In this exploration, we look at one of the most powerful but underestimated economic forces in the world: music tribes. Not every passionate fanbase is a tribe, and the distinction matters. A tribe creates a sustainable economic ecosystem that regular fandom simply cannot replicate. From the Grateful Dead's Deadheads to Taylor Swift's Swifties, we delve into how these passionate communities create billions in economic value, foster genuine...
Creating for Ourselves In this first exploration, we look at the powerful role music plays in shaping economies and introduce the core mission of The Music Cities. We reject the "pie-in-the-sky, academic preachy planning" and instead focus on the real convergence of music and economic development. This isn't about how to run a festival; it's about finding the "unfair advantages" and hidden economic infrastructure that music creates. We delve...
Nashville is moving ahead with plans for an underground Boring Company “Music City Loop” to connect its downtown venues. It is transportation infrastructure built with an eye toward reinforcing the city’s global music brand. Why this matters: Music Cities strategy is not just about putting on shows, it is about creating seamless experiences that drive spending, extend visits, and make the music ecosystem easier to access. Nashville keeps...
Music entrepreneurship by refugees is booming. Cities looking to boost economies should encourage diversity and music culture. True economic resilience and vibrant communities stem from embracing diverse talent; here’s your model. Read more at SCMP
Turning Hymns into a Happening Venue Hamilton’s century-old New Vision United Church (pictured above) is slated to go from hymns to headliners. City Council is voting to invest $900,000 to transform the church’s sanctuary into a 994-seat concert hall. Local officials are finally hitting a high note by funding roughly 80% of the project’s first-phase renovation costs. This long-awaited venue will fill a major gap in the city’s music...
Bryan-College Station, Texas, is firing up the smokers and amps to keep its economy humming while the big stadium sits quiet. With Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field not hosting blockbuster concerts this summer, the twin cities are pinning their hopes on the Troubadour Festival, a barbecue and country music extravaganza, to draw crowds and cash. Last year, a George Strait show and international soccer match at the stadium brought huge...
Crowds in Chicago’s Millennium Park (featuring the famous “Bean”) – the city has been tapped to host International Jazz Day 2026 All-Star Global Concert. UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute just announced Chicago as the 2026 Jazz Day capital, meaning the world’s largest jazz celebration is headed to the birthplace of the blues. City officials are beyond jazzed, framing it as a cultural coup that honors Chicago’s musical soul:...
