Summer is here and it is an exciting one for MUSICat as we welcome the launch of a new library music collection in Salt Lake City! The Salt Lake City Public Library debuted the Hear Utah Music (HUM) collection on June 1st, showcasing 40 albums chosen from their first round of submissions earlier this year in February. The albums span genres from folk to hip-hop to electronic and more, highlighting the diversity and energy of the Salt Lake City music scene. Rabble Technical Architect and Co-Founder Preston Austin was enthusiastic about the new collection and site’s overall look, commenting, "I'm loving the great musical selection in HUM's new collection, and I'm delighted with the striking, thoughtful, and just plain fun designs the Salt Lake City Public Library team put together for the HUM collection and launch events."
HUM’s online launch was accompanied by two launch parties in the physical world. Quiet House, Jazz Jaguars, and Conquer Monster played an all ages show at long-time independent and local music supporter Diabolical Records on June 1. The next night a 21+ show at late-night concert venue Urban Lounge saw performances from Salt Lake Electric Ensemble, Strong Words, and UTA TRAX.
In addition to the amazing music collection, HUM also features a Poster Archive. This beautiful collection preserves an important aspect of Utah’s musical history, and gives the community a chance to enjoy an art form that too often ends up wasting away on telephone poles.
As HUM settles into its new routine of sharing Salt Lake City’s music with the world, Portland’s Multnomah County Library is preparing their own launch, providing a little listen of their famous music scene. More news on that coming soon!