Episode 010: Aengus Finnan Interview

How do you connect with industry professionals like agents, managers, radio DJs, festival, venue, and house concert talent buyers within the folk community? Where can you find the resources, advocacy efforts and events specifically designed to serve the folk community? Get the answers from the Executive Director of Folk Alliance International.

[02:14] Aengus describes his path to becoming the Executive Director and his influences and organizations that he worked with to give him the breadth of experience to lead the organization.

[07:42] We discuss the founding of the organization and the past and current mission.

[11:05] Aengus sheds light on the various programs Folk Alliance International presents and is now focused on to serve the community through normal times and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes some of the innovative partnerships and collaborations they’ve embarked upon with non-traditional music presenters.

[15:02] Since March, Folk Alliance has partnered with other conference and industry organizations to provide leadership and information to its members around COVID-19 issues and legislative bills. Aengus describes how those efforts represent the greater performing arts industry and their inclusion for financial considerations and disbursements.

[17:58] The organization also provides other support for its members. Aengus dives into the various ongoing and innovative ways that Folk Alliance helps its membership.

[20:40] Folk Alliance’s major conference event has had to be changed due to the pandemic. Aengus offers details of the changes being made and how they are innovating technologically to create a robust and engaging event.

[25:18] Aengus describes the makeup of the membership and the efforts they are engaged in to broaden the scope of that membership.

[30:14] Folk Alliance is comprised of the main organization and multiple regional offshoots. Aengus explains how those regionals are set up and who they serve.

[32:34] Aengus offers words of inspiration and motivation to artists, agents, and managers and those who are unfamiliar with the organization, as to how it might benefit them.

[36:47] As the performing arts industry reels from the effects of COVID-19, Aengus offers some uplifting advice for those the organization serves.

My thanks to Aengus Finnan for sharing the latest information about folk Alliance International and all they do to unite and serve the world-wide folk community and folk music industry.