State Announces Launch of the West TN Music Census

JACKSON Tenn. — The state announces the launch of the West Tennessee Music Census. The census is a part of the broader West Tennessee music initiative. It’s a study of the region’s music ecosystem that covers 21 counties in west Tennessee. the census is a part of the broader west Tennessee music initiative.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Visit Jackson, TN are joining forces to announce the West Tennessee Music Census to gain a better understanding of the region’s music ecosystem.

It was designed so that we can better understand from venues, attraction, and musicians themselves. Across the state it’s a 60 million dollar industry,” said Beth Bolton, CEO of Visit Jackson, TN.

One local artist Brandon Hutcheson with the Hutcheson Brothers Music tells us Jackson sits at the heart of West Tennessee’s music story, helping define and shape sounds that influenced generations.

“I think we have a really food foundation. I think with anything you can make it better. I think with this effort bringing everybody in form the state, from Visit Jackson, from West Tennessee as a whole with the artist, songwriters ,and whole creative community we can build this into a better opportunity for everybody whether you’re starting out or you’re a season veteran.” Said Brandon Hutcheson, Hutcheson Brothers Music.

“Music is tourism, brings tourism, strengthens tourism, and economic development as well. It all works hand and hand,” said Beth Bolton, CEO of Visit Jackson, TN.

Results from the census have the potential to influence a multitude of sectors in the music industry, including education and training, regulatory and policy framework, audiences, communities, venues and events.

The objective is to garner comprehensive insights that will inform strategies to bolster the music ecosystem, identifying its strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth.

Don’t be afraid to pick up that phone and call these local businesses that do have music opportunities, open mics. Get out there learn your craft and promote promote, promote.

Jackson can become the answer for up and coming musicians. The West Tennessee music initiative is spearheaded by Visit Jackson, TN, marketed by B3 creative and supported by funding from the Tennessee Entertainment Commission and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development with sound diplomacy along The University of Memphis Lambuth providing administrative support for the census.

Civic organizations, media, public sector companies, music educators, and arts organizations across the region are invited to participate in the music census.

Find the census Here.