MusicportlandMy name is Darci Phenix and I’m a local PDX folk musician. I started my work with MusicPortland in search of a community similar to the one I grew up with. When I was a kid, my mom hosted artist nights at our house with poets, painters and songwriters. They came together shared a meal, sang a few songs, and then showed up to each others shows. It was simple, supportive and loving. My mom worked hard to find paid gigs, but it was much harder than it should have been. MusicPortland’s work to get musicians paid not only makes local musicians feel valued and recognized but also makes our city desirable to other musicians who may be interested in moving here!
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MusicPortland's Mission Statement: "As a grassroots, nonprofit advocacy group of music professionals, we believe powerful change can only be created when a diverse coalition of people exercise their collective influence. Our mission is to make Portland a better place to be a music professional. We do this by uniting, defending, and amplifying the voices of the people who make up Portland’s independent music industry. Our membership draws from all corners of Portland music—from musicians and labels to producers and venues—in an effort to create economic opportunity for all. " Unite:
Economic Data Collection Monthly Meet-ups and Gatherings Community Building Collective Action Amplify: Portland's First Gear Fest Collective Brand Music Tourism MusicPortland Fan Engagement Program |
More Specifically: To Unite, Defend and Amplify "We bring together all parts of the local music ecosystem including artists, performers, music professionals, and venues. Our local culture is far more collaborative than competitive. We are an interdependent system, and the more we connect, the more successful we’ll be." " We identify and oppose threats to any part of the music ecosystem, from musicians to venues to music businesses. We advocating for policies, regulations, and programs that support music in Portland." "Portland’s independent music scene has already earned acknowledgement from around the country and the world. With coordinated messaging and programs, our individual successes can unite to power a collective brand that benefits everyone. We seek to boost our identity as a music city; locally, nationally, and beyond." Defend:
Music Policy Council In City Hall Expanding Available Rehearsal Spaces Musician Loading Zones Re-Imagining Performance Compensation Models Protecting venues and Recording Studios Developing A Cascadia Music Corridor Business Development Providing Artist Grants |
My work with MusicPortland currently focuses on organizing data that will show how important music is to Portland's tourism industry. At the end of this term I will have spent of total of 30 hours on this project. I intend to continue my work with MusicPortland and my next project will involve helping to organize Portland Music Month, a month long event intended to celebrate our local music scene. It will be a platform for local venues and local musicians to share and celebrate what they do with the greater city of Portland.
A few songs that have changed my life:
Across the Great Divide by Kate Wolf
Tomorrow on the Runway by the Innocence Mission
Safety Joe by John Prine
Won't You Come and Sing for Me by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard
Tell Me Why by Neil Young
I'll Be Here in The Morning by Townes Van Zandt
Live True by Lisa Phenix (my mom)
A Song to Pass the Time by Bright Eyes
The Woods by Daughter
Second Chances by Gregory Alan Isakov
Clementine by Elliott Smith
Blue and Red Horses by Adrianne Lenker
Seaweed by Mount Eerie
Casimir Pulaski Day by Sufjan Stevens
Across the Great Divide by Kate Wolf
Tomorrow on the Runway by the Innocence Mission
Safety Joe by John Prine
Won't You Come and Sing for Me by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard
Tell Me Why by Neil Young
I'll Be Here in The Morning by Townes Van Zandt
Live True by Lisa Phenix (my mom)
A Song to Pass the Time by Bright Eyes
The Woods by Daughter
Second Chances by Gregory Alan Isakov
Clementine by Elliott Smith
Blue and Red Horses by Adrianne Lenker
Seaweed by Mount Eerie
Casimir Pulaski Day by Sufjan Stevens