Global Music, Local Roots: The Making of City of Songs in Northwest Arkansas
I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Filmmaking Journey and Community Building
This chapter follows a filmmaker's two-decade journey in the industry, emphasizing their resilience during the pandemic and a newfound commitment to fostering a creative community in Northwest Arkansas. It highlights the unique challenges and rewards of producing in a less populated area, as well as the significance of collaboration in artistic projects. The conversation also delves into a new music documentary series inspired by cultural connections, showcasing the importance of diversity and representation in media.
About the Show:
"I used to teach film students, lecture a lot, and I usually would say, 'Who's going to make it here?' And it's going to be the one who doesn't give up. Not the most talented. So... everything else, you can solve. But if you give up, that's it".
– Mario Troncoso, Filmmaker
This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® welcomes back Mario Troncoso, an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and director, to speak with host Randy Wilburn about his latest project—City of Songs—now airing on PBS. Mario shares why Northwest Arkansas became his creative home and how the idea for his globally minded music travel series blossomed right in Fayetteville.
City of Songs, hosted by musician Stephanie Hahn, takes viewers around the world—from Austin to Barcelona and Stockholm to Seoul—to explore the unique sounds and stories of each city through local musicians. But this show is about more than music; it’s about migration, innovation, and what connects us as people.
Mario dives into how, along with creator Troy Campbell, he built City of Songs from the ground up in Northwest Arkansas, the behind-the-scenes challenges of international production from a small city, and the importance of supporting a sustainable creative economy. He shares his hopes for Northwest Arkansas as a center for global ideas and what needs to happen for film and media makers to truly thrive here. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at casting decisions, what makes a city special, and the impact of big ideas launched from “small” places.
If you love music, creativity, and seeing how Northwest Arkansas can shape projects seen around the world, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
- The development of City of Songs in Fayetteville demonstrates that creative communities like Northwest Arkansas can spark global projects.
- Community Over Talent: Mario believes persisting, not just talent, is key. “It's probably not the most talented person. It's the one that doesn't give up.”
- The Role of Place: Local support, creative culture, and community made Northwest Arkansas home for Mario, Troy Campbell, and the vision for City of Songs possible.
- Creative Economy Needs: For more global projects to be made here, Mario calls for long-term investment, production incentives, and better infrastructure—especially an airport with more direct flights!
- Diverse Perspectives Matter: Casting Stephanie Hahn—a young, Puerto Rican musician—as host pushes back against the traditional “middle-aged white man” host.
- Global, Yet Local: Northwest Arkansas's collaborative and creative culture forms the foundation of City of Songs' DNA, even as it explores cities around the world.
- The Power of Networking: Relationships with people like Troy Campbell and Kody Ford and connections to local arts initiatives were key stepping stones.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- City of Songs on PBS
- City of Songs Website
- City of Songs on Instagram
- Mario Troncoso on Instagram
- Troy Campbell on LinkedIn
- PBS Video App (to stream City of Songs, free for 90 days after each release)
- Arkansas Cinema Society
- The House of Songs
Don’t miss City of Songs, premiering May 15, 2025, on PBS and the PBS app with new episodes released weekly!
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
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