A collective of US-based music organizations have launched a website showcasing the economic and cultural impact of recording artists and songwriters in every state of the country.
The interactive website, called 50 States of Music, aggregates various datapoints from throughout the industry to illustrate the economic and cultural impact of the US music industry throughout the country.
One of the site’s primary features is new data by Stephen Siwek of Economists Incorporated that shows that the US music industry contributes more than $143 billion in annual value to the country’s economy, including the support of nearly 2 million jobs for American workers.
Siwek’s data is further broken down into state-by-state economic analyses that show the number of workers employed in music-related businesses in each state.
Other datapoints on the site include the number of music businesses, the number of royalty recipients (musicians), and the number of songwriters in each state.
Users can click on state-specific pages to find a sampling of notable local highlights, including prominent musicians from that state, hometown music festivals, music schools, and music conferences listed on the page.
“This new site finally paints a proper picture of the US music industry as one that is truly local, growing, and more important than ever.”
Mitch Glazier, RIAA
“Music is a uniting force – a beloved cultural asset that speaks to each and every one of us in our lives,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, RIAA.
“We know this, but what is less known is the enormous economic value music provides in hometowns throughout the USA – from the local music store and concert venue to the music festival and hard-working songwriters and musicians in each and every state.
“Music is America, and America is music. This new site finally paints a proper picture of the US music industry as one that is truly local, growing, and more important than ever.
“We hope that the entire music business, fans, and policymakers find this a useful resource as we continue our work toward a bright future for US music.”
“Everybody loves music and the influence of American music is in evidence almost anywhere we go in the world.”
Richard James Burgess, A2IM
Richard James Burgess, President and CEO, A2IM, said: “Everybody loves music and the influence of American music is in evidence almost anywhere we go in the world.
“So much so that it has been an unofficial cultural ambassador for this country since the invention of the phonograph.
“Despite the ubiquitousness of our music, it is not common knowledge how much creators, labels, and other music industry players contribute to the US and our individual State economies. Finally, we have a site that gathers this information together in a fun and easily digestible way.”
“ASCAP is happy to be a part of this new site that shines a light on the importance of music throughout the USA.”
Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP, said: “Songwriters are the lifeblood of the music industry; small businesses who operate in every state across the country making great music and driving American culture.
“ASCAP is happy to be a part of this new site that shines a light on the importance of music throughout the USA – from the smallest town to the biggest city – and notes the iconic contributions of songwriters.”
“BMI is proud to partner with the RIAA and other music organizations on this important project that showcases all that goes into the success of the American music industry.”
Mike O’Neill, BMI
Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI, said: “The power of music is undeniable, both from a cultural and economic standpoint.
“Many talented people across the nation are essential to the American music industry, and of course, it all starts with the songwriters and composers who provide the foundation for our business.
“Bringing this picture to life is the 50 States of Music site, an incredible new resource that highlights music’s cultural and economic impact across the US, state by state.
“BMI is proud to partner with the RIAA and other music organizations on this important project that showcases all that goes into the success of the American music industry.”
“We are proud to support these creators by providing them with the accurate and timely revenue needed to advance their work.”
Michael Huppe, President and CEO, SoundExchange added: “50 States of Music captures the tremendous positive economic impact of our industry – one that extends far beyond music’s creators and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of professionals in communities across the country.
“We are proud to support these creators by providing them with the accurate and timely revenue needed to advance their work.”Music Business Worldwide
