What the Charlotte Music census reveals about the city's music scene
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Local venues host more than 5,100 live music events annually, according to the report. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
The 2025 Charlotte Music census offers a detailed snapshot of the city's music industry, from working musicians to venues and other industry workers.
Why it matters: Results are in. And the findings will shape how Music Everywhere CLT (a nonprofit backed by Charlotte Center City Partners) supports the city's music scene.
How it works: Last fall, Music Everywhere CLT worked with several organizations, including Charlotte Is Creative and the Arts & Science Council, on the census.
- They received 1,046 responses from people who work in the music industry across the Charlotte region.
- Sound Music Cities helped conduct the census, as it has in several other cities, including Nashville, Columbus and Cleveland.
What they found: Many local music professionals can't rely on music alone to pay the bills.
- Nearly 60% of respondents said they depend on non-music jobs for income. That's especially challenging as the cost of living rises and affordable rehearsal and studio space remains limited.
- Artists also flagged concerns about industry regulations and said they want stronger promotion of Charlotte's local music scene.
By the numbers: Music generates roughly $31 million annually among respondents.
- The average musician earns about $29,000 a year from music, compared to an average $99,000 household income overall.
- In other words, music accounts for just 30% of respondents' total income.
- Meanwhile, they collectively spend about $4.7 million per year on expenses tied to their craft.
Zoom in: Making money from recorded music has become increasingly difficult, Rick Thurmond of Music Everywhere CLT tells Axios.
- Most local music makers earn money from live performances, which is common across the industry, Thurmond says.
- Grant programs through ASC and Charlotte are Creative help musicians with funding for rehearsal and studio space.
What's next: Thurmond says the goal is to help local creatives unlock new revenue streams and build more sustainable careers.
- Music Everywhere plans to release an action plan in the coming weeks based on the report's findings.
- Confluence, the group's annual music industry conference and showcase festival, will return this fall. Dates will be announced later this year.
See the full report here.