For Atlanta to be so universally recognized as a mecca, there are still some old habits of the South that need to be reconciled — particularly on the music scene. Considered by many to be a prime destination for prominent artists to perform and live, Atlanta’s performance venues and parties remain largely segregated … that is, until now.
Common and De La Soul are set to headline the ONE Musicfest, an innovative festival aimed at tearing down music’s racial divide. If things go according to plan, people from all walks of life will gather together on July 31 to enjoy a beautiful expression of musical unity. Rolling out sat down with ONE Musicfest co-organizer Jason Carter to gain a greater sense of the possible impact of the event. Here are some of the notable excerpts from ro‘s time with Carter. –dewayne rogers
What was the inspiration behind the festival?
For Atlanta to be such a great music scene, things are largely divided. I’ve noticed that while there are many pockets of individuals that share taste in the same music, you rarely see them share in this together. We decided to create an event that was able to serve as an outlet for this to happen.
Do you think an event like this can begin the process of eliminating some of the divisiveness in Atlanta?
I definitely think that it’s a start. Music has a way of bringing people together, and I believe that these artists are just the ones to do that.
Why did you choose Common and De La Soul to headline?
If you’ve ever attended a Common or De La Soul show, then the answer is self-explanatory. Whites, backs, Hispanics, Asians — they all come out to see them perform. That’s why they’re headlining. They represent exactly what ONE Musicfest is all about.
Who are some of the brands supporting this effort?
We’ve been very fortunate to gain the support of several prominent brands. Vibe, MINI, Ketel One Vodka, and Jose Cuervo are just some of the brands that believe in ONE Musicfest, and are supporting this movement. In the future, we are looking to grow the experience and give other sponsors an opportunity to participate as well.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.onemusicfest.com/
