Local nonprofit ArtsAVL has composed a snapshot of the economic impact of Asheville’s music industry — and when you face the music, you’ll find that although the music industry is generating more economic impact than it did a decade ago, the way it operates has fundamentally changed.
By the numbers
Data from three studies commissioned by ArtsAVL shows that in 2023, the local music industry:
- Generated $436 million in total economic activity, including nearly $199 million to local GDP
- Supported roughly 2,190 jobs
- Produced $39+ million in tax revenue
- Brought in $121 million in labor income
The stats could be conservative at that, excluding tourism spending and informal gigs. But while economic impact has grown since 2016, the industry now supports fewer total jobs, reflecting a structural shift.
What’s changed?
While it’s true that more people are involved in Asheville’s music scene and hourly wages are up, rather than traditional payroll employees, most workers are “extended proprietors,” making secondary — and often unstable or unsustainable — income in the industry.
What’s missing?
The city certainly isn’t lacking in creativity. “When we talk about stabilizing music, we’re not talking about preserving a vibe — we’re talking about protecting jobs, tax revenue, and a core driver of our local economy,” Executive Director of ArtsAVL Katie Cornell said in a press release.
Asheville’s music scene largely revolves around live performance, with musicians and singers making up 60% of music occupation jobs. However, creative consulting firm Sound Diplomacy identified that infrastructure is missing when it comes to mid-sized venues and rehearsal spaces. In addition, there are gaps in the city’s level of industry support (think: record labels + artist management), meaning artists may leave the area to grow their careers.
What can you do?
By showing up consistently to local shows, paying for tickets and merchandise, and supporting independent venues, you can help create more reliable income streams for artists. To put it in practice, you can get started by heading to our events calendar and picking out a show from a local venue you haven’t visited before or a band you haven’t heard.
