Northeast Tenn. (January 23, 2025) – The Northeast Tennessee Music Census, a regional community-led partnership with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), has released its 2024 findings at www.NETNmusic.com, highlighting the region’s $75.9 million annual music economy and insights into its ecosystem across eight counties and Bristol. To foster collaboration and shape the future of regional music, all are invited and encouraged to join a Community Summit that is free and open to the public and will be held on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. EST at the Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building in Kingsport, followed by four regional Community Roundtable Discussions happening Feb. 6-7. The Community Summit will provide an overview of the NETN Music Census findings, share key insights, and outline the vision for addressing the region’s music ecosystem needs. The Summit will kick off a series of Community Roundtable Discussions to further shape and interpret the findings and next steps. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.
“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry is a major driver of the state’s economy, contributing $6.4 billion to our annual GDP, so we are proud to partner with TDTD, ETSU, and TEC to bring a better understanding and support of Northeast Tennessee’s music ecosystem,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “I believe the data and information gathered through the Northeast Tennessee Music Census will be a critical component in strengthening the local music scene across this region and is something we hope to replicate statewide.”
Key Findings:
- Economic Impact: The Census revealed that total annual economic activity from music earnings in the region amounts to $75.9 million, with music contributing significantly to local culture and commerce.
- Ecosystem Composition: Music creatives make up 78% of the ecosystem, with venues and industry professionals comprising 11% and 10% respectively.
- Music Localism/Community Advocacy: Strong interest in forming a Northeast Tennessee community-based collaborative to pull together the region and collectively advocate for and develop music as an economic and cultural force.
- Career Concerns: Rising costs of living and stagnant pay rates are among the top challenges facing music professionals in Northeast Tennessee.
- Venue Insights: Small venues dominate the scene, hosting over 1,590 live events annually. However, regulatory hurdles and limited support for diverse genres pose challenges for growth. There is a need to increase the number of performances at existing venues and also to expand genre diversity.
- High Levels of Experience but Low Entry of New Talent: A large proportion of respondents have more than 10 years of experience, indicating a highly seasoned community with few new entrants into the industry.
- Industry Services: Many music creatives manage their own booking, publicity, and merchandise, indicating a lack of accessible industry services in the area.
- Community Needs: Respondents emphasized the need for communal spaces to collaborate musically and access to audience development tools like local media and gig calendars.
“The Northeast Tennessee Music Census underscores the vital role music plays in Tennessee’s identity. Music is deeply woven into the fabric of our state, and it’s essential that we nurture this dynamic ecosystem of talent, venues, and cultural experiences that make Tennessee truly unique,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “As we continue to share Tennessee’s stories, we are committed to collaborating with our vibrant music scene to turn this data into actionable outcomes that benefit our communities.”
The Northeast Tennessee Music Census was initiated as a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (TEC), Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNDECD), and regional partners include the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation, ETSU Appalachian Studies, Birthplace of Country Music, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Sync Space, Launch Tennessee, and the Dobyns-Bennett High School Bands. This groundbreaking initiative was designed to engage musicians, venues, music industry professionals, educators, and music nonprofits to better understand the needs and opportunities within the region’s music ecosystem. A robust list of more than 100 community partners reflect the collective commitment across the region to support the Music Census with outreach, ensuring diverse voices were included in the Census efforts. The Census provides critical data to inform strategies for strengthening the music community and fostering economic and cultural growth.
“The Northeast Tennessee Music Census provides a critical foundation for understanding our region’s music ecosystem and addressing its unique challenges and opportunities,” said Stephen Marshall, CMO and Professor at ETSU Research Corporation. “We are excited to collaborate with the communities across the region to turn this data into meaningful action.”
Community Summit: All are invited and encouraged to join us at the NETN Music Census Community Summit hosted at Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. EST in Kingsport. Free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged but no required.
NETN Music Census Community Summit:
Thursday, Feb. 6
10-11:30 a.m. EST
Dobyns-Bennett Instrumental Music Building
1801 Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37664
Community Roundtables: Following the summit, four regional roundtable discussions will provide an opportunity for music creators, venue operators, industry professionals, educators, and music enthusiasts to contribute their perspectives and help shape the next steps for Northeast Tennessee’s music ecosystem. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.
- Roundtable Discussion in Kingsport
Thursday, Feb. 6
1-2:30 p.m. EST
Create Appalachia
225 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 - Roundtable Discussion in Bristol
Thursday, Feb. 6
4-5:30 p.m. EST
Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Learning Center
101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201 - Roundtable Discussion in Johnson City
Friday, Feb. 7
9-10:30 a.m. EST
Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
602 Sevier Street #101, Johnson City, TN 37604 - Roundtable Discussion in Greeneville
Friday, Feb. 7
1-2:30 p.m. EST
Niswonger Foundation
223 N. Main St., Greeneville, TN 37745
To learn more, please visit www.NETNmusic.com.