A new study presented to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, September 16 shows that the music ecosystem in Fulton County is among the strongest in the nation.

Fulton County collaborated with Georgia Music Partners to engage Sound Diplomacy, a global expert in developing music strategies for cities, regions, and countries. Since July 2019, the Sound Diplomacy team mapped music-related businesses and organizations across Fulton County and assessed their economic impact.

The findings of the Sound Diplomacy study validate what many have long known – Fulton County is a cultural center for Georgia and the Southeast region, and the creative economy is thriving.

“Creativity is a driving force in Fulton County’s culture and our economy,” said Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts. “The findings of this study validate what we have long known – music brings us together and offers opportunity for thousands of our residents.”

“The Fulton County Sound Diplomacy report clearly highlights that Fulton County is an epicenter for music production. This is not only a tremendous asset in and of itself, but an opportunity to build upon a music ecosystem that can drive job growth, innovation, and educational investment opportunities,” said Tammy Hurt, Co-Founder of Georgia Music Partners.

Nationally, Fulton County ranks sixth among U.S. counties with registered sound recording industry establishments, with 1.4% of the total recording industry establishments in the U.S.

One-third of Georgia’s music industry is located within Fulton County, with more than 130 recording studios, as well as rehearsal spaces, music performance venues, industry organizations and more. While in recent years, Fulton County has been best known for the hip-hop and R&B genres, world-renown artists in virtually every musical genre call Fulton County home.

While in recent years, Fulton County has been best known for the hip-hop and R&B genres, world-renown artists in virtually every musical genre call Fulton County home.

In recent years, growth in creative sectors has outpaced other industries. Jobs within Fulton County’s music industry grew by 110% from 2001 to 2018 – six times the growth rate of Fulton County’s economy as a whole.

In addition to these key assets, the Sound Diplomacy study examines the impact of other resources including The Recording Academy, Atlanta Chapter; the Georgia Tech Center for Music Technology; the Trap Music Museum; the Georgia Music Investment Act; the Creative Industries Loan Fund, and the Creative Industries Exchange Program.

Music technology is highlighted as an area of potential growth, offering synergy with Fulton County’s strong technology sector.

The study acknowledges the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry, with disruption in live performances posing a significant economic threat to both musicians and music venues.

Policymakers and other leaders will be able to rely upon the study for future decision-making regarding investments in economic development, arts investments, and more.

Complete Fulton County: Music Ecosystem Strategy