music and music-making process. In addition, we need a venue per month for original music performances, culminating in a sponsored showcase in 2024! Would you take part in making this area a hotspot for new music? It's here! Let us show you!

Next month, where and when do we begin?