“Music is one of the last forms of resistance to homogenization. In a society that wants us distracted, fast, perpetually connected but incapable of really listening, music can still force us to stop. Its role is to give us backdepth, to remind us we're emotional beings and not just consumers.”

Luca Sapio: Blind Faith & Pure…

“Poetry has always shared a foundational root with music and dance across almost every world culture, whether you look at African-American traditions, European history, or the Muscogee Nation. Jazz, specifically, is a distinctly American art form, but it is also deeply intertwined with Muscogee heritage. My people were there at its inception. Jazz was born in our homelands, and our traditional music is woven directly into its origin…

“It’s more of a challenge for women to get recognition and respect in the music industry. It’s still a boys’ club in many ways. I feel like women are always having to prove themselves. There’s still an assumption that women aren’t going to be as skilled and accomplished as men, particularly as instrumentalists.”

Anni Piper: Blues,…

“The blues encoded the spirit of rock n’ roll. If you say something, better mean what you say and live what you say, or its not worth saying.”

Dirty Weather Blues Revue:

Rollin’ The Blues with Old-school Feeling …

“I think music is a great leveller. A great unifier. A great healer. It’s a uniquely human thing, that demonstrably improves our lives. There are some unfortunate examples where music, politics and hate merge together that sadden me: when music becomes wrongly or unnecessarily associated with a certain mindset.”

Jump 66: Let The…

“I believe that there are very similar things between Blues and the music of Mexico, in their lyrics, in their feelings, both speak of very similar experiences, and I also believe that they have a lot of strength due to their past since both cultures come from very difficult times in which there was slavery, sad things, and I think that is why it seems that there is brotherhood between both genres! There is a very special feeling that makes them…

“The Blues are like the roots of a tree that grows and branches off to country, rock, bluegrass etc. It ALL came from the Blues. It comes from hurt, it comes from love lost, it comes from the heart. It simply is the most real music I have ever experienced.”

Adam Smith:…

“Music is Art. Art is for everyone. Everywhere. It's the human-language of emotion. It's there to connect us across large distances-- time, borders, cultures, beliefs and all that. The only price of admission is an appetite for wonder. I want my music to make you feel like you felt the last time you broke the rules and it was the right thing to do.”…

“Authenticity in blues music originates from sincerity, historical understanding, and lived experience. It is important to understand the lineage of the music, acknowledge the pioneers who established the foundation before us, and respect the culture from which the blues emerged.”

Harrell “Young Rell”…

“I do believe that the artist has a significant societal function and is just as important as scientist, doctors, lawyers, etc. it is our job to promote new thoughts and ideas and also to record the past. Music is also political and should be.”

Joey Stuckey: Progressive Americana…