Black Opry and Public Radio Station WXPN Work to Create Equity for Artists of Color

Black Opry and public radio station WXPN in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recently teamed up to help create more equity for artists of color in country and Americana music. In March 2023, the two organizations partnered on Artist to Watch: Black Opry Residency to spotlight five artists: Tylar Bryant, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Samantha Rise, Grace Givertz and Denitia. 

During Black Music Appreciation Month in June 2023, WXPN launched a podcast about the residency that featured a different artist in each episode. “The goal is to increase our impact on new, independent musicians who lack access to industry resources,” WXPN Associate General Manager for Programming Bruce Warren tells American Songwriter. 

It’s WXPN’s latest effort in their artist development program, with the goal of giving independent artists access to industry resources, mentorship and help build sustainable careers. In addition to their music, they also explored the struggles of being an artist. 

“We need more platforms that shine a light on all of the creative contributions of underrepresented artists in every creative corner of the world,” Rise tells American Songwriter of the program that provided one-on-one mentorship and assistance with understanding booking PR and management. “Americana and country music are black/diasporic art forms – the songs, the rhythms, the voice stylings are all rooted in Black traditions – and the only reason the world doesn’t know that, is because those legacies have been deliberately erased or cut out of the conversation.” 

Warren was introduced to the Black Opry at Americana Music Festival in Nashville and was moved by founder Holly G’s mission of creating awareness and opportunities for underrepresented artists of color in country and Americana music. Holly G, Apple Music Color Me Country host Rissi Palmer and singer/songwriter Miko Marks were all on the judges’ panel to review the nearly 100 applications to be part of the residency. At Palmer’s suggestion, they asked the artists to rank their most pressing needs and the team then chose mentors based on those specific needs. 

Among the criteria they looked for when selecting the artists were storytelling, songwriting craft and quality of voice. “What they stood for in their music, it’s authenticity and emotional impact,” Warren describes. In the weeks leading up to the residency, the artists met on private Zoom calls with people in the music industry and were able to ask questions about their careers. 

“More access to resources, ideally, should lead to increased equity,” Warren asserts. “Getting these artists both money and very direct resources is empowering. Particularly in Americana and country, which traditionally has been a white space both on stage and in music company boardrooms.”

“There can be a sense of isolation sometimes when you’re a solo artist, so the simple act of coming together with other artists under this pretense of moving our art and careers forward is impactful,” adds Denitia. “This kind of intentional reaching out towards artists that aren’t a part of the status quo helps to change the landscape of music and art for the better. This music, especially country and roots music, is about human life and our stories as people.”

Citing herself as much as an activist as she is a singer, Rise believes that music “is the most powerful tool we have to build the world that we all deserve.” She says that music and social justice go hand in hand, having studied several social justice movements, in addition to working in early childhood education. She calls her passion for music and using it as a tool to create an equitable future for the young people she teaches her “birthright.” 

“In a moment where we’re constantly being challenged by violence and scarcity, stuck inside so many harmful systems, we need outlets that encourage us to think critically and creatively about the crises we’re living— and outlets that encourage us to practice collaboration with one another,” Rise proclaims. “Music does that!”

Photo Courtesy of WXPN/Missing Piece Group