OnHold Music

02/13/06

Dear Friends:

Today we have new ways to promote Seattle’s rich music scene--online and on the line. Using both our website and downtown phone system, we will spotlight local artists and promote Seattle’s vibrant and varied music scene. Dubbed OnHold, the program will treat callers to a broad selection of locally produced music if they are placed on hold. Listeners can link to Seattle musicians they hear through www.seattle.gov/onhold, where they can purchase music, link to the artists’ web page and concert calendars, and subscribe to a podcast of the entire OnHold mix. Any sale made through the OnHold web site will include a small contribution to the city’s arts education program.

Seattle’s music industry is known throughout the world. It supports nearly 8,700 jobs and generates over $1.3 billion in revenues from both core and supporting industries. OnHold supports this vital segment of our arts and economic community, and, as far as we know, no other city is supporting local musicians in such an innovative way.

The current music mix includes songs by eleven groups or individuals. One featured artist, Dave Peck, just won the NW Recording of the Year and NW Acoustic Jazz Group for the 2005 Golden Ear Awards hosted by Earshot Jazz last week.

If customers have questions about the OnHold music, please refer them to www.seattle.gov/onhold. Employee questions should be directed to your department public information officer. Enjoy the music and please help spread the word about this uniquely Seattle service!

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor of Seattle