In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Paul Loomis, founder of The Loomis Agency and partner at Luminous Sound Studios. Paul Loomis shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., with a musical family to writing iconic jingles, such as "Stanley Steemer." He discusses his switch from dreaming of film composition to building a successful career in advertising music, working fast under tight deadlines, and creating memorable brand music for companies. Andrew Allen and Paul Loomis also discuss how jingles are crafted, the impact of AI on the industry, and offer advice for young musicians. Plus, listeners get to hear the debut of a new jingle for Allen Beverages.

3 Key Takeaways

1.The Evolution and Impact of Jingle Writing: Paul Loomis offers fascinating insight into the craft of jingle writing, discussing its evolution into "brand music" and how catchy, memorable tunes paired with effective brand positioning can drive remarkable business success. He shares notable examples, like the Stanley Steemer jingle, explaining how such work requires both creativity and an understanding of marketing psychology.

2. Adapting to Changes in the Music Industry: The conversation dives into how technology and artificial intelligence are changing the music and advertising landscape. Paul Loomis acknowledges using AI as a tool but warns about its potential to replace traditional human creativity in the future. He also touches on the challenges modern artists face with revenue due to streaming platforms, and the shift away from traditional band instruments toward computer-assisted music.

3. Music as a Multifaceted Career: Paul Loomis's journey demonstrates how a strong musical foundation can lead to diverse opportunities, from writing for jazz ensembles and collaborating with legends like Gil Evans to producing jingles and working on projects like Barney and Vanilla Ice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the creative and business sides of the industry, highlighting his experience building a successful agency and launching a record label that's finding success with new acts.

In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city's cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor's Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It's a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi's creative spirit.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change

David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent.

2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact

As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state's economic and tourism profile.

3. Celebrating Mississippi's Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage

David highlights how Mississippi's unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture's exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor's Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi's stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad.

Show Overview

0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis
3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence
9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy
11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi
15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride
18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy
21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization
24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support
29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community
33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe
35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture
39:02 Commendable Community Dedication
42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community