Nashville.gov

MAYOR ANNOUNCES MUSIC BUSINESS COUNCIL

Artists and industry executives to work with city and Chamber on music business development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 11, 2009) -

Mayor Karl Dean announced today an initiative to help sustain and grow the music industry in Nashville. The Mayor’s Office, in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, has created a Music Business Council made up of artists and industry executives who will spearhead various economic development efforts that capitalize on Nashville’s identity as Music City.

The priorities Dean has established for the Council include increasing live music venues in the city, increasing music business relocations, improving Nashville’s public school music education program, expanding the CMA Music Festival and developing a new multi-genre music festival. The Music Business Council will serve as an ongoing industry support organization to accomplish these and other goals.

“Nashville is not any city, we’re Music City. We have an opportunity to grow that identity and benefit both our city and the music industry in the process. My goal is to make Nashville the destination for music performances, festivals, business and education,” Dean said.

A 2006 study commissioned by Belmont University and the Chamber showed the music industry has a $6.38 billion impact on Nashville’s economy. The industry provides nearly 20,000 jobs directly related to music production and another 15,000 from music-related tourism. The study also found that tax revenue generated by the industry totals more than $75 million. 

“Music is the worldwide identity of our city. It provides a brand that exemplifies the creative, entrepreneurial spirit Nashville is known for,” said Ralph Schulz, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Because the music industry is a critical element in the city’s economic development efforts, the Music Business Council has been formed to ensure we are doing everything we can to support and continue to grow multiple facets of this industry.”

Music Business Council Members:

For media inquiries contact:
Janel Lacy
(615) 862-6020
janel.lacy@nashville.gov