Recent Developments in Georgia’s Music Industry

Georgia has been fortunate to have a thriving music industry, despite recent challenges due to COVID-19. The state, and the capital city of Atlanta, continue to have all the necessary ingredients to cultivate a world-class music ecosystem: prolific homegrown talent, state-of-the-art venues, and recording stage infrastructure.

A recent study commissioned by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Georgia Music Partners, and Sound Diplomacy outlines the economic vitality of Fulton County’s music industry.

Generating $1.6 billion and creating 10,500 jobs, Atlanta has become an internationally recognized music hub. The study notes the metro region’s growing number of recording studios, totaling more per capita than New York or Seattle.

Recently, Georgia’s music industry has also made a pivot towards the future with partnerships in gaming, technology and education innovation.

Georgia’s legislative branch has noticed the growing potential of Georgia’s music industry, too. SR 470 established a committee to study music workforce development, led by Rules Committee Chairman Senator Jeff Mulllis. The committee plans to meet multiple times during calendar year 2020.

Finally, recognizing that Georgia’s music industry is a collaboration of small businesses, venues and vendors, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has introduced a music directory to promote Georgians working in music. Thanks to the Department’s own collaborations and connections with its sister agency at the University System of Georgia, the Department worked with students at the Joel Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program at Kennesaw State University to create this unique initiative that will support Georgia’s music industry and the Georgians who continue to make it so successful. The Department encourages all Georgia-based music businesses to register.

Published October 26, 2020