The Cities Podcast: Ep 108 - Can we build a Music City? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Toronto is in the midst of festival season, and the city is exploring ways to build a vibrant music community that supports local artists.

Key Insights

• 🎆 The music scene in Toronto is vibrant and diverse, with numerous festivals and opportunities to showcase local talent.
• 🎼 The city still struggles with fragmentation among different music communities, such as hip-hop and Caribbean music, which need more integration and interaction.
• 🥳 Toronto's music journalists face challenges due to limited full-time job opportunities and the need to balance freelance work with their day jobs.
• 🧑‍🎨 Supporting local artists and providing them with exposure is crucial for the growth and success of Toronto's music scene.
• 🥶 Grassroots initiatives, like the Great Heart Festival, need more support from the city, including reducing permit costs for small, free events.
• 🎼 The city should focus on creating a more inclusive and accessible music community that welcomes and supports all genres of music.
• 😃 Toronto's music scene has the potential to attract big-name acts and international attention if properly nurtured and promoted.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What role does Toronto's music scene play in the lives of artists?

Toronto's music scene offers opportunities and challenges for artists, requiring them to balance their music careers with other interests or responsibilities.

Q: How did Izzy Richie and Ian Gormley get involved in the music scene?

Richie began playing violin at a young age and got involved in music as an adult through ads on Craigslist. Gormley discovered his passion for music journalism during his undergraduate years and pursued it further after moving to Vancouver.

Q: What factors have contributed to the success of the Strumbellas?

The Strumbellas gained momentum through touring across Canada, receiving a Juno nomination, and getting support from radio stations like CBC and Indie 88.

Q: How could the city of Toronto better support its music community?

The city could work on reducing permit costs for festivals and supporting grassroots initiatives. It should also focus on providing funding and resources for music media outlets, creating more opportunities for music writers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast episode explores the efforts of Toronto's mayor, John Tory, to enhance the city's music scene by establishing a music office at city hall. The exact purpose of this office is still unclear.

• Interviews with Izzy Richie, a member of the Juno-winning band Strumbellas, and Ian Gormley, a music journalist, shed light on the challenges and successes of being a part of Toronto's music scene.

• Both Richie and Gormley emphasize the importance of grassroots initiatives and support for local artists, while also attracting big-name acts to Toronto.