A locally-sourced music streaming service is launching in Tucson

A new service seeks to celebrate the sounds of Tucson, but we’re not talking about the coyotes howling or the cicadas buzzing.

The Pima County Public Library is launching a locally-sourced music streaming service called Desert Streams.

The platform follows in the footsteps of other public libraries in renowned music towns — Austin, Seattle and Nashville — which have created similar services, a news release said.

“Each of these sites captures the unique sounds of their local music scene, and we hope to do the same,” the news release said.

But before it can launch, the library needs Tucson’s talented musicians to share their work.

Submissions are being accepted now through March 15 at pimadesertstreams.org/submit.

The entries will be reviewed by a panel from the library and the local music community. Artists who are selected will receive a $250 honorarium, along with their own page on Desert Streams with photos, bios and links to social media, upcoming shows and merch.

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Desert Streams seeks to represent the breadth and diversity of Tucson’s musical styles and genres. It’s open to local musicians and bands who are currently playing or recording in Pima County. To be considered, you must have a completed, released album or an EP of at least four songs.

The project was brought to fruition by Karen Greene, Lupita Chavez and Charlie Lewis — library staff and local music aficionados.

“There’s so much incredible talent in our community,” they said in the news release. “Desert Streams is the library’s way of recognizing, celebrating and supporting that talent.”

Once launched, Desert Streams, like all library services and programs, will be free and open to the public.

The library plans to have two rounds of submissions and additions to the collection each year to keep things fresh, providing multiple opportunities to be considered.

To learn more, visit pimadesertstreams.org/faq or email desertstreams@pima.gov.