Bill for "Office of Music” gaining traction and inspiring hope
Bill for "Office of Music” gaining traction and inspiring hope
By: Xavier Tall & Hamidou Khemies
November 20th, 2023
Philadelphia City Hall, where the Bill has been introduced
With the November elections now over, the proposition of implementing an “Office of Music" shows promise for the future of the city’s music scene. Although the official results have not been determined yet, the office would add support and foundation, especially for young aspiring artists, and could be very beneficial for the city.
Isjeer Lowry, a prominent young producer and member of Carver Records, feels that the Office of Music is long overdue.
“I think it's something that has been needed for the last couple of years,” He says. “I feel like in Philadelphia schools, especially public schools, music is very underrepresented. So if we have, like, a music class, I feel like it's going to be great for young people trying to get into music again, just seeing and appreciating it.” Lowry feels that he has gotten his fair share of resources from the city, but it is important to increase the amount of representation and support for music in school. “I'm in a program right now, where I get to use the studio pretty much whenever I want Monday through Friday.” He explains, ”For our music club, we had to make that ourselves. So I feel like we definitely need someone who's pushing it. Yeah, somebody that’s pushing us.”
Nicholas DuPuy; curating sounds for the Carver Records
Nicholas DuPuy, another rising producer at Carver, feels that this office of music is going to benefit the music scene in Philadelphia.
“I feel like it's gonna be a good change in the community and it's gonna help young artists go from the bottom to the top”.
DuPuy also feels that the city does not give enough resources to help aspiring producers and artists
“I feel like the city doesn't help at all with stuff like this, but I feel like this will help with promoting and stuff and like helping artists really, like get out there more”.
The potential implementation of the office of music comes as the city public school students have faced cuts to their music and art programs earlier this year, More than 300 Masterman students and parents protested changes that cut art and music for some middle school students, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Still, Philadelphia public school students, including Noah Lewis, a former creative director for Carver Records, see the importance and value of music in schools.
“ I think it's definitely long overdue. I think more now than ever.” Lewis said. “ I think people are starting to realize the potential in music, especially in young artists. So it's starting to get some more representation”
And while young artists are still debating on striking a deal with a record label, they still see the value of flying solo.
“I feel like independent artists are always a good thing. But it's always good to have that upper hand like up there because you never know when you need connections.” Lewis said about the music industry.
The Office of Music would indisputably be good for the community, and the proposition of its implementation gives artists like Lowry hope for the future of music in their lives.
“You can look at colleges right now a lot of colleges are actually like allowing music industry and music entrepreneurship to actually be a major so just that in itself is really like giving me hope to see a brighter light.”
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a symbol for music in the community
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