Artist Activism Camp

Dear New Orleans brings Merrill Garbus, Lateef The Truthspeaker, Elvis Perkins, Others to Blue Nile

By Cate Czarnecki

Offbeat

May 23, 2012

Thursday, May 24, Air Traffic Control and the Future of Music Coalition’s “Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans” will return to the Blue Nile, showcasing a singular evening of performances by both local and national musicians.

The concert is the culmination of the two organizations’ artist activist retreat, which brings musicians annually from around the country to New Orleans to meet and discuss different ways to integrate activism and philanthropy into their work.

Proceeds from the concert will once again go to benefit New Orleans-based nonprofits Sweet Home New Orleans and the Gulf Restoration Network, two organizations with a legacy of commitment to preserving and protecting Louisiana’s cultural and natural environments.

"Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans" returns to the Big Easy

May 9, 2012

Musicians from around the country join forces for a special performance to celebrate New Orleans and the community working to sustain it. read more

Artists + FMC

You’re an artist. You’ve stumbled onto our site from a tweet, Facebook post, friend’s referral or a Google search, probably something along the lines of “artist + musician + activism.” You want to take charge of your career and do your part to grow the new music ecosystem, but you have questions.

We’re here to help. While we can’t give you specific career advice, we can help demystify a complex and evolving marketplace for music. We’re always happy to discuss ways for you to get involved.

Connect with FMC in 4 easy steps: read more

Cody Chesnutt Talks The Headphone Masterpiece, His Kids, and His New Album

By Liz Tracy

Miami New-Times

February 22, 2011

You’ve performed in Miami a few times lately. How do you like it here?

Bonerama, Samir Zarif, Los Po-Boy-Citos and more music for Thurs., Feb. 17

By Keith Spera

New Orleans Time-Picayune

February 17, 2011

Since Hurricane Katrina, the Future of Music Coalition, a nationwide coalition of musician activists, has staged retreats and concerts in New Orleans to benefit local entities. The seventh installment, at the Blue Nile, features Bonerama with Cody Chesnutt, DJ Spooky/That Subliminal Kid, Helen Bruner and Terry Jones, Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson of Tsunami, M1 of Dead Prez, Sunpie Barnes and more; proceeds benefit Sweet Home New Orleans and the Gulf Restoration Network.

Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans

By Cooper O'Bryan

OffBeat

February 16, 2011

Air-Traffic Control and the Future of Music Coalition are institutions that exist to help musicians to play a part in social justice, having assembled a web of people and resources that allow them to more cohesively and effectively collaborate with each other and with other social institutions.

Since 2006, the two organizations have been teaming up for “artist activism” retreats in New Orleans. The retreats give artists—some already known for their activism, such as Tom Morello, Mike Mills of R.E.M., and Boots Riley of the Coup—an opportunity to interact with and directly benefit New Orleans and our people in this post-Katrina and BP oil disaster city.

Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans!

Attention: Anyone and everyone who loves kick-ass music, artist activism and jambalaya! (As for the two of you who don’t, we humbly suggest reevaluating your priorities.)

If you are in the 504 neighborhood, you can’t miss Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans at the Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen Street) this Thursday, February 17^th at 9pm. read more

"Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans" Returns to the Big Easy

February 3, 2011

NEW ORLEANS, LA—New Orleans brass-fueled sensations Bonerama team up with Cody ChesnuTT, DJ Spooky/That Subliminal Kid, Grammy Nominated Helen Bruner + Terry Jones, Jenny Toomey & Kristin Thomson of Tsunami, M1 of Dead Prez, Mirah, Sage Francis, Shawn King of Devotchka, Sunpie Barnes and Zach Rogue to celebrate New Orleans, her community and its musical ambassadors for “Dear NOLA: a Concert for New Orleans,” at Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen Street) on Thursday, February 17.

Doors are at 9pm and admission is $10 in advance and can be purchased online at the Blue Nile website (www.bluenilelive.com); $15 at the door. read more

Listening Party for "Dear New Orleans" Benefit Album!

For the past five years, Future of Music Coalition has worked alongside Air Traffic Control — a nonprofit that supports musicians and music managers in their efforts to create positive social change — to improve conditions for New Orleans’ cultural ambassadors.

FMC and ATC’s artist activism retreats in New Orleans bring established and developing musical talent to the Big Easy to talk about ways to incorporate advocacy and philanthropy into their lives and careers. Attendees experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans while talking to residents about efforts to rehabilitate the neighborhoods and communities most affected by Hurricane Katrina. read more

Dear New Orleans Benefit Album

By Tim Quirk

Wonderlick

August 14, 2010

I’m biased, of course, but I think the album rocks pretty hard. The full line-up will be announced next week, but for now I can tell you that A) it includes several of my personal heroes, B) all the participating artists are alumni of the artist-activism retreats ATC and the Future of Music Coalition have been hosting in New Orleans for the last few years and which I blogged about last March, C) it comes with a booklet featuring artwork by the Mekons’ Jon Langford and some liner notes by yours truly, and D) Wonderlick has a new track on the album.