State announces launch of West Tennessee Music Census

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) and Visit Jackson Tennessee are joining forces to announce the West Tennessee Music Census, an initiative designed to bring musicians, venues, music industry professionals and music nonprofits across West Tennessee together to gain a better understanding of the region’s music ecosystem.

The Census, which is part of the broader West Tennessee Music Initiative, is a study of the region’s music ecosystem that covers 21 counties in West Tennessee. It 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 round tables.

“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry continues to thrive, supporting more than 60,000 jobs and contributing over $6 billion annually to our state’s GDP,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “With a rich history in this sector, we are proud to join our partners at TDTD, TEC and Visit Jackson Tennessee in announcing the West Tennessee Music Census, an effort that will further strengthen this ecosystem for years to come.”

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. 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. Additionally, those interested in becoming a community partner can sign up here.

“Jackson sits at the heart of West Tennessee’s music story, helping define and shape sounds that influenced generations,” said TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell. “It’s an honor to partner with TNECD, TEC and Visit Jackson Tennessee on this effort to listen, learn and elevate the voices that continue to define the sounds of Tennessee.”

The founding agencies will work in partnership with Sound Diplomacy on the Census to engage individuals from the music scene and provide leaders and policy makers with potential solutions to uplift the music community and give everyone a voice. The objective is to garner comprehensive insights that will inform strategies to bolster the music ecosystem, identifying its strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth.

“The West Tennessee Music Census represents an important step in preserving, maintaining and strengthening our booming music and entertainment industry,” said TEC Executive Director Bob Raines. “This Census recognizes the value of our rich music culture across the region and will help cement our status as a global cornerstone of the entertainment industry.”

The power of music extends beyond its entertainment value, acting as a keystone for economic development. It creates a variety of job and business opportunities, invigorates local tourism through music events like festivals and concerts and influences sectors like fashion, film and advertising with its cultural reach.

“It’s exciting that the TEC has chosen to invest in our area’s unique and diverse music community,” said Stephanie Riley, founder of B3 Creative. “From artists to key stakeholders, I believe this will bring incredible ideas and value to our region.”

The West Tennessee Music Initiative is spearheaded by Visit Jackson Tennessee, marketed by B3 Creative and supported by funding from TEC and TNECD with Sound Diplomacy and the University of Memphis Lambuth providing administrative support for the Census.

“The purpose and importance of the Census is to better understand the value of our music culture,” said Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, associate professor of teaching and area coordinator, music and entertainment at the University of Memphis Lambuth. “It’s both educational and anthropological and will no doubt offer us a better understanding of where we succeed and where we need improvement.”

To learn more, click here or reach out to TNECD Music Office Director of Music Development Jimmy Wheeler at jimmy.wheeler@tn.gov.

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