By Rebecca Marx
On the cusp of the MN Music Coalition’s fifth anniversary, I chatted with its Executive Director Ellen Stanley, about the impact that the MMC has made on our local music scene. Stanley, whom you may know as Mother Banjo, oversees operations, coordinates artist programs, and works with the community to ensure that Minnesota is the best place for musicians to live and work.
RIFT: What led to the creation of the MMC?
Stanley: A passionate group of artists, music industry professionals and business leaders looked around and saw that – while Minnesota had a vibrant music scene – there was no infrastructure or organization specifically designed to support individuals who wanted to make a living working in popular music forms like rock, hip hop, alternative, bluegrass, and their less definable sub-genres. They very intentionally set out to form an organization that could support and connect Minnesota’s music community and provide the skills, resources and opportunities so that our artists could have more successful careers in music. Five years later, the MMC is doing just that–having served more than 10,000 musicians across the state!
Rift: How is the MMC funded?
Stanley: Like most nonprofits, we are funded through a mix of grants, individual donations, fundraising events and program revenue. Thanks to Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment, we have received several grants from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund for the MN Music Summit and Caravan du Nord programs. We also receive generous support from the McKnight Foundation and Summit Brewing, which will be donating 50% of its September 12th Backyard Bash ticket sales to the MMC.
(Get your tickets at: www.summitbrewing.com/backyard-bash)
Rift: Of all the workshops, shows, etc. that the MMC has put on in the last 5 years, what has been its biggest accomplishment?
Stanley: Our annual Caravan du Nord is one of our flagship programs and embodies our mission-connecting top regional acts and emerging bands with audiences in Greater Minnesota for a day of free workshops, music industry networking and an all-ages concert in a historic theater. Not only is this traveling showcase great for the artists and Greater Minnesota music communities, but it is helping theaters bring in new, younger audiences.
The 5th annual Caravan du Nord kicks off on Saturday, October 3 at Carleton College in Northfield and will feature performances by Solid Gold, Van Stee and local favorite Helen Forsythe. This year’s tour will also stop in Austin, Detroit Lakes, Red Wing and Faribault and will include performances by Har Mar Superstar, Caroline Smith, Farewell Milwaukee, Black Diet and Keri Noble.
Rift: Your biggest sense of pride over the last 5 years?
Stanley: That’s a tough one! I’m proud of so many things–the exponential growth of our 3-day MN Music Summit (now drawing artists from all over Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin) and the launch of new initiatives like our musician mentoring program, networking events and monthly workshops. But I am particularly proud of our MMC Membership Program, offering artists and bands special performance opportunities, grant information, social media promotion and discounts for recording, mastering, CD/vinyl pressing and gear. These discounts offer significant savings that can make a real financial difference to artists.
Rift: On the very impassioned, and timely issue of artists being compensated for their work, what is the MMC’s stance?
Stanley: Not sure if there’s a particular issue you’re referring to, but we are always in favor of artists getting compensated for their work. We would like to see more artists have sustaining careers in music, and the only way that will happen is if there is some model for fair pay.
Rift: In the next 5 years, what new or continuing challenges do you see for artists?
Stanley: Finding new models to pay artists fairly for digital streaming services. Also, as more musicians rely on income from live performances, we should work to make sure the next generation of music fans continue to appreciate the value of paying for concerts and festivals.
Rift: How can the MMC help?
Stanley: Through our monthly workshops and our 3-day MN Music Summit, we have brought a variety of speakers to educate artists, music industry leaders and community members about these issues and talk about strategies to maximize revenue from your music as well as what individuals can do to affect cultural and political change (see links below). We are also incorporating classroom performances into some of our programs to engage with younger music fans and inspire them to attend more of our all-ages workshops and concerts.
2015 MN Music Keynote Address – Dar Williams (songwriter/author/activist)
2014 MN Music Keynote Address – Casey Rae (Future of Music Coalition)
Another way that you too can help to sustain the local music that you love, is by contributing to the MN Music Coalition! Please consider becoming a member, visit the website below to learn how membership benefits you in the form of member discounts and other special benefits:
www.mnmusiccoalition.org/membership
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