Dreaming of Musiclandria

I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Sacramento.

We have such a vibrant arts and music scene here in this city. Everywhere you go, there is evidence of it. There is an abundance of creativity here, and I have to say, the music scene, in particular, is literally bursting at the seams. Several internationally acclaimed musicians and bands were either born or formed here. Our cup runneth over in that aspect, is all I’m saying.

So my question to you is: why isn’t there some kind of local non-profit music organization dedicated to nurturing that population of musical creatives?

I mean, just imagine with me for a second…

This would be a place that accepts donations of lightly used musical instruments and equipment from the community, then disseminates them (for free) to other community members who have a need for them. Those musicians could either use those items indefinitely or re-donate them once they are no longer useful to them. This would, in effect, create an ever-growing and evolving music locker from which all members of the community could benefit.

Next, this organization would obviously be operated by people who are not only deeply passionate about music but especially local music. These wonderful humans would also be educated in music, both in practice and in industry. They’d likely have a wealth of information to offer musicians and aspiring composers. They would probably offer a Musicians Maker’s Space where people come to practice, and something like a Musicians Residency that would educate aspiring musicians about all the necessary elements of the process of releasing their music to the world in a professional manner. I could even see there being scholarships available; it would be a non-profit after all.

Another cool idea would be if this organization offered a platform for musicians to perform and release their music and promotional content, like music videos. Maybe a streaming service and online radio station or something. I just think that this would be an amazing idea to see implemented. It’s an outstanding model for others to follow, one that would give Sacramento a unique edge and show how much we value our creative community.

The thing is, I know I said I had a bone to pick with you, Sacramento, and you probably think I’m upset because this isn’t a program currently offered here. Wrong!

I’m upset because this organization and these programs actually do exist; you’ve just probably never heard of it. It’s called Musiclandria, and it encompasses every element I just described to you and more. I’m annoyed that they aren’t receiving a continuous outpouring of support and encouragement from this community. They should be a well-recognized staple of Sacramento’s vibrant and progressive music scene. They should have such an enormous Music Locker that it requires a dedicated building to house it. There should be state-of-the-art equipment and spaces for people to use to practice their craft and refine their abilities. We have enough of a community built around creativity, especially music, that Musiclandria should not have to be a dream carried by one or two people from out of their own home, but it is.

Buddy and Rachel have been carrying this torch and lighting the way for the rest of us for a long time. Part of my mission as a volunteer DJ here at KSSU will be to shine as bright a light as I can on Musiclandria. I want to see their vision actualized to its fullest potential, not only for the benefit of Sacramento but to start a wave of Musiclandrias across the nation. There should be one in every city.

To find out more and show your support, please visit musiclandria.com.