[featured-video-plus width=770]
One of the biggest concerns Austinites have about our city’s fast growth is that a more expensive city might mean that creatives can’t afford to live here. And for a city known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” that would be a devastating loss. But, true to the Austinite way, there are residents determined to support the music community and prevent artists from being priced out of Austin. One such resident is Matt Ott, our guest on Episode 2 of Vibe Austin.
Ott is the co-founder of The Austin Music Foundation and Black Fret, which are two nonprofits that support Austin’s music industry. The Austin Music Foundation provides behind-the-scenes support to local musicians, offering them education, mentoring, and professional development. Black Fret is more center-stage, building community around member-supported live performances. Together these two nonprofits help to sustain Ott’s favorite thing about Austin: that it’s “a city of creativity.”
Ott has lived in Austin since the 70s, taking a brief hiatus out of the city in the early 2000s. He describes Austin as “the biggest small city in the world,” and explains that Austin is a versatile, dynamic, supportive community where creators and enthusiasts can come together to make and enjoy music and art. This sort of collaboration between creatives and their supporters is at the foundation of Black Fret’s mission.
Black Fret uses a membership model to fund regular live music shows and provide financial support to local musicians. By throwing live music events throughout the year for its members, Black Fret is able to employ local Austin musicians, and at the end of the year any surplus funds are distributed in grants to support different artists chosen by member votes. In this way the relationship is symbiotic: music enthusiasts get to know and enjoy their local music scene, and musicians are supported by their community. This sort of relationship is what Austin’s collaborative creative community is all about.
Ott describes the music scene in Austin as extremely diverse. Whether you’re into rap, hiphop, punk, rock, blues, punk, electronic, or country music — there’s a local band that you will vibe with. “The music has just gotten better and better [over the years],” Ott explains. “The depth and breadth of talent in this town continues to amaze me.”
He encourages new Austinites to get to know the music scene. “You don’t want to be that person who doesn’t know any local bands to support,” Ott cautions.
In addition to a growing, more expensive city, musicians have to battle a changing industry, too. Ott has witnessed how streaming services and different methods of distribution and production over the years has impacted musicians’ ability to survive, and points out that these factors are another reason why supporting local musicians through actions big and small is so important. Beyond going to live music shows, there are other ways to bolster your favorite local creatives. “Little things add up,” Ott explains, suggesting that following your favorite local musician on a streaming platform or buying their merch is a great place to start showing up for our music community.
When Ott isn’t supporting local music, he’s supporting local restaurants and other Austin haunts. Some of his favorites are:
Beyond going to live music shows, Ott also likes to catch movies at Alamo Drafthouse, support Austin FC, or get active at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail or Barton Springs. “Become an Austinite as quickly as you can,” Ott encourages the newcomers. His suggestions to do that? Ask people what they like to do around town and take their suggestions. Embrace your inner creative, whether that’s as a maker or a supporter. And always let people merge if you’re in traffic.
“There’s a kindness to Austin… I think about the opportunities that this city has given me and there is a real generosity [here],” Ott explains, encouraging Austinites old and new to remember that being generous and kind will help to make Austin the most vibrant city it can be.
Thank you to Vibe Austin’s sponsors:
Austin Title has been providing title insurance and escrow services for both residential and commercial transactions in Austin and around the country since 1953. We have experienced and friendly staff, many of whom have deep ties to Austin and the surrounding communities.
Vista Lending is a local, Austin based mortgage company, focused on providing financing solutions that fit our clients needs and long term goals. We strive to provide a concierge level of service to every client and that service will continue long after their mortgage loan closes. We offer our advisory services to clients for life and look to be their advocate for all things real estate.
Since its creation in 2007, STRÜB has achieved extraordinary growth evolving from a market leader in relocation to a best-in-class marketing system for the homeowner seeking an authentic, approachable alternative to the typical conventions of “luxury.”
NEST Financial provides leaders and doers in Austin, TX and the surrounding Hill Country with confidence, freedom, and security through authentic and transparent wealth management, including simplified financial planning, innovative investment management, and direct financial education.
