Today marks the kickoff of the New Orleans Music Census, an ambitious endeavor spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy to collect comprehensive data about the local music ecosystem. With the aim of delving deep into the heartbeat of our city, this initiative promises to be a game-changer, harnessing data to amplify the voices of those who shape our musical landscape. The census will be accepting responses at musiccensus.org/nola from May 10th through May 31st, 2024.

The goal of this study is to collect information that will assist with data-driven policy change so that we can better understand and support the local music ecosystem. The census will look at everyone from musicians to venue owners to sound engineers to festival buyers to vinyl manufacturers and everything in between.

“The music census is a vital tool for gathering and publishing data that will inform the public and provide a pathway forward on how best to align resources that benefit the members of our art and music community and strengthen our creative industries and cultural ecosystem for all who live in and visit New Orleans,” said Ashlye Keaton, Co-Founder of the Ella Project.

In partnership with Sound Music Cities, a renowned firm known for its expertise in music ecosystem studies, the New Orleans Music Census joins a prestigious cohort of 20 cities nationwide, including iconic music destinations like Nashville, TN, and Washington, D.C. This collaboration ensures that our efforts are not solitary but part of a collective endeavor to elevate the status of music as a cornerstone of our cultural identity.

By teaming up with community partners including The Ella Project, Offbeat Magazine, StayLocal, and Sinking City Records, the New Orleans Music Census will cast its net wide, engaging with local venues, musicians, music non-profits, and other stakeholders instrumental in our city’s vibrant musical tapestry. Through interviews and surveys, we aim to capture the nuanced realities of those who contribute to our nightlife economy, shedding light on both the triumphs and tribulations they face.

Julia Heath, Policy & Outreach Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy, emphasized the importance of community participation, stating, “It is critical that we hear from as many individuals as possible, from all corners of the local music scene. Our office is committed to driving meaningful change that will support what our city is the most known for: its music.”

To learn more about the New Orleans Music Census go here.