Last fall, the House music industry study committee and I set out to examine the music industry in Georgia and explore strategies to grow it. We knew the names of many Georgia artists, and a 2011 study showed the industry had a $3.77 billion economic impact and supported 20,000 jobs. But until we visited Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Macon and Savannah and heard testimony from more than 100 individuals, we had no idea how expansive “Georgia music” really is.
The committee heard from artists, composers and producers who create content that is performed, sold, streamed and licensed for use in movies, television, games and advertisements. We heard from business owners who support the production, distribution and marketing of content. Individuals who operate venues, promote concerts and sell tickets participated, while festival producers and visitors bureaus discussed the growing music tourism market. We met manufacturers and craftsmen producing instruments and equipment sold around the world.
We listened to educators share research extolling the benefits of music as a critical learning tool. Speakers shared challenges, from the shifting business models brought about by digital technology to an ongoing talent drain to larger markets. Some discussed a lack of funding for k-12 and after-school music programs and limited access to venture capital for music technology-related projects.
For decades, Georgia’s music industry has been lucrative and influential. On the film and television side, the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act has been instrumental in spurring economic impact from $244 million in 2007 to to more than $3.3 billion in 2013. While location shooting has contributed to that explosive growth, there is also significant capital investment going into major new studios, expanding an infrastructure like Turner Broadcasting and Tyler Perry Studios.
Georgia is strategically positioned to continue its rise as an entertainment and media powerhouse. Music is essential to that mix. The state encourages business development in numerous ways. However, the music committee believes it is prudent to seek a comprehensive economic analysis and continue to solicit input from representatives of various segments of the industry before considering any specific incentive. Further, the committee recommends marketing the state’s current music assets, including the provision of the film tax credit that approves the costs associated with sound recordings and music composition for qualified projects.
Georgia’s content creators, its diverse music businesses, and its schools and educators generate significant economic, educational and cultural benefits. As a quality-of-life factor and recruitment tool for other industries, our musical landscape provides a valuable sense of identity and distinguishes the state from competitors. The committee firmly believes that by identifying a shared vision and facilitating public-private collaborations, Georgia music is poised for 21st-century growth and expansion.
State Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans, represents the 122nd District.
