Austin-Area Musicians: Take the Greater Austin Musicians Census

Survey Closes September 9, 2022

The City of Austin conducted its first music census in 2015. I was created to provide insight into the status and needs of the backbone of The Live Music Capitol of the World: the musicians themselves and those who work in the music industry in the Austin area.

From austinmusiccensus.org:

The Greater Austin Music Census is a community-led initiative to gain a better understanding of the current needs of the Austin-area music community. This marks the first time in almost a decade that the music community will have new data from which to develop policy solutions and approaches. The Census will capture key information about the greater Austin music economy and help the city and community to make more informed, data-driven decisions to support the music ecosystem. The Census will be administered by Sound Music Cities a leading Austin based provider of music ecosystem studies and music census work, in conjunction with the Office of Mayor Steve Adler, KUTX, EQ Austin, Juice Consulting, and over 50 local partners.

The 2015 music census revealed that 75% of the music professionals in Austin earned less than the average wage in Austin at that time. In fact, about 20% of Austin musicians lived below the Federal poverty line. With Austin's real estate market soaring, this situation is likely much worse today.

The 2015 data is now outdated, so updated information is needed. That's where you, the Austin-area music professional, are needed. The new Greater Austin Music Census is now open, with submissions being accepted through September 9, 2022. Please share this link with others you may know in the Austin area music industry (those living in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties).

Check out this interview with Tomar of Tomar and the FCs on the KUT 98.9FM website for a personal perspective on the census.

Content adapted from KUT

Photo by austinmusiccensus.org

Posted on 9/2/22