Dallas Music Office Unveils “Dallas Sounds Amplified”

DALLAS, Jan. 22, 2025 – The Dallas Music Office is excited to unveil Dallas Sounds Amplified, the city’s first-ever busking initiative and professional development program, designed to transform public spaces and strengthen Dallas’ reputation as a "Music Friendly City." Inspired by New York City's acclaimed Music Under New York (MUNY) program, this innovative initiative gives local musicians the chance to refine their craft while creating meaningful connections with the community.

The program's soft launch last fall was a resounding success, with all seven participating artists securing paid gigs directly linked to their street performances.

"Dallas doesn’t have the constant foot traffic of NYC, but by placing artists in unexpected spaces and in front of diverse audiences and businesses, we’re unlocking new visibility and opportunities for them," said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, Director of the Dallas Music Office.

Participating artist Gracen Wynn shared, "This program has allowed me to share my music in new areas of the city, something I never imagined doing years ago. It’s incredibly rewarding to sing these songs and see someone smile because of it."

Musicians selected for Dallas Sounds Amplified will perform in downtown Dallas, with plans to expand to Deep Ellum this fall. Alongside live performances, the program emphasizes the value of performance experience, helping musicians move closer to their "10,000 hours" of mastery—a concept popularized by Malcolm Gladwell. Additionally, artists will benefit from professional development sessions, networking opportunities and a pathway to join the Dallas Music Office’s Directory for Hire, currently under development with Visit Dallas.

Audition details for this groundbreaking program are as follows:
Date: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
Location: House of Blues | 2200 N. Lamar Street, Dallas, Texas 75202
Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Audition Details: Artists will be asked to perform one song that best represents their performance ability and style. Interested artists can sign up here.


For more information, follow us on social media at @Dallas_Sounds and stay tuned for exciting updates and opportunities.

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ABOUT THE DALLAS MUSIC OFFICE:
The Dallas Music Office, a division of Visit Dallas, is dedicated to promoting and supporting the thriving music industry in Dallas. As an extension of the Texas Music Office, it serves as a dynamic marketing and community hub for artists, bands, venues and all stakeholders invested in the city's vibrant music scene. The Dallas Music Office is committed to fostering growth, collaboration and innovation within the local music community, ensuring that Dallas remains a top destination for music and culture enthusiasts.


ABOUT VISIT DALLAS:
Visit Dallas is an independent, not-for-profit sales and marketing organization contracted with the City of Dallas to promote Dallas as a premier business and leisure travel destination. The organization’s collective efforts generate positive economic impact, diverse jobs and state and local tax revenues, benefiting the community and improving the quality of life for all residents.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Who can participate?

To participate, artists must be fully mobile musicians with easily transportable acts for auditions and performances.


Where do performances take place?

Performers are expected to play multiple times a month at designated locations across downtown Dallas, marked by vinyl dots. Future expansion is planned for Deep Ellum.


What resources are provided to participating artists?

Through partnerships with DDI, DART, KXT, Spune, and the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, the initiative offers artists:

• Power access during auditions
• Program assets
• Personalized tipping signs for visibility and branding
• Artist professional development opportunities
• Inclusion in the Music Office Directory for Hire after one year in the program

How are artists promoted?

The Dallas Music Office will showcase the selected class of artists in dedicated performances and regularly promote them through its website and social media channels. Additionally, KXT will announce artist names and performance locations, increasing their visibility.


Why is this initiative important?

This program not only supports local musicians but also enhances the cultural vibrancy of Dallas, creating a richer experience for residents and visitors alike.


How are artists compensated?

Artists earn through audience tips. Personalized tipping signs are provided to enhance visibility and make supporting performers safe and easy.


Modeled After NYC’s MUNY Program

The Dallas Busking Initiative draws inspiration from NYC’s MUNY program. Like MUNY, the Dallas initiative will activate public spaces downtown, transforming them into stages for Dallas-based talent thanks to the support of partner Downtown Dallas Inc. (DDI).

Supporting Artists’ Growth and Visibility

The program not only provides a platform for live performance but also serves as a professional development opportunity. By participating, musicians gain invaluable experience toward their "10,000 hours" of mastery, a concept popularized by Malcolm Gladwell. Artists from the pilot program reported increased visibility and features on KXT and other various new sources, with many securing paid gigs from external organizations. This initiative aims to continue that success, fostering a pipeline of local talent ready to contribute to Dallas’ thriving music ecosystem. All program artists are automatically enrolled in the upcoming public Music Office Directory and gain access to various educational development opportunities throughout the year.

Media Contact:
Zane Harrington
Director of Communications
zane.harrington@visitdallas.com