Fort Worth's burgeoning local music scene just hit a new high note with the Amplify 817 service bolstering its lineup to feature over 100 musicians, courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library. Nine fresh faces have recently been added to the roster, expanding the auditory landscape for earbuds across the region. The artists—Asa Ace, Curatorial, Eric Bourassa, Friend Operation, Kendi Jean, Matt Tedder, Mister Grandma, Ruby Cavazos, and Spring Palace—join an eclectic mix that's already spinning ad-free and at no cost on the platform.
The service, which is a haven for music lovers tired of algorithmic playlists, now boasts a total of 108 artists. And it's not just about the numbers, each artist brings their unique flavor to the collective pot. Accompanying these new additions are two fresh albums from David Tribble and Joseph Neville, who are no strangers to the Amplify 817 community. Rita Alfaro, music librarian, praised the project, saying, "After four years we've really seen and heard so many different genres and mixes of music coming from our community," the City of Fort Worth reported.
Established with the vision of representing undiscovered gems and local legends alike, Amplify 817 was launched in 2020 and continues to grow its collection twice a year through artist submissions. These additions aren't just thrown into the mix willy-nilly; they're carefully curated by a panel deeply entrenched in the Fort Worth music ethos. They're also given a $300 honorarium for a three-year license that puts their tunes on the virtual shelves of the service, funded by donors to the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation.
Midori Clark, Director of the Fort Worth Public Library, highlighted the significance of the platform to the artists it serves. "Artists are entrepreneurs," Clark stated, "In our continued commitment to community vitality and supporting all entrepreneurs, the Library is proud to work in partnership with the Foundation to compensate their artistry with more than just exposure whenever we can", as cited by the City of Fort Worth. Beyond the financial remuneration, Amplify 817 also scouts its talent pool for live performances and offers developmental opportunities aimed at advancing careers in music.
