In the 2018 edition of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center’s international award-winning publication, “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia,” the article below titled, “Spotlight Industries in Georgia: Music,” was featured.
Georgia isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when someone thinks of the music industry. Cities like Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York are usually the popular choices. However, cities in Georgia are coming into their own in the music industry. Metro Atlanta has a growing music recording studio environment, and artists from all over the state are making their way into every genre of music.
According to Georgia Music Partners, with a cool $313 million in tax revenue and right at 20,000 workers, the music industry in Georgia has a $3.8 billion annual economic impact on the state.(1)
Small firm recording studios are making their mark in Georgia as well. According to ReferenceUSA, there are 189 recording studios in Georgia (Primary NAICS 512240), and of those studios, 88.9 percent employ between 1 to 4 people.(2)
The Georgia Music Investment Act (HB-155), passed in 2017, authorizes a 15 percent refundable tax for projects recorded or scored in Georgia and for tours that rehearse and start in the state. There are specific criteria that production companies must meet in order to receive the full incentive, but this bill is expected to retain, create and grow thousands of jobs in Georgia’s music industry. This music bill joins the film production tax incentive already in place where Georgia is now reaping the benefits.(3)
A recent Georgia Trend article featuring Michele Rhea Caplinger with the Atlanta chapter of The Recording Studio, described the trickle-down effect that performers have on the State’s economy: “For every Elton John, there are thousands of concert riggers, studio musicians and arrangers just trying to earn a living.” In the same article, Amy Carter (R-Valdosta) noted for each arena tour of big name performers, there is a positive economic impact on each town and provides enough people to employ a small city. Because of this surge of people, many large and small businesses not directly involved with the music industry, still profit. Some of these businesses include: hotels, dry cleaners, and caterers, are profiting from Georgia’s music industry as well.(4)
(Sources: 1“About Us.” Georgia Music Partners, 2017. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017. | 2ReferenceUSAGov, InfoGroup, Retrieved 13 Oct. 2017. Primary NAICS Lookup: 512240 Sound Recording Studios; Georgia | 3“Georgia House and Senate Pass Georgia Music Investment Act.” Georgia Music Partners, 2017. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017. | 4Eldrege, Richard L. “Hoping for a Hit.” Georgia Trend, Aug. 2017.)
