Wary of how this one policy decision - along with many other economic challenges brought on by changing demographics and cost of living increases would ultimately impact the music community in Music City - a new coalition was formed who enlisted the help of Sound Music Cities to dig deeper into the changing economic and demographic realities in the capitol of Tennessee. After a fund-raising campaign the Greater Nashville region - which includes the 14 counties in and around Nashville - was surveyed. The census - held in early 2024 - drew 4,256 respondents, with music creatives making up 61% of the total tally.

The Nashville census beat out several other music cities who have convened similar surveys including Minneapolis, New Orleans Chattanooga, Charlotte and more. First, we had the most total respondents and nearly one third of them replied that they work in some capacity in the music industry.

This song was a music reaction to the parking meter changes in Nashville.

Revealing the record setting findings in Nashville were the Greater Nashville Music Census steering committee: Jamie Kent - President, Backstage Strategies; Eric Holt - Founder, Lovenoise; Chris Cobb - Board President, Music Venue Alliance Nashville; Kelly Walberg - VP Communication, Community Foundation of Middle TN; and Dave Pomeroy - President, AFM Local 257.

By breaking down the voluminous results into (5) Topical Headlines - NASHVILLE IS LIKE NO OTHER; (ALL) MUSIC CITY; UNAFFORDABLE; A SEAT AT THE TABLE; OUT OF HARMONY - the panel was able to disseminate the record-setting data to the interested onlookers from the storied 3rd & Lindsley stage.

"Give it up for data, everybody," stated steering committee member Jamie Kent to both applause and laughter following an opening video presentation that outlined what the attendees were about to be informed of.

The Cliff Notes version of the organization's 26-page report - released online in PDF format - identifies gender and genre challenges in the Nashville scene coupled with the soaring cost of living and a growing wage disparity. The census's overall conclusion for dealing with problems within the Music City establishment is to prioritize, invest and continue to develop the music industry while creating watchdog groups to keep a keener eye on things.

Kelly Walberg, Chris Cobb, Dave Pomeroy, Eric Holt and Jamie Kent in Nashville.

The panel summarized their findings with five action points that included calling for "more music friendly policies" and "strategic cross sector partnership" to hold state and local government accountable by making sure they are working for the music communities in Tennessee and not against them.

Chris Cobb addressed these suggestions during the Q&A portion of the event by saying concerned citizens need to demand "a seat at the table" while calling for more coalition and action committees to be formed to advocate for the music community in Nashville and beyond.

The newly formed Greater Nashville Music Census will get the first test of their growing influence this October when the Metro Traffic and Parking Commission is scheduled to vote on proposed changes that will extend the hours and restructure pricing at the city's parking meters. Will they keep this town's music community in mind when they do? They better or else it is likeley that more musicians in Nashville will start NOT singing their praises!

3rd & Lindsley welcomed the finding and Nashville's most concerned citizens in September.

Related Links: For more information on the GREATER NASHVILLE MUSIC CENSUS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Greater Nashville Music Census | 3rd & Lindsley