Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Post

This year's Grammy week transcended mere award ceremonies; it served as a catalyst for community cohesion, collaborative endeavors, industry announcements, and pivotal changes. It's a moment to express gratitude for the artists and their craft, acknowledging the privilege of supporting and collaborating with them. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to engage in substantive discussions about safeguarding and nurturing the future of artistic expression. One of the most talked-about topics of the week revolved around the announcement and subsequent removal of all Universal Music content from TikTok. Complex Magazine took the opportunity on the red carpet to pose a question to artists: "Without TikTok, what's next?" Grammy-winning artist Tyla responded by suggesting that "Twitch" could emerge as the next promotional platform for artists, despite its primary association with gaming. As an advocate for artists' rights and well-being, I wholeheartedly endorse UMG's decision and stance, which aligns with the ongoing commitment to protecting their interests. In doing so, I believe this places the industry at a compelling juncture. My aspiration for this scenario is to compel the industry toward greater creativity, forward-thinking strategies, and a willingness to experiment. We must explore additional avenues to promote, cultivate the brand of, and foster the community around an artist beyond platforms like TikTok. With that being said, I'd like to open up this forum for anyone to share their comments, thoughts, and suggestions. What other platforms or opportunities are you currently researching, discovering, or simply intrigued to explore? I invite everyone to contribute their thoughts; there are no wrong answers here. After all, we're all navigating this journey together. #nextgen #music #community #art #creative #artists #twitch https://lnkd.in/dbuveDnK

Positive Black Music Initiative Created by Roney Hooks The Positive Black Music Initiative was founded to serve as a beacon of change for black music creators across all genres—film, television, radio, podcasting, sportscasting, and beyond. The initiative aims to inform and empower black creatives, urging them to reimagine their roles in shaping cultural narratives within the United States. As we enter an era of increasing influence, now is the time for us to reshape how we represent ourselves and challenge the often damaging ways in which the media depict us. For too many years, black music and its offshoots have been reduced to stereotypes: sexist portrayals of women, derogatory language, and glorification of violence. The initiative calls on every black music creator to set extremely high standards for their craft. The foundation of black music is rooted in profound cultural expressions—expressions that once defined the origins of all music. As black creators, we must reclaim this heritage and create music and media that resonate with deeper meaning. In 2024 and beyond, black music creators must take responsibility for their work, understanding that their creative expressions hold great power. Music should feed the soul, provoke thought, and inspire. It is our responsibility to steer away from the harmful narratives of the past and begin creating content that speaks to the dignity of our culture. The Positive Black Music Initiative encourages music creators, film writers, directors, and artists to create works that uplift and inspire. Our mission is to help shape a future where black creativity is synonymous with innovation, thoughtfulness, and excellence. We aim to work with corporate entities to foster better opportunities for creators, increase royalties, and open up sync licensing possibilities for quality works. The current state of black music, imagery, and representation in the U.S. is in decline. Respectable programming and music that enriches the soul have been sidelined. This has left households—whether single-parent or dual- parents—unable to expose children to positive content. The initiative challenges every music creator, writer, director, and artist to put their best work forward. This movement represents a call to action. Let us create with intention, shaping a cultural renaissance that transcends borders and impacts people around the world with the longevity of meaningful, high-quality artistic expression. The Positive Black Music Initiative is about taking responsibility for how we, as black creators, are represented, and steering the future of our culture toward respect, empowerment, and inspiration.

In 2017 I drove from Nashville to Huntsville for the first time to meet Mayor Tommy Battle and his EcDev team, including Shane Davis and Dennis Madsen, AICP. A few months later, work began on a music audit. In 2024, one of the city's investments as part of its commitment to music and workforce development, The Orion Amphitheater, is named one of the best venues in the world by Billboard. This is the culmination of a lot that began with Sound Diplomacy and RCP Companies organizing a public event to launch the music strategy work. - The city has a full-time music officer, Matt Mandrella - There is a functioning, engaged music board - The downtown venue, the Von Braun Center was redeveloped. - Live music licensing and zoning has been reformed - A music export program was launched to support local musicians who tour - New music-led developments are ongoing (not just the Orion) - A new 30,000 festival is launching in 2024 - Music Cities Convention was hosted by Huntsville in 2023. - A documentary, the 7-2 Experience, is being launched. - Global investment has been brought to the region, through Ben Lovett, Ryan Murphy and tvg hospitality, as well as many others, like Red Mountain Entertainment, Fame Recording Studios and the work of Codie G.. There is a lot more here. That's why I wrote a chapter of my book (http://bit.ly/shainbook) on Huntsville. Nor is Huntsville the only place worth celebrating in the US that has, over the last few years, taken music very seriously (there are many, from Fort Worth to Tulsa, Madison to Boise, Northwest Arkansas to Charlotte). But this shows that a lot can happen in a short period when music is taken seriously, there's a dedication to data, and a willingness to invest. I am now on a mission to demonstrate that this can happen anywhere because it is happening everywhere. Culture is being built in, rather than bolted on to how to build, change, adapt, and grow. And this is something to celebrate. https://lnkd.in/gyqqzSA3

It’s Juneteenth AND June is Black Music Month, which celebrates the vast influences that Black artists have contributed to various genres and musical traditions. Check out our latest story on how Black listeners enjoy audio experiences. Some highlights: 🎶When it comes to music discovery and engagement, traditional radio remains critical for the U.S. Black audience, especially younger generations. Black 18-to-34-year-olds in the U.S., for example, are nearly 20% more likely than the general population to discover new music by listening to traditional radio. 🎤According to a recent Black Diaspora study from Nielsen, two thirds of Black Americans agree that attending concerts and festivals is a great way to connect with their culture. https://lnkd.in/dQ2dj7ac

June is also Black Music Month. Here's how it all got started. https://lnkd.in/eed7nBZs #blackmusicmonth #diversityequityandinclusion #diversityequityinclusion #diversityequityinclusionbelonging

BLACK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Pete Rhodes III's Black Music America (BMA Networks) BMA Networks, a prominent Minneapolis-based black-owned interactive music and entertainment service, engages consumers via digital and broadband cable on Comcast channel 937. Black Music America, the network, reaches over 500,000 cable subscribers across Minnesota and western Wisconsin and various social media platforms. The channel showcases black culture, business, music artists, and exclusive shows and offers industry training, education, and career opportunities. #BlackOwned #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses  #SupportBlackBusinessMN #BuyBlackMN #CommunitySupport #BuyBlackMinneapolis #BuyBlackSaintPaul #SuportBlackBusiness #BlackOwnedMN #LocalEconomy #ShopBlackMN #InvestInBlackBusinesses #EmpowerBlackEntrepreneurs #MinnesotaBlackBusiness #RacialJusticeMN #EconomicEmpowerment #SupportLocalBlackOwned #MNBizSupport #BlackExcellenceMN #ShopSmallMN #FairEconomicOpportunity #MinnesotaEntrepreneurs #EqualityInBusiness #MinorityOwnedMN #CommunityEconomicEmpowermentMN

Wrote a little something in my first semester as a Communications Graduate student, prosing research questions and encouraging the chase for future research in the field. DEI initiatives must have a stronger grounding in our industry. Audience accessibility to live entertainment is not a privilege. The health benefits of music festival exposure and their ubiquitous environments are inexhaustible to festival-goers. This gap in research leaves room for inclusionary change to make way in the very essence of how live entertainment events function from the bottom-up. Please enjoy, if you wish, a subsequent literature review of the benefits of music festivals in audience accessibility.

Ignacio “Nacho” Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision, Inc. shared the L’ATTITUDE 2023 stage with L’ATTITUDE partner and music icon, Emilio Estefan, Jesus Lopez, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, and their dynamic moderator Bruno Del Granado, Head of the Global Latin Music touring group, CAA for a discussion on the 'Economics of Music and the Growth and Globalization of Latin Music.' 💯👏🏽 They delved into the phenomenal surge in Latin music's popularity and these numbers are changing the music scene! 💯 In 2022, the Latin music industry witnessed nearly four times the growth of the overall U.S. music market, doubling its total revenue in just five years! 📈 With these influential leaders steering the industry, anticipate these numbers to keep skyrocketing! “We believe we are the home for Latin Music, and we invest in it.” Ignacio “Nacho” Meyer, President U.S. Networks, Televisa Univision expressing his vision for the future of music. 👏🏽 Latinos are dominating charts, concert sales, streams, and more in the music world! 🎶 With L’ATTITUDE, you won’t miss a beat as Latinos leave an indelible mark on the global music scene 💯 #LATTITUDEISEVERYTHING

Nashville's Music Community Needs Your Voice! #Nashville is more than just a city; it's the heart of music innovation and creativity. But as we grow, it's crucial that no note goes unheard, especially from those who make our city sing. The Nashville Industry Fund is launching the Greater Nashville Music Census – a landmark survey to tune into our music community's needs, challenges, and aspirations. Whether you're strumming a guitar in your garage, writing the next hit song, or keeping the spirit of live music alive, your experiences are the melody we need to shape a harmonious future for all. Why Participate? - Ensure your voice is heard in shaping the future of Nashville's music scene. - Highlight the struggles and successes of working-class musicians and independent venue operators. - Inform policies and initiatives that support artists at all stages of their careers. Who Else is Behind It? A symphony of stakeholders, including the Music Venue Alliance of Nashville, Belmont University, AFM Local 257, the Broadway Entertainment Association, and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supported by Sound Music Cities. Join the Chorus Spread the word, share your story, and let's make sure every chord and melody contributes to a brighter future for Nashville's music industry. The survey is being launched soon. Stay tuned for details on how to participate. Let's harmonize our efforts to keep music the heartbeat of Nashville. Your voice. Your music. Our future. www.musiccitycensus.com #NashvilleMusicCensus #YourVoiceMatters #MusicCityUnity #NashvilleMusicScene

🌟 Inspiring Spotlight: Molly Coleman Celebrate Molly Coleman's incredible 5-year journey with PYO Music Institute. Her dedication to music education is truly inspiring! 🎵 Experience the life-changing impact of our programs, just like Molly Coleman did. For more information about Molly's journey and the transformative power of music education, check out the first comment. #PYOMusicInstitute #MusicEducation #InspiringCommunities #MollyColeman