Country rockers Florida Georgia Line are joining the Music Row preservation effort by partnering to release a specially designed t-shirt that will be up for sale this week.
The band’s artist development and publishing company, Tree Vibez Music, joined with the Music Industry Coalition and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to sell a t-shirt that says Music Row Junkie.
Proceeds from the sale will help MIC and the National Trust develop a web application that will guide users on a walking tour of famous Music Row buildings.
Increasing the profile of Music Row as a tourist destination is one of the top goals of MIC and the National Trust, according to a preservation action plan the two groups unveiled last week. MIC is the group of music industry stakeholders and Music Row property owners and tenants who banded together when the threat of redevelopment of the famous industry corridor reached its apex two years ago.
The National Trust has been in the thick of the preservation effort, including developing a preservation plan that identified 66 Music Row properties worthy of being added to the National Register of Historic Places. RCA Studio A, the famous recording studio designed by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley, has already been added to the list.
But, bringing tourists to Music Row has been a priority for some time. Developing the app will help the preservationists do that, and the new t-shirts will help fund the app.
The band, comprised of Belmont University graduates Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, is active in the local music community.
“”Like so many others, Music Row has been a huge part of mine and Tyler’s career,” said Kelley. “We wanted to find a way to give back for all it’s given us and help preserve its legacy. We’re excited for these Music Row stories to educate and inspire music lovers from around the world for years to come!”
Carolyn Brackett, who works out of the Nashville office of the National Trust, estimated it will cost about $30,000 to finance the development of the walking tour app.
“We are delighted to have Tree Vibez Music join our efforts to shine a spotlight on Music Row’s rich contributions to America’s music history,” said David J. Brown, chief preservation officer and executive vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The t-shirts will be available through Tree Vibez, which partnered with fan engagement company Wonderful Union, at www.musicrowjunkie.com. Supplies will be limited, according to the partners.
“This initiative offers music fans more than just a cool shirt,” said Mike Kopp, chairman of MIC and co-manager for Ben Folds. “It will help fund an important project that will educate and inspire music lovers and Music Row visitors for years to come.”
