The New Orleans Music Census was a community-led, anonymous survey of the complete network of individuals, businesses, and organizations related to music in New Orleans. By capturing data on both the living and working conditions of contributors to the local music industry, the census has provided data-driven insights to assist community leaders and policymakers in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities facing the city's rich culture.
In total, 1504 New Orleanians in the local music industry responded from the Music Creative, Venue / Presenter, and Industry categories. The Census was launched in May of 2024 and went through the end of June of 2024. Respondents live in the New Orleans Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes the following parishes: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist. The census was offered in both English and Spanish.
This data was collected as a critical step in the process of building a strategy to support and grow the local music ecosystem. By understanding the lived experiences of local music people, policymakers and other local organizations will be able to make better informed decisions about how to take action to support the community.
The results are in
What the community said…
We received over a thousand anonymous comments about what works and what needs improvement in the New Orleans music ecosystem.
"I adore our history and culture and am proud to be part of it as a local born culture bearer."
“The lack of industry infrastructure makes it very hard to create a long term career that isn't built on living paycheck to paycheck.”
“There should be more value placed on the musicians/vocalists for their craft.”
“Music is New Orleans, New Orleans is music.”
“All venues that don’t charge a cover need to offer musicians a guarantee.”
“Growth would be fostered with city funded music networking events/jams.”
"More funding and resources should be directed towards grassroots music initiatives."
"We need better pipelines to cultivate not just the biggest stars, but the working musicians playing the music we are famous for."
"Gatekeepers work to keep 'outsiders' from getting in, not providing new opportunities to young people."
"The venues that serve the public and musicians the best are those with a local point person."
“I myself, after 20 plus years of working in this city, have found myself commuting to Nashville for the last 3 years to support my efforts to try and grow my career.”
“Original groups that play their own music are not the focus of our market anymore.”
"The lack of a real music business ecosystem here is frustrating and it loses money for New Orleans and New Orleans musicians."
“New Orleans has a tremendous amount of talent per capita, and is very accepting of all types of musicians, self-taught and highly trained, and a openness to blend and share these different approaches.”
“Workshops and seminars can help musicians navigate the industry."
