In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, we dive deep into the flourishing music scene of Wichita, Kansas, with two key players: Jessie and Adam Hartke. Having been involved in the local music community for over 15 years, Jessie and Adam share their vision for building a sustainable, independent music ecosystem that supports both emerging and established artists. From creating venues and artist development programs to promoting collaboration and community, this episode highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that come with shaping the future of the music industry in a mid-sized city.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Building a Sustainable Music Scene:
  Jessie and Adam reflect on their journey from grassroots efforts to create spaces for small touring acts to purchasing a historic theater and developing a larger outdoor venue in Wichita. They’ll explain how these efforts have transformed the local music landscape, providing artists with more opportunities to perform and gain exposure.
• Artist Development and Touring:
  The Hartkes' initiative goes beyond just providing performance spaces—it’s focused on artist development, helping local musicians gain the experience they need by sending them on tours and promoting national visibility. Learn about the importance of nurturing local talent and giving them the tools to grow their careers.
• The Power of Community and Collaboration:
  One of the core values of the Wichita music scene is collaboration. During the pandemic, the community came together in new ways to support independent musicians, creating a network of resources that helped keep local talent afloat. Jessie and Adam explain how this collaborative approach has led to new, more sustainable practices in the local music industry.
• 'Mid-Topia' Philosophy:
  The episode introduces the concept of "mid-topia," a vision for the future of the music industry that focuses on decentralization and independence. Jessie and Adam discuss how mid-sized cities like Wichita can create alternative pathways to success for musicians by offering greater control and opportunities for creative freedom.
• Affordable Living and Creative Freedom:
  Wichita’s low cost of living has allowed artists to thrive without the pressures of gentrification and skyrocketing housing costs that often stifle creativity in larger cities. Jessie and Adam share their perspective on why Wichita’s affordability is a unique advantage for artists looking to build sustainable careers.
• Supporting the Entire Music Ecosystem:
  Their initiative goes beyond just artists, addressing the needs of the entire music ecosystem, including engineers, photographers, and other industry professionals. They stress the importance of fair compensation and ensuring that everyone in the music industry has the resources they need to thrive in their roles.
• The Challenges of Artist Exploitation:
  Throughout the episode, Jessie and Adam discuss the broader issues of exploitation in the music industry—particularly around intellectual property rights and how the industry’s power dynamics often leave musicians with little compensation for their work. They reflect on lessons learned from larger cities and emphasize the need for proactive planning to avoid the same pitfalls.
• Building a Long-Term, Independent Music Community:
  The episode closes with a look at the long-term vision for Wichita’s music scene. The Hartkes have made it their mission to create a sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystem where artists are empowered to build their own businesses, gain independence, and reinvest in their communities.