Promoting Oklahoma Leaders, musicians meet in city to discuss incentives.

BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: November 19, 2008

Kyle Dillingham isn't a household name like Vince Gill or Carrie Underwood, but he may be the key to creating a vibrant music scene in Oklahoma City.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber on Tuesday hosted a panel of industry experts who advised that musicians no longer need to live in Nashville, New York City or Los Angeles to be a success.

"In this digital age, there is no reason to leave to do what you can do here," said Scott Booker, manager for the Grammy-winning band The Flaming Lips. "We're proof if you have the will, you can make things work here."

Booker, who is director of the Academy of Contemporary Music being opened next year in Bricktown by the University of Central Oklahoma, suggested creating the right environment for future stars like Dillingham and his band Horseshoe Road.

"You don't have to work hard to keep me in town; I love it here," said Dillingham, who was among more than 100 attending Tuesday's luncheon at the Beacon Club.

"It's a big mission of mine and Horseshoe Road to base everything we do out of Oklahoma City," he said.

Dillingham said the city and state can first promote the cost savings for musicians choosing to base themselves in Oklahoma, compared to the bigger markets.

"If you're going to be away for four months and have four months of rent to pay while not at home, I'd rather it be in Oklahoma," said Dillingham, who spent the past few months touring in Thailand and South Korea.

WHAT'S BEING DONE?

Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, said the state is continuing to increase incentives for musicians to stay home - like allowing smaller studio construction projects to qualify for tax credits and increasing rebates for productions using local musicians.

Mark Parker, director of instrumental programs at Oklahoma City University, said more can be done - including revamping liquor laws and noise ordinances - to promote the music club scene. He suggested the local media do more to publicize concerts and performances.

Meanwhile, Simpson said radio stations have resisted playing songs by local performers.

WHAT MUSICIANS SAY

The panel shared high hopes for the Academy of Contemporary Music, the first American outpost for the so-called London-based "school of rock."

Booker said Coyne and fellow Flaming Lips performer Steve Drozd have expressed interest in supporting the school, and Martin made inquiries during his recent visit.

Simpson advised that winning back major artists who moved away from the state may be difficult.

Some of them, she said, harbor bitterness over lack of local support during their early years.

Dillingham, however, couldn't be happier with the support he's receiving from his hometown.

Horseshoe Road released its latest CD, "Reel-to-Reel" in June and Dillingham sent fresh recordings requested by renowned documentary producer Ken Burns for a potential new project.

"My heart is aligned with what they're talking about," Dillingham said.

"I'm very thankful to have been embraced by this city and state."