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Des Moines Music Advocates and Gov. Vilsack "Jive"
The rapidly emerging Des Moines independent music scene has received a key endorsement. Gov. Tom Vilsack is the newest member of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC), showing his support for the organization’s plans to develop a progressive music scene that will enhance economic development, cultural growth and youth retention in central Iowa.
“The Governor’s DMMC membership sends an important message,” says Fritz Jünker, Founder/President of the DMMC. “It’s an important signal to the young, creative generation when there’s top-level support for forward-thinking initiatives that promote a more progressive Iowa.”
"Programs that work don't necessarily have to be government initiated,” says Vilsack. “Individuals and communities with great ideas can make a big difference. A little bit of work to make those efforts successful goes a long way.”
Gov. Vilsack will participate in the DMMC’s tech-savvy online forums at www.desmoinesmc.com, which foster open discussion and information exchange among metro music enthusiasts. According to the Governor, the organization’s host website is a great opportunity to open communication lines with an important Iowa demographic – our youth and the creative class.
“As a music fan and as a father with children in this age group, I just wanted to let Fritz and the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition know that I support what they are doing."
A creative economy is targeted by the urban planning consultant, Richard Florida, as an important component to addressing issues like the “brain drain,” economic and cultural growth, and improved quality of life.
Richard Florida has himself endorsed the DMMC, saying, “We have repeatedly seen the transformative power of a vibrant music scene… Initiatives like the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition should be embraced and supported by any region serious about building a stronger, more vibrant creative infrastructure.”
In its first year of existence, the DMMC has:
• Developed a membership of more than 500 that includes community leaders,
elected officials and music advocates.
• Created a highly trafficked web site offering “one-stop” access
to the greater Des Moines music scene through a comprehensive music calendar,
local music directory, and online forums that foster open music discussion.
• Partnered with KDPS 88.1 and Drake Broadcasting to boost independent radio
in the metro.
• Enhanced opportunities to enjoy live, local music through events such
as DMMC Presents, 515 Alive, Dog Town Fest.
• Proposed to the creation of a Des Moines Live Music Commission the City
Council, which is to be voted on later this Spring.
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) is a grassroots, nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer organization working to create the next-generation music scene in the Des Moines metro area. The primary mission of the DMMC is to implement broad music industry reform and to advocate, sponsor, and create 'buzz' about a progressive music scene for the purpose of urban revitalization, economic development and the retention of our region's youth and future.
Full details about the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, its membership and its "Unified Music Agenda" are available at www.desmoinesmc.com. The next general membership meeting (open to the public), will be Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at Raccoon River Brewing Company in downtown Des Moines.
Artists, Musicians and the Internet
The first large-scale surveys of the Internet’s impact on artists and musicians reveal that they are embracing the Web as a tool to improve how they make, market and sell their creative works.
More than three-quarters of all artists (77%) and 83% of paid artists use the Internet, compared to 63% of the entire population. However, they are divided about the impact and importance of free file-sharing and other copyright issues.
According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project survey, 32 million
Americans consider themselves artists and about 10 million of them get some kind
of compensation for their creations and performances. These artists are on the
frontlines of the Digital Age.
