Madison’s music scene is robust but imbalanced

A report commissioned by the City of Madison and Dane County on the economic impact of local music praises the quality and variety of our local musicians, but also provides stark figures about low pay and racial disparities in local music, according to a report from ToneMadison.com. The newly released 59-page report from Sound Diplomacy in partnership with Madison nonprofit Urban Community Arts Network analyzed data and surveyed people active in the local music community. In 2018 in Dane County, the music ecosystem generated $636 million, accounting for the direct economic impact of the music business in the area. However, between 2015 and 2019, the average annual income for people working in the “music ecosystem” was $22,709, compared to $48,611 in the rest of the local economy. Additionally, white-identified workers earn 122% more than Black workers and 136% more than Asian workers. The report also notes white people hold about 71% of management positions in local music-related businesses.