NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Upper Cumberland Tourism and Experience Tennessee are joining forces to announce the Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland Music Census, an initiative designed to bring musicians, venues, music industry professionals and music nonprofits across Middle Tennessee together to gain a better understanding of the region’s music ecosystem.
The Census is a study of the region’s music ecosystem that covers 30 counties in Southern Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland. 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 roundtables.
“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry extends far beyond Music City — it’s a sector with a rich history and legacy that spans the entire state,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Bringing the music census directly into our communities has already produced meaningful results, and I’m excited to see how it continues to strengthen and grow the creative ecosystem across the Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland regions.”
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.
“Music is the cornerstone of Tennessee’s brand and one of the reasons we’re loved around the globe,” said TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell. “Tennessee Sounds Perfect because music lives in communities of every size, creating jobs and driving visitation. This census gives us the insight to strengthen that impact for Tennesseans.”
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.
“As has been revealed in previous censuses across our state, the music and entertainment industry is booming in Tennessee,” said TEC Executive Director Bob Raines. “Our efforts to continue the preservation and strength of this sector is crucial to our state’s musical heritage, and I know the Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland Music Census will be just the latest stepping stone in advancing it forward.”
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.
“I’m excited for our region to participate in this music study alongside Sound Diplomacy and our State of Tennessee partners. Tennessee’s music legacy is known worldwide, and its economic impact reaches far beyond the stage,” said Experience Tennessee Executive Director and CEO Ryan French said. “This study will give us the data needed to plan intentionally, strengthen the industry and better understand how music contributes to our communities, our economy and our future.”
The Southern Middle and Upper Cumberland Music Census is spearheaded by Experience Tennessee and Upper Cumberland Tourism and supported by funding from TEC and TNECD with Sound Diplomacy providing administrative support for the Census.
“Tennessee’s music heritage is both iconic and deeply diverse. While the world knows our most celebrated stages and legendary artists, beyond those venues are communities where music runs just as deep, shaping local culture in more personal ways,” Upper Cumberland Tourism Executive Director Billie Davis said. “This study helps us better understand and uncover those stories, giving voice to the full music ecosystem and the diverse musical heritage that exists across Southern Middle Tennessee and regions like the Upper Cumberland.”
To learn more, click here or reach out to TNECD Music Office Director of Music Development Jimmy Wheeler at jimmy.wheeler@tn.gov.
Media Contact
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov
###
