Global Music, Local Roots: The Making of City of Songs in Northwest Arkansas

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, FilmmakerThis 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 PBSCity of Songs WebsiteCity of Songs on InstagramMario Troncoso on InstagramTroy Campbell on LinkedInPBS Video App (to stream City of Songs, free for 90 days after each release)Arkansas Cinema SocietyThe House of SongsDon’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*FindItNWA.com Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" Try ONBoardNWA.com Today! *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.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026