Can we truly call Austin the Live Music Capital of the World if many music genres are unrepresented? We speak with Chaka Mpeanaji (Riders Against The Storm, Body Rock ATX), Lauren Bruno (Solstice Presents), and Mike Manewitz on genre development in Austin.
- Has the city’s involvement and efforts to promote genre development been effective?
- The challenges for hip hop, electronic, and world music artists, etc. face when trying to get venues to book them.
- Austin’s perception as a rock, americana, alternative, folk/acoustic music city, despite the diversity of music being created in the city.
- The role radio and print media plays in crafting the image of what Austin’s live music is all about.
- Is there a generational divide between those making decisions/policies affecting live music and those with a pulse on the music scene.
- Supporting the newer generation of artists and becoming a music evangelist.
“If you’re not getting your hustle on, it’s not hip hop to me.” – Chaka Mpeanaji
“A lot of the people I talk to in our generation are so down with the idea of doing things and working together.” – Lauren Bruno
“No one is going to give more of shit about your band then you do. So act like it.” – Mike Manewitz