Reid Wick is the Director of Regional Advocacy and Member Engagement at the Recording Academy. We sat down with Reid to talk about his journey from touring jazz fusion musician to one of the leading voices shaping Louisiana’s music industry. He shares how his roots in New Orleans, his time at Loyola University, and his early work in music education laid the foundation for a career dedicated to building infrastructure, opportunities, and visibility for local artists.

We also dig into the newly passed state legislation increasing music production incentives, the importance of reversing brain drain, and why New Orleans is primed for a creative wave. Reid breaks down the behind-the-scenes ecosystem that powers the music industry and makes a case for why music deserves serious investment as a cultural and economic driver. From Katrina recovery to future-facing advocacy, Reid offers wisdom, humor, and hope for the next generation of music professionals.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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