Music in Halifax may be going through some changes—hopefully positive ones—if a motion by south end councillor Waye Mason goes ahead.
At Thursday’s meeting of the Community Planning and Economic Development committee, Mason is asking for a live music strategy for HRM. An “industry-led live music working group” would be put together to develop the strategy.
Mason was inspired by a 2015 report from Music Canada and IFPI: The Mastering of a Music City. The report offers a series of recommendations based one what’s worked in music-centric cities such as Austin, Berlin and Melbourne.
“That’s what this advisory group or this working group would be talking about—would be trying to implement the ‘music city’ program that’s already been well fleshed-out,” Mason explains.
A few Canadian cities have implemented strategies too. In particular, Mason says, “Toronto’s been right at the forefront of this.”
The strategy could touch on everything from what venues the city should own and maintain to how to manage noise complaints.
“It’s those kinds of discussions that have to happen: how do you enhance and protect (live music).”
On a smaller scale, there’s something Mason says has been discussed since before he was part of council.
“How expensive and how hard is it to get it so that when you’re on hold at 311…that the hold music is local music instead of muzak?”
He might be on to something, there. Listening to Ria Mae could make being on hold a lot less painful.
Related Stories
Top five live music moments
See you at the show: Live music needs us all
Strengthening live music in Halifax
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2017.
My only question is will this be musically all-inclusive? Far to often venues refuse to punk specifically punk and metal, but both scenes have quite a strong community in the underground.
This is good news! You might check with your local chapter of the Canadian Federation of Musicians to see what their take on it would be. Having all the key players in the local music industry lead the initiative is key. Don’t forget the educators and teachers. Having a city councillor such as Wayne Mason champion the cause will be equally important. Best wishes Halifax as you support the work of your musicians and your music sector! http://hamiltonmusician.com #hamontmusic
More HRM ratepayer tax dollars wasted by Mason.
@chriswakfer Venues also need to pander to their customer base and theme. if you want punk and metal shows support a venue that they fit into. I’ve heard that gus, menz and a few other bars play punk shows, not sure about metal.