What is Dart Music International?
Dart Music International (DMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to increase cross-cultural awareness throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma by assisting international musicians with travel, performance, and merchandising in our region. International musicians and labels may apply to become Artist Members of DMI by emailing Dave Dart with copies of press, publicity, and links to your website(s). We will evaluate your information and, if we can help, will contact you right away with information about our annual membership resources and costs.
DMI is uniquely positioned to consult on aspects of artist promotion, tour management, publicity, and other professional services for foreign musicians. We help bands make immigration arrangements with greater lead-time and save several hundred dollars or more in visa and travel fees. Lodging and rental expenses are mitigated through our local contacts. DMI bands can earn money while in the US either by attaining the proper visa with our sponsorship or with DMI serving as the local business agent. The local knowledge and contacts of DMI helps artists place merchandise and play performances in the most appropriate venues, giving them the best opportunity to be seen by their target audience. Publicity and promotional opportunities are available regardless of U.S. representation status. Through DMI, the artists have a local base of operations where they can post materials ahead of time. Many potential stressors are neutralized simply by having a trusted local source for the best places to shop, eat, relax, and enjoy the experience.
There are many positive results arising from these efforts. The Texas and regional artistic community is enriched and informed by the contributions of international artists who might otherwise not be able to appear here. The artists enjoy the best possible opportunity for exposure to international and American music industry professionals who can help them realize their financial goals, while the local audience enjoys opportunity to learn from the foreign artists. For a variety of reasons these opportunities have severely diminished in recent years, inversely proportional to the need for such interaction. The experience enables a level of cultural intercourse that is increasingly rare and important given the current state of the international political landscape.