An initiative to unify music communities

Several state agencies in Bristol, known as the Birthplace of Country Music, announced a major music initiative dubbed as the Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative. Aimed at refining the quality of life in the region, the initiative is focused on retaining and attracting talent, as well as driving in new businesses.

Bob Raines, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, emphasised on the goal of the census. “Are there opportunities for professional development? What other support could the community offer you?” he said. The forward-thinking move comes as the area has become a burgeoning hub for music and aims to facilitate its continuous growth.

Mapping out the Music Mecca

Northeast Tennessee is home to numerous authentic music hotspots such as Johnson City and Rhythm and Roots. Recognizing the concentration of talent and rich musical history in the area, Mark Ezell, the Commissioner of Tourist Development, believes that the region is the ideal location to carry out the first-of-its-kind census.

Apart from the statistical count of local musicians and business owners, the Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative aims to provide valuable support to budding and seasoned artists alike. Singer-songwriter Lee DeWyze echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of nourishing and growing artistic talent through such initiatives.

Community Support the Key to Success

For the initiative to be successful, support from the community is crucial. Bob Raines emphasized the importance of a community-led effort, sharing their intention to gather valuable input from various stakeholders, including musicians and community leaders.

Local community leaders remain optimistic about the long term benefits of the census. Leah Ross, Executive Director of Advancement, praised the initiative for its potential to elevate and promote the region’s cultural offerings.

Implications on Economic Development

While creating a more authentic and experiential local music scene, the initiative is set to attract businesses to the region, playing an instrumental role in its economic development.

Raines envisions that the project will help capitalize on the region’s existing achievements in music to create something even more appealing to potential visitors and businesses. Music, according to DeWyze, is a powerful, unifying force that transcends backgrounds and beliefs, and facilitating this unity among community members is one of the census’ main goals.

The Northeast Tennessee Music Initiative leaders announced that they anticipate the census to wrap up by mid-June.