Released today, the most substantial study of Cleveland’s music scene in over a decade finds that Cleveland’s music scene is strong — but still has a ways to go in terms of supporting artists and venues.
The 2023 Greater Cleveland Music Census found that Northeast Ohio had a “relatively healthy music ecosystem.” Grants, tax breaks and public policy that funds live music; better inclusivity in the scene; and an increase in audience development and creative programming are still needed.
The study was conducted by Sound Music Cities, an Austin, Texas-based provider of music ecosystem studies and census work. Local partners included Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future and The Cleveland Independent Venue Association. The Cleveland Foundation helped fund the project. Polled were 2,768 respondents, with 74% of those being music creatives, 18% industry professionals and 8% venue owners and presenters of live music.
Here are some of the major takeaways from the study.
Creating a Music Commission
A vast majority of respondents (76%) would like to see a music commission created at the city or county level. The study suggested many solutions, such as direct financial support for musicians, a better marketing approach for the music scene and venues as well as incentive programs for spaces that host live music, even if they don’t have a non-profit status. Only 17% of respondents have received assistance in the form of a grant, tax break or incentive. In Austin, a music commission advises the city council on issues pertaining to the music industry. The majority of respondents in every category reported a do-it-yourself approach to booking, publicity and more.
Diversity and Inclusion
Of the 2,768 respondents, 86% were white. Only 23% of those who did respond found the Cleveland music scene “racist,” but the census admits it “didn’t reach the Black community and where it did, there is work to do.”
Diversity comes in other forms, too. Rock is the most popular genre among respondents at a rate of 90%. Those with three years or less of experience only made up 7% of respondents. Forty-five percent of respondents found the scene “agist.” Ages 25-29 and ages 40-54 were the highest age groups among respondents. “We would like to see a little higher in the 18-24 range,” the study says. Meanwhile, 44% of respondents found the scene “ableist.” Anecdotally, respondents said the community is “too clique-ish in each genre — very slow to support newcomers” but “effort is being made to promote artists of color, females and LGBTQ+.”
Financial Viability and Economic Impact
While most reported Cleveland’s affordability to be a saving grace, 86% of respondents reported low or uncertain pay, while 72% reported a lack of benefits. They reported an average household income of $82,000 a year. The vast majority have second jobs, however, and only 26% of this income is earned from music work. Creatives mostly rely on local gigs for income.
Yet, creatives spend an approximate average of $7,897 on music-related services, which is more than $1,000 more than Austin, a city known for its thriving music scene. Collectively, this amounts to a $29.58 million contribution to the local economy each year, with recording expenses amounting to $5.16 million. In all, music contributes $58 million to the local economy each year.
Takeaways and Suggestions
In general, the report calls Cleveland a strong music scene but suggests a few ways to improve. For artists, a more diverse revenue stream would allow a higher level of livability. As previously stated, more public support could inject even more life into the music landscape by creating more opportunities to perform, improving marketing and reducing bureaucratic barriers. Initiatives to diversify the scene, foster mentorship, create opportunities for musicians to perform outside of the city and offer more professional development would also help it grow.
A Hopeful Ending
The most exciting takeaway is that most respondents said they are committed to staying in Cleveland. A supermajority plan to continue working and performing in the area. With the sweat equity of so many talented and hard-working professionals, the music scene should only grow from here.
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