One of the biggest challenges facing budding musicians and new bands is getting in front of people. But there is a local group, Local Roots Music Northwest, that is doing its part to help.
Local Roots began as a local community radio show, started by local Portland musician Robert Richter in 2013. Since then, it has grown to include the KMUZ and the regular public access television program, as well as song writing contests, compilation records, and open mic events – all to support local bands from the Pacific Northwest.
The success of the group’s work is due, in part, to the efforts of local clubs like Mock Crest Tavern and Yukon Tavern.

Mock Crest: North Portland’s home to Blues & Brews and an avid supporter of local music.
“Jon and Rainer have been very supportive of local music,” says Robert. “They’ve helped a lot of new bands and have provided regular opportunities to local musicians to perform.”
Robert explains the mission of Local Roots Music Northwest this way:
“We help bands understand the process and the right way to approach applying for opportunities. We give them the tools they need to put together demo reels, music videos and other promotional tools to get their work in front of the right people.” The group also holds workshops on book and other topics for local musicians.
Over the years, many of the bands that have appeared on the group’s radio show have performed at Mock Crest and Yukon Tavern. “Bands who have reached success beyond Portland were bands who started out with us,” says Robert.
Through the efforts of Local Roots Music Northwest, musicians come to understand that music a business, and that they are entering into a partnership with the venue in which they are performing.

The Local Roots Northwest radio program can be heard every Sunday night from 7 pm to 9 pm on KMUZ-FM 100.7 in Salem.
Everyone who enjoys live music has a part in keeping it alive. As Robert says, “We ask people to support local music. One of the ways they can do that is by attending live local music events. The music we have here in Portland is some of the best music you will find anywhere. I urge people to get put and listen and buy local to support the musicians and the businesses that host live local music.”
If you have a band and are looking for some professional guidance, you can learn more about Local Roots Music Northwest on their website. Or visit their Facebook page.
A special thank you to Robert Richter in helping to create this blog post.