Free music, air conducting contests, pub-love and original illustrations (of Beethoven nonetheless). Oh, and more free music.
Halfway through Public Radio Music Month 2013 there's already a wealth of tunes - the twangy to the tubular - and creative fun to enjoy: special performances from local stations, artists sporting public radio appreciation, as well as listeners and fans curating playlists right alongside professional music taste makers.
This Is How We PRMM
It's a lot to keep up with, and chances are, some of your favorite stations and musicians are taking part. Here are a few highlights you might have missed while you were...
... Too busy downloading free tracks from NPR Music's "Heavy Rotation" sampler (supersized for PRMM) or Blues & Roots songs from Alligator Records.
... Fell into a time-warp adding your favorite music to the "I Heard It On Public Radio" Spotify playlist.
... Found yourself lost in perfecting your Gustavo Dudamel impersonation for Houston Public Radio's video contest.
... And got schooled in local music scenes from those who know them best - local DJs. Gadling is offering a glimpse into these cities (with more to come next week):
Philadelphia, PA: John Vettes of WXPN's Philly Local Show and The Key
Louisville, KY: WXPK's Assistant Program Director and Host Laura Shine
Portland, OR: OPB's In House Host Jeremy Petersen
Twin Cities, MN: Andrea Swensson from The Current at Minnesota Public Radio
New Orleans, LA: WWNO's Music Inside Out Host Gwen Thompkins
Detroit, MI: The Progressive Underground with WDET's Chris Campbell
Artists from all corners of the music world (and the globe) are coming together around the public radio stations that have supported them along the way too:
Ben Harper told Facebook fans that he's "proud to celebrate the local public radio stations across America that keep the music flowing."
The PRMM love is pouring in on Twitter too (just check out #thankspubradio for more):
Even our CEO couldn't resist showing his PRMM affection.
Get Involved With PRMM
This month wouldn't be complete without fans and listeners repping their favorite station, artist, DJ or public radio discovery. So if you're amped to get involved, here are a few suggestions:
Download the MY MUSIC MY PUBLIC RADIO postcard, snap a photo and share it with #thankspublicradio on social media.
Vote on top in-studio performances from The Current's massive collection of mini concerts. Each day in April, listen to a new batch of in-studio sessions and pick your favorite.
Videotape yourself "air conducting" for the the Classical 91.7 Houston Public Radio contest to win $300 and a chance to lead the Houston Symphony. This kid knows what's up:
For The Love Of Music
The month-long celebration of public radio's impact in music launched last April to an outpouring of support from across the music world. There was a lot of public radio love streaming in from music makers and fans, and it all culminated in more than 130 artists and independent record labels - including Joan Baez, Death Cab for Cutie, Sub Pop Records, and 2013 Grammy-winners The Black Keys - together signing a Love Letter to public radio stations.
Clearly a little PDA here and there can go a long way!
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