When you consider the number of events happening around our city, meet-up fatigue can quickly set-in so we are incredibly pleased at the response and turn-out to the first OpenMusicMedia meetup in Toronto on Wednesday, September 30th.

The fact that people made the time to attend is very encouraging as we move ahead in this exciting, disruptive and fast moving environment. A good mix of people covering technology, radio, music labels, entrepreneurs and musicians attended the evening and the conversation flowed right from the start. It was really nice to see but when you gather a group of people passionate about music and who have a healthy respect for the artists who create what we all enjoy, it shouldn’t be surprising at all.

I really want to say thanks to everyone who came out. For anyone in Toronto and surrounding area, I really hope you will consider attending the next event because I guarantee you will meet and so easily engage with a diverse group of bright and talented people. If you want to start your own OpenMusicMedia in your city, it’s very easy to do. Check out this really helpful primer.

Living in a “networked information economy” where creative people can interact without the restraint of physical borders, limited only by imagination, new connections are forged and relationships are nurtured. Information and knowledge, in a culture of openness is vital to a well functioning society that favors human development and freedom. Watching twenty or so people, of different backgrounds and experiences, exchanging ideas and sharing information was absolutely inspiring. It’s only going to take the actions of a few disparate but dedicated group of leaders to find a commonality that will lead to positive social and culture shifts.

Whether the leadership torch will be passed to or grabbed by the current or future digital savvy generation remains to be seen. Over the past few years, we have been witnessing the emergence of our next generation of artists, thought leaders, business savvy entrepreneurs and technologists who really understand the intersection of culture, media and technology. These people are certainly not afraid of cooperating across disciplines to work through ideas that will influence change to business, social and political models.

Progress and change can be painful for some people depending which side of the divide they are on. We are seeing power and influence shift into the hands of many and flattening economic and business hierarchies. The reach and influence of top-down, one way communication is slowly eroding thanks to the internet, global social networks and changing cultural attitudes. Where some see threats, others see opportunities. The powerful tides of cultural change will ensure that the status quo cannot be maintained or preserved. Change is a road that is long, difficult and unsettling but ultimately does not wait for anyone.

The time is now to combine the wisdom of experience with the energy and passion of youth, to respectfully work together in utilizing the technological advances and cultural awaken necessary to rebuild a music business that we optimistically hope will tilt towards being fair and balanced towards all market participants. All who attended OpenMusicMedia Toronto were a witness to that and are living the experience. These people have right mindset to make it happen. The future of music remains as bright as ever.

Please stay tuned for upcoming details about the next meet-up. If you have any comments, thoughts or ideas for future meet-ups, please get in touch with us on Twitter, our blog or send me an email: gcn(*at*)yahoo.com..

Tweet