a community of des moines music industry professionals
collective voice. collective action. collective growth.
who we are
The Des Moines music industry delivered a total economic impact of 1,555 jobs, a total output of $178 million, a total gross value added (GVA) of $121 million and a total workers compensation of $62 million. The Music Collective DSM (aka ‘The Collective’) was founded in March of 2023 by a group of Des Moines music industry professionals including musicians, venues, non-profit and for-profit promoters, production professionals, music media/marketing/ticketing professionals, cultural consultants and studios/labels to leverage this impact. The group, which is open to any industry professional interested in helping build the Des Moines music economy, meets every other month. Its goal is to work together to build a plan that will ensure the growth of the industry for decades to come. We are non-hierarchical, inclusive, intersectional organization. Those who make decisions are those who show up at the table.
Wanna get involved? Sign-up for the Ugly Newsletter (below) and attend the meetings. There’s plenty to do!
our next meetup
women in music at righteous babes show
Shout out to all women and women-identified humans in the Des Moines music industry. We are keeping the up the momentum we got going at 80/35 with a special evening at XBK Live! The Righeous Babes Tour (Ani Difranco's label) is making a stop at XBK live on August 24th. We are going to have a WIM's gathering from 5:30-7pm before doors open for the show. Come on out and keep the conversation and relationship building going! If you know a WIM pass on the invitation.
City Sounds is generously supporting WIM by sponsoring a limited number of tickets to the show. If you want to stay for that show please RSVP with ticket. If you can't join stay please RSVP for meeting only.
Tickets are will call.
Contact Kat with questions
how to get involved
Attend a Collective Event. We are building more opportunities for you to engage with you colleagues on a regular basis. Make some time. It will be worth it.
Spread the word. We need your help with invites to join us. Make sure your co-workers, favorite musicians, collaborators and super fans know about The Collective. Our IG is @musiccollectivedsm
Sign up for the Ugly Newsletter and stay in the loop, especially if you can’t make it down. We are stronger together!
launching the collective sessions in august 16th with the cave and redd 7 recording
The Collective, The Cave and Redd 7 Recording are teaming up to host a monthly songwriter’s round the second Wednesday of the month (except August which will be on August 16th). Session will be from at 8:30-10. Feel free to come early and converse with your colleagues. Kevin Neal of Redd 7 will be hosting. As we expand on this monthly songwriters round, we’ll be looking at doing live recording of the sessions and potentially integrating a podcast as well!
Our inaugural session is anchored by Andrew Hoyt. Be sure to check out Andrew’s brand new album.
All musicians are welcome. Bring your instrument (even if that is exclusively your voice), your tunes and your open spirit. The session will be a listening room style environment. Musicians will take turns sharing music in the round.
Save the dates for upcoming sessions:
September 13th
October 11th
November 8th
December 13th
Wanna anchor a session? Contact us here!
the ugly newsletter
The Ugly Newsletter is our monthly email to keep you updated. It’s ‘ugly’ because we are keeping the formatting simple. Get on the list (below) and keep updated with news, resources and requests from your music industry community.