Once More With Feeling

·37 min·3 clips

Reid Wick reveals why New Orleans musicians need to stop chasing Friday night gigs and start building mailbox money from their songs.

The episode begins with host Peter Ricchiuti framing the paradox of New Orleans' musical reputation versus musicians' low pay, attributing it to a lack of business infrastructure since the 1950s. He introduces guests Reid Wick, a musician and Recording Academy manager, and Ethan Elstead, executive director of the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MACNO). Reid emphasizes moving beyond the 'Friday night gig mentality' to focus on intellectual property and 'mailbox money' from copyrights, which can generate income for decades. Ethan discusses MACNO's advocacy work, including addressing practical issues like parking and loading zones for musicians. The host raises the issue of talent drain, listing artists like Louis Armstrong and Lil Wayne who left New Orleans, but Reid notes a trend of decentralization with artists like Terrence Blanchard and PJ Morton returning, the latter winning Grammys after moving back. Ethan explains the importance of neighborhood venues as cultural incubators, hindered by zoning laws that restrict live music in residential areas. Both guests critique outdated policies, such as amusement taxes and noise ordinances that criminalize music, with Ethan detailing a fight to legalize outdoor entertainment. Reid highlights the economic impact of music, citing a Billboard article and statistics showing the industry contributes $1.2 billion to Louisiana's GDP. The conversation touches on racism's role in historical disparities and the need for business education through programs like Loyola's music industry degree. They conclude that change requires persistent advocacy to shift perceptions and policies, ensuring musicians are valued as economic drivers.

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