Empowering the Underdog: Transforming Nashville's Music Scene Through Safe TracksIn the heart of Nashville's vibrant music scene, a movement is underway to address the pervasive issues of sexual assault and violence. Jack Ohmes, known by his stage name "Jack the Underdog," has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those seeking to pursue their musical dreams in a culture that often enables harmful behavior. Determined to create a safer and more inclusive environment, Ohmes and others have spearheaded the Safe Tracks program, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower the industry to intervene and prevent sexual violence.

Confronting the Harsh Realities of Nashville's Music Scene

Ohmes' journey in the Nashville music industry has been marked by a troubling observation: a culture that often dismisses or normalizes sexual misconduct. "When I saw the issue that's in music in Nashville, I was kind of experiencing it firsthand," he explains. "Rape jokes, locker room banter, 'boys will be boys' – anything like that."These dynamics, Ohmes says, create a power imbalance that poses a unique challenge to the industry. "Every room you walk into, there's kind of a different power dynamic," he notes, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.

Shattering the Silence: Addressing the Prevalence of Sexual Violence

Ohmes' experiences have led him to a sobering realization: "Everyone in the world is one degree or less away from sexual violence because of how prevalent the issue is, whether you know it or not." This stark truth has fueled his determination to confront the problem head-on and create meaningful change.The Safe Tracks program, which Ohmes has championed, is a direct response to this crisis. Developed in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) and backed by the Country Music Association, Safe Tracks aims to train industry professionals on how to intervene in various situations, ultimately preventing sexual assaults before they occur.

Empowering the Underdog: Reclaiming the Dream of Music

For Ohmes, the issue of sexual violence in the music industry is deeply personal. "Music has always been a really big dream of mine, and I hate the idea of someone not being able to follow their dreams or achieve what they want because of something like sexual harassment or violence," he says.Through his own music and advocacy, Ohmes seeks to create a space where anyone can pursue their musical aspirations without fear of harm. "I kind of like to say that I stand up for the underdogs of society," he explains, "and create a space where anyone can come and follow their dreams and make the music they want to make."

Transforming the Industry: The Safe Tracks Approach

The Safe Tracks program, now a statewide initiative with Ohmes as a training specialist, is a multifaceted approach to addressing the issue of sexual violence in the music industry. By providing comprehensive training to industry professionals, the program equips them with the knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to, and prevent incidents of sexual assault and harassment.The training covers a range of topics, from understanding the dynamics of power and consent to developing effective intervention strategies. Participants learn how to create a culture of accountability, where harmful behaviors are swiftly addressed and survivors are supported.

Fostering a Culture of Accountability and Empowerment

Ohmes' vision for the future of the Nashville music scene is one of empowerment and inclusivity. By empowering industry professionals to take an active role in creating a safer environment, Safe Tracks aims to transform the culture from within."Music has always been a really, big dream of mine, and I hate the idea of someone not being able to follow their dreams or achieve what they want because of something like sexual harassment or violence," Ohmes says. Through his advocacy and the Safe Tracks program, he is determined to ensure that the music industry becomes a place where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can thrive and pursue their artistic passions without fear.As the Safe Tracks program continues to gain momentum, Ohmes and his team remain steadfast in their mission to create a lasting impact on the Nashville music scene. By fostering a culture of accountability and empowerment, they are paving the way for a future where the music industry truly reflects the diversity and talent of its community.