Austin Mayor Outlines Ways To Retain Music Industry Jobs

AUSTIN, TX -- Mayor Steve Adler outlined a plan of attack to retain jobs in the music industry at a Friday press conference.

The six-page plan details a number of ways for musicians to keep their jobs in Austin, long dubbed the “live music capital of the world.” The move comes after a recent report showing that, despite that self-described status, the ciy has lost more than 1,000 music industry jobs in four years.

Adler said the plan has the endorsement of his fellow city council members. The mayor said he’ll soon introduce a resolution directing Marc Ott to review possible ways to retain those jobs.

“We will not long be the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ if we lose musicians,” Adler said.

His 50-plus ideas for job preservation run the gamut, from urging music venues to solicit tips for musicians on patrons’ bills to re-wording existing ordinance to allow for music to be played on the first couple of floors of city buildings.

Adler’s proposal comes days before South by Southwest -- more familiarly known as SXSW -- is set to descend upon the city. It’s considered the largest music and arts festival in the entire nation.