It is a well established fact that the music business is an ecosystem like any other that exists in the universe. And like those delicate ecosystems that occur in nature, the music industry is subject to disruption, and some people believe even extinction in the extreme. For this episode, I feature
two people who not only understand the music business ecosystem, but also spend their time thinking about how we strengthen the communities, institutions and policies that allow music and the people who make it to thrive.
Reid Wick is the Recording Academy’s Director of Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement, leading work in public policy, advocacy and music-related economic development programs nationally. His background also includes music-industry board service, conference programming, co-ownership of independent label STR Digital Records, and recognition including the 2018 Cutting Edge Music Conference Lifetime Achievement Award.
Elizabeth Cawein is a Memphis-based music advocate, strategist and scholar who founded Music Export Memphis in 2016 and has built a career around positioning working musicians as cultural and economic assets. She also serves as a professor, DJ, Recording Academy Memphis Chapter Governor and Folk Alliance International board member, and in 2026 was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee to Tennessee’s first Music Advisory Council.
This promises to be a very informative and entertaining discussion that will be the best hour of your week. Check it out!
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT / 7:00 pm GMT
FREE, but you must register below.