While Nashville might currently hold the distinction of being America’s “music city,” Joe Kirgues doesn't see a reason why Milwaukee can’t challenge the incumbent for the title.
In fact, a new program giving $20,000 grants to four musicians and bands is launching this summer in the city with support from two different organizations — one, an established terrestrial radio station; the other, an accelerator that has made a name for itself by investing in high-growth startups.
Kirgues, co-founder of one the supporters, gener8tor, said the new program, Backline, lays the groundwork for what he hopes will create a reputation of Milwaukee being an emerging music city of its own.
“It’s going to be able to touch people and engage people,” Kirgues said of Backline, which was officially up and running in early March. “The goal is to bring together the best and the brightest and create strong synergy.”
Backline, at its core, offers a platform that cannot be found elsewhere, Kirgues said. It includes a 12-week program; wrapped within the package is coaching, mentoring and networking with music industry leaders — locally and elsewhere across the U.S.
The program, which has secured funding from a growing roster of companies, organizations and individual donors, has pledged to be completely free to the accepted applicants. Additionally, none of the entities affiliated with Backline are requiring equity, fees or residuals of the participating musicians.
Backline was first hatched in late 2017 through a collaboration with Radio Milwaukee, which operates on WYMS-FM, 88.9.
The listener-supported station has carved out a niche for more than a decade by playing music — including Milwaukee-based acts — that cannot be found elsewhere on the dial.
“It’s really been a joint effort … and it’s turning out to be a good partnership,” Kirgues said. “(Radio Milwaukee) has a lot of experience with local musicians and the community.”
Plans are in motion to offer one 12-week accelerator session this year. Backline will begin accepting applications June 4. The goal, Kirgues said, is to begin offering two 12-week accelerator sessions annually in 2019 and beyond.
Another pivotal step in Backline’s growth is the hiring of Enrique “Mag” Rodriguez as the program director. The announcement was made in early May.
“It is a great honor to be Backline’s inaugural program director,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “The Milwaukee music scene is on the cusp of something incredibly special, and Backline will be a part of making sure that local musicians have the opportunity to break out and succeed.”
Kirgues said Rodriguez was hired, in part, because of his deep roots in Milwaukee. His professional credits include serving as head engineer of Milwaukee’s Magic Studios.
“It’s going to be exciting to see how this is going to play out in the next three to five years,” Kirgues said. “Everything is coming together. The rhythm is great.”
