Sound Diplomacy joins with the Greater Memphis Chamber and partners to produce a citywide music strategy
This report will be the first time the home of Elvis, Three 6 Mafia and GloRilla will think strategically and holistically about how to strengthen and grow its music ecosystem.
Memphis is well known for its impressive musical heritage - and it continues to cultivate impactful artists making a mark on popular music today. The city boasts a plethora of successful venues, a culture of philanthropic and entrepreneurial leadership, and specific music industry support from the likes of Music Export Memphis.
Sound Diplomacy is conducting ongoing research into the ways Memphis can leverage these strengths and identify opportunities for growth. The result will be a strategic report, released in Autumn 2024, that will contain recommendations on how Memphis can:
Support and retain its talent.
Grow its pool of industry professionals.
Celebrate its varied and diverse music history and diversify tourism.
Attract more key national and international organizations and players.
A key part of this research will be Sound Diplomacy’s economic analysis, which will demonstrate the impact that music has upon Memphis, including the value it provides to the local economy and the jobs it supports. It will also place Memphis in the context of the national picture when it comes to the economic impact of the music ecosystem.
The research is composed of five parts:
Analysis of the policy framework within the city that impacts the music ecosystem. To ensure this work is aligned with broader aims and trends, this includes a review of strategic documents such as Memphis 3.0 and Mayor Young’s Transition Team’s plan.
Economic impact assessment that looks at the value add, employment rates, and more of the existing music ecosystem in Memphis.
Mapping of physical spaces related to the music ecosystem throughout the city.
Survey of professionals, amateurs and fans about their thoughts and experiences of the music scene (those based or related to the city are able to complete the survey here).
Stakeholder engagement in April 2024, where key industry stakeholders will be involved in roundtables to discuss the strengths and challenges of the city’s music ecosystem.
As well as looking at the city overall, the research will also focus on Mud Island, and assess the feasibility of bringing the currently unused amphitheater back to life. Mud Island will be considered throughout the above process, and will also be bolstered by:
Case studies of successful amphitheaters elsewhere in the US.
Audience profiling to determine local demand.
Sound Diplomacy is very excited to be undertaking this work in one of the birthplaces of the blues and contemporary music.