The Future of Music Coalition aims to give a voice to local music scenes like Portsmouth’s.

The Future of Music Coalition recently celebrated 10 years of work preserving the rights of local musicians and music scenes—such as those found right here on the Seacoast—during a three-day event in Washington, D.C.

In an era when it’s difficult to be a musician, with bands like Arcade Fire signed to independent labels selling out venues and topping charts but not receiving airtime on commercial radio stations, the national nonprofit organization looks to educate and advocate research around public policy and technology pertaining to the music industry, focusing on independent artists and labels. “We observe the space and try to represent actual musician voices in some of the debates. Better-funded traditional organizations have tons of lawyers and money and a strong lobby presence. We want to bring a local level to that and make investment in local music culture a national priority,” said the group’s communications director, Casey Rae-Hunter.