LAFAYETTE MUSIC CENSUS REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission (LCVC) announce the release of the Lafayette Music Census Report, a comprehensive analysis of Lafayette’s music ecosystem. The report, developed in collaboration with Sound Music Cities, provides critical data and key insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Lafayette’s music industry.

Conducted from October 24 through November 13, 2024, the Lafayette Music Census gathered input from 564 musicians, venue owners, producers, sound engineers, music educators, and other industry professionals across Lafayette Parish. The findings highlight key areas including economic opportunities, professional development, affordability, music-friendly policies, and cultural belonging within the local music scene.

Key takeaways from the Lafayette Music Census Report include:

• Music Ecosystem Composition: 72% Music Creatives, 18% Industry, 10% Venue/Presenter.
• Experience & Age Demographics: 82% have over 10 years of experience; 63% are over 40; 7% are 18–24.
• Economic Activity: Generates $13.2M annually; average music income per respondent is $23,500; average household income is $75,000.
• Employment & Income Sources: 63% work outside music; 85% rely on non-music jobs as their primary income source.
• Spending: Respondents spend $3M annually on music expenses; 50% stays in the local economy.
• Genre Representation: Most common genres: Rock (42%), Cajun (33%), Folk/Americana (29%), Zydeco (26%); Jazz (13%), Classical (8%), and R&B/Hip-Hop (7%) less represented.
• Live Music Activity: Venues host an average of 55 live events per year, totaling 1,979 events annually.
• Challenges for Venues: 79% cite audience development as a primary challenge; 67% seek a best practices guide.
• Policy & Advocacy Preferences: 86% favor tax discounts for live music; 69% support a city music advocate; 52% support a community-led collaborative.
• Regional Work Reliance: 66% travel to New Orleans; 55% to Baton Rouge for music-related work.
• Perceptions of Music Community: 55% perceive it as elitist; 48% as competitive.
  

The full Lafayette Music Census Report and Data Dashboard are now available to the public. To view the findings, visit lafayettemusiccensus.com.

To ensure the findings lead to meaningful action, LCG will host three small group sessions with community partners this week to review the report’s findings and provide a platform to present ideas and solutions. These sessions will be designed to foster collaboration and guide next steps in strengthening Lafayette’s music ecosystem.

MEDIA NOTICE:

While this week’s small group sessions aren’t open to the public, members of the media are welcome to attend. Please contact comsoffice@lafayettela.gov for more information.

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