Exploring Musical Metropolises: Intertwining Tales of Music History | Pioneering Musical Discussion on the Music Podcast
In the heart of Austin, Texas, Sound Music Cities, co-founded by Don Pitts and Peter Schwarz in 2017, has been making waves in the music industry. The duo, known for their comprehensive assessments of a city's music economy, recently conducted music ecosystem audits for four U.S. cities: Austin, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C.
Sound Music Cities' audits offer a comprehensive view of a city's music scene, evaluating factors such as economic impact, venue availability, equity and representation, municipal support, and zoning policies. The audits aim to understand the health and dynamics of local music scenes, highlighting strengths, challenges, and opportunities in these cities.
For instance, the audits may assess the economic impact of live music and related industries, evaluate the availability and accessibility of venues and affordable creative spaces, and identify equity and representation issues within the music community. They also recommend strategies for municipal support, zoning, and cultural policy alignment, and promote stakeholder collaboration among artists, businesses, and government.
Each city's unique characteristics and challenges are taken into account, ensuring that the insights are tailored to the local context. For example, in Austin, the audits might focus on the city's live music culture and its impact on the local economy, while in Pittsburgh, they might delve into the role of smaller organizations in shaping the music industry.
Don Pitts, affectionately referred to as "The Sound Whisperer", brings extensive experience in music strategy to the table. His achievements include reducing sound complaints by 70% in the City of Austin. Peter Schwarz, with nearly four decades of experience as a musician and business leader, authored research studies for "The Pittsburgh Music Ecosystem Study" and the City of Seattle's 2018 Music Industry Survey.
Sound Music Cities' clientele includes WYEP Pittsburgh, The City of Pittsburgh Office of Nighttime Economy, The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, The City of Seattle Office of Film and Music, and the Government of the District of Columbia Office of Cable TV, Film, Music and Entertainment.
Post-audit, Sound Music Cities looks at what happens within the community, including the activities of local community groups. They also discuss how local factors make a significant difference in a city's music scene and share insights about how smaller organizations and some smaller cities are making a difference in the music industry.
In an era where musicians are finding up to 12 different ways to make a living through music in this live and digitally connected age, Sound Music Cities' audits provide valuable insights into the health and dynamics of local music scenes, offering a roadmap for sustaining vibrant music ecosystems.
- Sound Music Cities' upcoming audits for the entertainment sector might include an evaluation of the intersections between technology and music, examining how modern technologies are influencing local music scenes and facilitating new avenues for artists to monetize their work.
- While recommending strategies for cities like Austin with thriving music economies, Sound Music Cities may also focus on cultivating diversity in the entertainment industry, ensuring equal representation and opportunities for various genres, artists, and demographics in music technology and innovative digital platforms.
