Musicians, venues and industry leaders are invited to shape the Upper Cumberland’s music economy and future investments
What is the Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland Music Census?
It is an initiative aimed at bringing together musicians, venues, music industry professionals and music nonprofits across Middle Tennessee to better understand and support the region’s music ecosystem. It studies the region’s music ecosystem, examines the strengths, challenges and opportunities within the local music community and covers 30 counties in Southern Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland.
Designed by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Upper Cumberland Tourism and Experience Tennessee, the initiative is “currently in its discovery phase and open for community feedback.”
The broader initiative contains five components:
- asset mapping
- regulatory assessment
- economic impact assessment
- Census and roundtables
Those results can influence several sectors in the music industry, including:
- education and training
- regulatory and policy framework
- audiences
- communities
- venues
- events
“Civic organizations, media, public sector, companies, music educators and arts organizations across the region are invited and encouraged to complete this extensive survey and help spread the word about the census,” according to the release.
Those interested in becoming a community partner can sign up HERE.
“Music is the cornerstone of Tennessee’s brand and one of the reasons we’re loved around the globe,” said TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell. “Tennessee Sounds Perfect because music lives in communities of every size, creating jobs and driving visitation. This census gives us the insight to strengthen that impact for Tennesseans.”
Founding agencies will work in partnership with Sound Diplomacy, and the objective is clear, gather insight while identifying strengths, challenges and opportunity.
“As has been revealed in previous censuses across our state, the music and entertainment industry is booming in Tennessee,” said TEC Executive Director Bob Raines. “Our efforts to continue the preservation and strength of this sector is crucial to our state’s musical heritage, and I know the Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland Music Census will be just the latest steppingstone in advancing it forward.”
Music extends beyond entertainment value. It is a “keystone for economic development,” creates jobs, provides business opportunities and invigorates tourism.
“I’m excited for our region to participate in this music study alongside Sound Diplomacy and our State of Tennessee partners. Tennessee’s music legacy is known worldwide, and its economic impact reaches far beyond the stage,” said Experience Tennessee Executive Director and CEO Ryan French said. “This study will give us the data needed to plan intentionally, strengthen the industry and better understand how music contributes to our communities, our economy and our future.”
Locally, the census is spearheaded by Experience Tennessee and Upper Cumberland Tourism with funding from TEC and TNECD.
“Tennessee’s music heritage is both iconic and deeply diverse. While the world knows our most celebrated stages and legendary artists, beyond those venues are communities where music runs just as deep, shaping local culture in more personal ways,” Upper Cumberland Tourism Executive Director Billie Davis said. “This study helps us better understand and uncover those stories, giving voice to the full music ecosystem and the diverse musical heritage that exists across Southern Middle Tennessee and regions like the Upper Cumberland.”
For more information, visit HERE or email jimmy.wheeler@tn.gov.
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