THE PEOPLE

There are so many different reasons the Greater Nashville Music Census is needed, depending on who you ask and what part of the community they represent. But we thought it was imperative we ask the question from the start, and show you the answers! So check out the slideshow below and be sure to keep scrolling to see all of the voices involved in this initiative.

Want to lend your voice and share your story? Become a Community Partner or Creative Connector and send us your thoughts!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENET PARTNERS

  • "The economic growth being fueled by our amazing music scene here in Nashville is also causing so many within the industry to be left behind. Our hope is to give each and every one of them a voice in this census, and come out of it with a clear path towards what solutions are needed most, and soonest.”

    -ERIC HOLT

    Asst. Prof. Music Business, Belmont

    Founder, Lovenoise

  • “We know anecdotally what our current problems are, and we have great examples of solutions coming from peer cities. But historically, our industry hasn’t been very well organized when it comes to advocating for itself at the local level. So the bigger a coalition we can build through this census, the bigger the ideas we can tackle coming out of it.”

    -JAMIE KENT

    Singer/songwriter

    President, Backstage Strategies

  • "In recent years, many within our music industry have migrated to surrounding counties where the cost of living may remain more affordable. So we feel it is paramount that we survey the full geographic region to truly understand the current landscape of our Nashville music ecosystem.”

    -KELLY WALBERG

    VP of Communications

    Community Foundation of Middle TN

  • Nashville has the most concentrated and diverse musician population in the world. People move here every day looking to become part of something bigger than themselves. Now more than ever, we need to be able to communicate, connect and find new ways to support that dream and this community. The Music Census is a perfect first step to do just that.

    -DAVE POMEROY

    President

    Nashville Musicians Assoc.

  • “The beauty of the Music Census is the true collaborative nature of it. Between other cities, between other studies, and between community organizations here in middle TN. We believe its going to be a perfect compliment to the data already collected, while filling a much needed gap in the big picture.

    -CHRIS COBB

    President, Music Venue Alliance Nashville

    Chapter President, NIVA TN

  • “The musical culture of Nashville needs nurturing in tandem with the city’s continued growth, and this is a good place to start. We’re excited to get a better understanding of who we are now and to have the data to thoughtfully affect where we are headed.”

    -LAUREN MORALES

    ACME FEED & SEED

    BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT ASSOC.

  • “We are called Music City for a reason - no other city in the world can match our multi-genre talent, venues, and music business infrastructure. We are proud to join other community partners in the Music Census to better understand where there are opportunities to ensure we maintain the creative culture that built the Music City brand.”

    -DEANA IVEY

    President & CEO,

    Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

  • “Nashville breaks tourism records with a reported $9B brought in from visitor spending. How much of that was invested back to the hardworking Nashvillians that fuel the arts and entertainment industry that is a driving force behind our city thriving? NOT ENOUGH. This census will provide vital data needed to lead real change.”

    -MARCIA MASULLA

    Roar Nashville & Nashville Fashion Week

  • The TN Entertainment Commission is proud to join this cohort of exceptional partners to support the Music Census, which is crucial as it will provide a comprehensive understanding of the local music scene, showcasing the diverse talents and genres present. The data will aid in the development of targeted initiatives and support systems for musicians, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.

    -BOB RAINES

    Executive Director, TN Entertainment Commission

  • “In the last 10 years, the music scene in Nashville and the surrounding areas has seen rapid evolution and change. Particularly, in the diversity of genres that are now represented and rooted here. The communities around these genres tend to be fragmented, so the Greater Nashville Music Census will be the first major effort to paint a clear picture of our amazingly unique creative class.”

    -JOSH COLLUM

    Co-founder, The Other Nashville Society

  • "The explosive popularity and growth of the city and region over the past few years is the most dynamic I’ve lived through and the most impacting on the people who live in this area and work in our beloved industry. We need a better understanding of who we are and what the real-world challenges are. The census will be an incredible tool to provide actionable data that can be used to help support and grow the livelihoods and lives of industry participants across all economic strata."

    -DENNIS DISNEY

    Partner, Shrum Disney & Associates, PC

  • "The Global Education Center is happy to participate in the Greater Nashville Music Census as we believe that world music has a unique and important place in the cultural fabric of our community."

    -ELLEN GILBERT
    Executive Director, Global Education Center

  • "It's so important to help the next group of writers, artists and musicians coming to town. We expect the Greater Nashville Music Census to help us continue as a supportive, vibrant, and growing community."

    -CARLA WALLACE & KERRY O’NEIL
    Co-Founders, Big Yellow Dog

  • "We could not deliver the healing power of music to hospital patients, families and caregivers in need without the incredible talents of Nashville’s music community. Collaborating with other leaders within the music industry to determine the greatest needs of these artists is the least we can do to show our gratitude for how they all give back in Music City."

    -PETE GRIFFIN

    President & CEO

    Musicians On Call

  • "Nashville has such a unique and close-knit music community that often gets overlooked and taken for granted at the municipal level. Our local musicians and venue owners need extra support to help maintain an affordable lifestyle in an ever-going city. The census will be key in helping us understand how to best support our industry as a whole.”

    -STEPHANIE EATHERLY
    Founder, Nashville Industry Fund

  • “As Music City’s professional symphony orchestra, we are committed to supporting the important work of the Greater Nashville Music Census, which will help us all gain a better understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our music community, and in particular, how we can all better support our musicians and other creatives in Music City.”

    -ALAN VALENTINE
    Executive Director, Nashville Symphony

  • “As someone who was born and raised in Nashville, I recognize the importance of the music industry to the continued success and reputation of Music City. The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife is proud to partner on the Greater Nashville Music Census. It is our hope that musicians of all backgrounds will share their experiences and expectations as we forge a path for the future of this great city.”

    -BENTON MCDONOUGH
    Director, Nashville Office of Nightlife

  • “This initiative presents a unique opportunity to dive deep into the heart of Music City and gain valuable insights into the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of our multifaceted industry, serving as a catalyst for collaboration, advocacy and innovation. "

    ELLEN TRULEY

    Chief Marketing Officer

    Music Licensing Collective (MLC)

CREATIVE CONNECTORS

  • "The continued growth of Nashville and soaring costs have put Music City’s fundamental core ecosystem of musicians, independent venues, creative infrastructure and community at extreme risk. In order to preserve what made Music City known throughout the world for, and to keep our creative ecosystem from dissipating and dying, change starts here, with an accurate assessment and understanding. "

    -ADAM CHARNEY
    Co-Founder, Rudy’s Jazz Room

  • “Nashville breaks tourism records with a reported $9B brought in from visitor spending. How much of that was invested back to the hardworking Nashvillians that fuel the arts and entertainment industry that is a driving force behind our city thriving? NOT ENOUGH. This census will provide vital data needed to lead real change.”

    -MARCIA MASULA
    Founder, Nashville Fashion Week

  • "While serving on Metro Council, I fought to support our working creatives and secured resources to study our local, independent music venues. Now serving as a Commissioner on the Music, Film, & Entertainment Commission, this Census will help us formulate policy recommendations to ensure Music City will remain the preeminent destination where creatives can thrive and our music industry and Metro Government can work collaboratively to support them."

    -JEFF SYRACUSE

    Commissioner, Music, Film, & Entertainment Commission

  • “From rising rents and grocery bills, down to the newly added costs just to park on the street throughout Nashville, Music City has become harder and harder to make a living playing music in. We’ve got to find ways to make Music City more music-friendly for those of us working our butts off to make the Nashville experience memorable for so many."

    -MATTHEW SZLACHETKA

    Singer, Songwriter, Producer

  • “Nashville's long and storied history is something we're all proud of but Music City has changed a lot. We need up-to-date information about our community so we can serve it more accurately. SOCAN is proud to support the Greater Nashville Music Census.”

    Liam Russell

    Creative Executive

    SOCAN (Nashville Office)

“In the heart of Nashville's vibrant music scene, LGBTQ+ creatives weave their stories into the fabric of the city's soulful melodies, adding new dimensions of diversity, acceptance, and artistry to Music City's rich cultural tapestry. Inclusion Tennessee is proud to stand with creatives throughout our community who are committed to nurturing, protecting, and growing all parts of our growing and evolving music ecosystem.”

- PHIL COBUCCI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR + FOUNDER, INCLUSION TENNESSEE

"The Greater Nashville Music Census represents a crucial stride towards comprehending the present-day economics within our music community. The gathered data will present an invaluable opportunity to shape regional policies that safeguard Nashville's vibrancy for the present and future generations of creators.”

-JONAH RABINOWITZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

W.O. SMITH/NASHVILLE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

"As someone who advocates for the independent music scene and works with DIY musicians from all over the country, Nashville is becoming more oversaturated by the second. For a place called "Music City" where live music fuels tourism and is a major source of visitor spending, what percentage of that is going into the pockets of those keeping music flowing in Nashville? Oftentimes artists are actually paying to play due to parking/gas costs while relying on tips-only shows. This is the reality. How can we make being a musician in Nashville more sustainable? The current infrastructure & economic landscape is driving out creatives in droves. Greater Nashville Music Census is a great start at actionable data we can use to infuse some life back into the talent and venues that keep the Nashville community alive and thriving. Let's do our parts to help make Nashville a lifetime town for musicians, not a ten-year town.

- JORDAN STOUTE

Owner & CEO, JAYEBIRD BOOKINGS

"Gathering and sharing data about the needs of creatives outside the mainstream will be crucial to nourishing a long term scene that gives everyone a seat at the table."

-MICHAEL EADES

WE OWN THIS TOWN

“The artistic contributions made by creatives is the backbone of our economy. It is imperative that we meet the needs of those who make our city and surrounding areas a diverse artistic hub for the many who live and visit here everyday. We must take care of those who take care of us!”

- MUZIQUEEN

NASHVILLE IS NOT JUST COUNTRY MUSIC

MUSIC INDUSTRY CONNECT

“There is no other place in the world with as much professional infrastructure geared towards success in the musical arm of the entertainment industry as Nashville.”

-ERIC CONN

PRESIDENT, INDEPENDENT MASTERING

“The Nashville Music Census will go beyond serving the city's current professionals and set a new standard for the future performers of Nashville. We must support and preserve our legacy as "Music City" so it may span from the time of The Jubilee Singers and continue throughout the 21st century.”

- Matthew “Mr. Matty” Walberg

NASHVILLE ENTERTAINER + “EDUTAINER”

“The past five years have brought incredible change to our Nashville and Middle Tennessee music community. As part of that community WMOT is thrilled to be part of the Music Census, a first step in continuing to support our independent venues, artists, creators and music media”.

-Val Hoeppner, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director WMOT

"Acme Radio Live is devoted to the discovery, preservation, and lifestyle of Nashville music. We are excited to support the Music Census to gain the data to better achieve this mission!"

- SARAH CAHILL, MARKETING MANAGER

ACME FEED & SEED

"As one of the largest cultural festivals in the region with a large musical component, Nashville Pride wholeheartedly supports this work to better understand the region's creative ecosystem."

-Nicholas Gulick, President

NASHVILLE PRIDE