About Amplifier
MILWAUKEE (March 4, 2022) – Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-88.9FM) will implement a free, monthly public workshop model for its 2022 artist-development Amplifier program, kicking off with Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Rico Love on March 26, the station announced Friday.
Rico Love is set to be the first guest for the in-person Amplifier Community Connection being held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at Radio Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point studios, 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave. Future planned guests include Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Marcella Araica and Quintin Gulledge.
“We are extremely excited to bring the expertise of national mentors to all of Milwaukee’s talented artists,” Amplifier Program Director Chad Roper said. “Building on the curriculum from last year, we are proud to be doubling down on our commitment to this whole community by making these classes free and accessible.”
At the first Amplifier Community Connection master class, acclaimed songwriter and producer Love will share his expertise on the art of songwriting. Love has written and produced hit songs and records for Beyoncé, Usher, Fergie, Kelly Rowland and more. The Milwaukee native will impart wisdom on how to write a song that shifts culture.
Because of its transition to a workshop model, Amplifier will not be distributing grants to individual artists. “We’ve taken a really intentional look at our program and the impact we want it to have on Milwaukee’s overall music scene,” Amplifier Assistant Director Britney Freeman-Farr said.
“Ultimately, we want Amplifier to bring our scene together with its programming, rather than awarding so much to so few,” she said. “Let’s share the knowledge, share the resources, share the wealth and make our program the rising tide that lifts all boats.”
Radio Milwaukee’s music education initiative Grace Weber’s Music Lab, also co-programmed by Freeman-Farr, uses a model similar to the one being used by Amplifier in 2022 and has seen great success in working with young artists.
Artists interested in attending Amplifier Community Connection on Saturday, March 26 should RSVP to reserve their spot at https://www.ampmke.org. In-person attendance will be limited to 100 people. In-person attendees will be required to wear a mask and show proof of vaccination. The workshop will also be live streamed on Radio Milwaukee and Amplifier Facebook pages.
In addition to the monthly Communication Connections, Amplifier will continue to build individual relationships with artists through weekly virtual office hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During office hours, artists can ask questions about their career and the music industry. Artists can sign-up to participate at https://calendly.com/chadcnoteroper.
To learn about future Amplifier Community Connections, follow Amplifier (@ampmke) on social media.
Amplifier Supporters
Amplifier is generously supported by the Heil Family Foundation, City of Milwaukee Arts Board and Radio Milwaukee members. In-kind support provided by Bentoff Communications.
About Radio Milwaukee
Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-FM 88.9) has been a positive force for Milwaukee on air, online and in the community since its 2007 launch. Through its creative programming and content, non-commercial Radio Milwaukee utilizes a multimedia platform for creating a better, more inclusive and engaged community. The station broadcasts and streams a unique blend of musical styles, including at least one song by a Milwaukee artist each hour, and short Community Stories that foster engagement and positive change. The award-winning station receives the great majority of its financial support from its 6,000 contributing members, 150 underwriters and 25 foundations. The station runs HYFIN and a separate 24/7 all-Milwaukee music HD2 broadcast channel and web stream available on HD2 radios and at 414Music.fm online. Learn more about 88Nine and stream the station at RadioMilwaukee.org or via the 88Nine mobile app.
About Mary Louise Mussoline Artist Fund
The Mary Louise Mussoline Artist Fund honors Radio Milwaukee’s late executive director, Mary Louise Mussoline. Under her direction Radio Milwaukee became a cultural force, supporting organizations and people who are improving Milwaukee, and providing opportunities for musicians to be heard. Amplifier is a program that keeps her work and legacy alive, through music and community building.
Radio Milwaukee
Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-FM 88.9) has been a positive force for Milwaukee on air, online and in the community since its 2007 launch. Through its creative programming and content, non-commercial Radio Milwaukee utilizes a multimedia platform for creating a better, more inclusive and engaged community. The station broadcasts and streams a unique blend of musical styles, including at least one song by a Milwaukee artist each hour, and short Community Stories that foster engagement and positive change. The award-winning station receives the great majority of its financial support from its 6,000 contributing members, more than 200 underwriters and 25 foundations. The station runs a separate 24/7 all-Milwaukee music HD2 broadcast channel and web stream available on HD2 radios and at 414Music.fm online. Learn more about 88Nine and stream the station at http://www.RadioMilwaukee.org or via the 88Nine mobile app.
