Third Day’s Quarry Studios host Music Industry Event 12-15-2015
“I love to go to the studio and stay there 10 or 12 hours a day. I love it.” Johnny Cash
On Wednesday night, Georgia Music Partners (GMP) hosted an event that enabled Georgia State Legislators to experience a live recording session with an all-star band of Georgia musicians. Orchestrated by Brandon Bush on keyboards, the band played a Phil Spector-inspired version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Joining Brandon was Mac Powell and John Driskell Hopkins, Peter Stroud, Benji Shanks and Kevin Leahy. Matt Still served as producer.
Some of the Georgia lawmakers present were: Rep Bert Reeves, Marietta; Rep Brett Harrell, Snellville; Sen Judson Hill, Marietta; Senator Charlie Bethel, Dalton; Spiro Amburn, Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the House; Senator Hunter Hill, Cobb County and Senator Butch Miller, Gainesville.
Not only did the guests get an education on music production, they got to participate as backup singers and percussionists.
GMP’s focus is to attract more music business to the state. “We are working closely with musicians, music professionals, educators and legislators to find opportunities to maintain and create job growth for the vast talent around Georgia,” said Mala Sharma, co-president of GMP. “It has been proven that a healthy music industry attracts innovative companies across all industries, Georgia has an opportunity to be entertainment’s creative hub by investing in Music as we have with film, tv and digital entertaiment.”
In January, GMP will be asking consideration for three bills to support the music industry in the state, they are:
1) Sales tax exemption for music-related equipment for educational purposes;
2) Musical theatre and live tour incentive; and
3) Georgia music tax credit for film, television and interactive entertainment (for projects not “lensed” here).
GMP would like to thank Cathead Vodka and Fox Brothers BBQ for providing food and drinks and Cara Pastore F22 for providing great pictures of the event.
