Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

Renowned as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and home to blues, soul, and hip-hop icons, Memphis’s role in global music influence is undeniable. The music ecosystem in Memphis contributes significantly to the local economy — to the tune of $720+ million. Beyond the economic impact of the ecosystem itself, music has the power to be a significant source of social and cultural value.

As decades change and musical tastes shift, some are left asking what the future holds for this music city. Today’s conversation will feature music industry giants sharing how leaders are ensuring the industry is thriving for both artists and the city’s economy,

This conversation originally took place as a live event on June 18, 2026, as part of New Memphis’ Celebrate What’s Right series and was made possible by Tennessee Valley Authority and Kroger.

Today’s conversation features Jared "Jay B." Boyd of WYXR as moderator, and the panelists are:

Elizabeth Cawein I Music Export Memphis

Nykesha Cole I City of Memphis - Office of Creative & Cultural Economy

Boo Mitchell | Royal Studios

Brandon Seavers | Memphis Record Pressing

Gebre Waddell I Sound Credit

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

WYXR

The City of Memphis - Office of Creative and Cultural Economy

Memphis Record Pressing

Sound Credit

Royal Studios

Music Export Memphis

Music Ecosystem Fund

Code Crew

Previous episodes relating to the content featured in this conversation include: S5E51 , S5E46 , S5E33 , S5E16

J Brooks Coffee

Willie Mitchell

Americana Fest

Sam Phillips Studio

UNAPOLOGETIC. Studio

Memphis Magnetic Studio

Memphis Grammy Chapter

Hernando's Hideaway

Minglewood Hall

MEM's Merchandise Fund

The Levitt Foundation

Grind City Amp

Joe's Records in Wolfchase Galleria

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

In Memphis, innovation and collaboration go hand in hand. Explore what that looks like at a civic level with Innovate Memphis and The City of Memphis' innovation team.

Guests:

Jessica Lotz (Innovate Memphis)

Jasmine Worles (The City of Memphis)

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The City of Memphis i-team

Innovate Memphis

Binghampton Business Center

Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation

"City Hall on the Go" examples in Boston and Raleigh

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis isn't simply hoping for a bright future; we're creating the blueprint for success! Explore how collaboration is preparing a new generation to take an active role in historic preservation and the future of social justice with Arlinda Fair Cathey (National Civil Rights Museum) and Sam O'Bryant (BRIDGES USA).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Bayard Rustin Institute at the National Civil Rights Museum

National Civil Rights Museum

BRIDGES USA

Rustin Social Change Fellowship

Bridge Builders

Youth Action Center

Team BRIDGES

The Little Rock 9

The Memphis 13

The Memphis State 8

1963 March on Washington

Rustin Lecture Series

Micah Memphis

John Lewis

Bayard Rustin

Montgomery Bus Boycott

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is a vibrant city that is home to artists and creatives in every medium. Crosstown Arts is an organization that is reshaping creative and economic opportunities for artists while providing Memphians with new opportunities to experience art in every form.

In today's episode, hear from two areas of Crosstown Arts -- Crosstown Sync and the Crosstown Artist Residency -- and learn how they are helping to ensure creatives can have thriving careers in Memphis.

Guests:

Charles Seaton (Crosstown Arts)

Dr. Christine Sears (Crosstown Arts)

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Crosstown Arts

Crosstown Arts Music & Artist Services

Crosstown Sync

Crosstown Artist Residency

Memphis Music Strategy Report

Greater Memphis Chamber

Memphis Record Pressing

Music Export Memphis

Hyde Family Foundation

ARTSmemphis

Shared Art Making at Crosstown

mas@crosstownarts.org

Hear from real leaders making a real impact in Memphis each week on the Meanwhile in Memphis podcast! Meanwhile in Memphis conversations connect changemakers and community leaders who make Memphis a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Created and produced by New Memphis.

Powered by Independent Bank.

Investments in youth sports are unlocking community impact in Memphis! Degan Mesler (Memphis Inner City Rugby) and Becky Erickson (Memphis Rox) share how the use of "sport as a vehicle" is creating pathways for success for both individuals and neighborhoods.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Memphis Inner City Rugby

Memphis Rox

Teach for America Memphis

Project Green Fork

Clean Memphis

Food Desert

Soulsville Charter School

Moore Tech

Jay Uiberall Foundation

Girls Inc

Youth Connect Mental Health Support

UT Health Hub

Tech901

Sister Supply

LeMoyne Owen College

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.