The MLMAS server where all of our online discussion will occur is hosted on Discord.  If you are unfamiliar with Discord, it’s a software company that was started in 2015. While it was originally started as a social gaming platform, Discord has become increasingly popular as a host to discussion forums. I chose it because it seemed well-suited for a music forum (i.e. you can create forum channels for music genres or other topics) and the price was right (free!). I’ve configured the MLMAS server to be private, i.e. one can only join via an invitation and only members can see the MLMAS server profile.  You will not be asked for any sensitive data (i.e. SSN, credit cards, etc…) and will not be added to any e-mail lists.

Discord has dedicated apps for the Android and Apple platforms (for mobile device use) in addition to apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux (for laptop or desktop use). You can also use Discord directly in a web browser on any of these operating systems.  When first accessing the MLMAS server and familiarizing yourself with it, I suggest using a laptop or desktop if feasible. Please keep in mind that the MLMAS server is very much a work in progress! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

When clicking on the Join button, you should land in the  #welcome-and-rules “channel” in Discord.  Please click on the rules channel near the top and review the community rules – hopefully straightforward and sensible! Then go to #meet-the-members to learn about others and use the provided template to tell the community about yourself.  Then start checking out the various channels, i.e. mostly music genres, but also topics like local artists, audio gear and upcoming concerts.  Make a post!  Perhaps mention a new release by a favorite artist, tell the community what you are listening to now in a given genre, and/or post an upcoming concert that you’re planning to attend.  Just select the relevant ‘tags’ when posting.  The success of this forum depends on member participation!

I am hoping to have the inaugural in-person listening session in January or February 2026.  Stay tuned!  Feel free to share the website and/or my e-mail with any friends or family members who may be interested in this new local music community.  A warm welcome to MLMAS!  

Paresh, Founder and President of MLMAS