Seattle Subsonic

Mayor Declares Seattle “The City of Music” - free show!

October 28th, 2008

If you haven’t already heard, tomorrow (Wed, Oct 29th) at The Paramount, the mayor will be unveiling his new 12-year plan to help Seattle evolve under the tagline “The City of Music”. This comes on the heels of a previous press conference where Nichols declared that he wanted to elevate our standing as Travel and Leisure’s 5th best city for music to #1. I wonder where Travel and Leisure ranks us on city slogans… I think the current “Metronatural” is hunkering in the bottom 2% just above Clute, TX who boast themselves as “Home of the Great Texas Mosquito Festival”. Seriously, Metronatural? What the F !? Regardless, a proposed plan to cut taxes for small music venues is being backed by the Seattle Nightlife and Music Association (SNMA). This is certainly step in the right direction after attempts by the mayor’s office to curb Seattle Nightlife last year.

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Virtuoso, Vince Mira, Local hip-hop favorites, Blue Scholars and New Faces, last years winners of the EMP Sound Off , were asked to play to represent how the city’s sound has evolved over the years. This event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP to filmandmusicoffice@seattle.gov with your name and email address, and those of your guests (if you are bringing any). Event starts at 5:00 pm and is all ages

Everyone that comes will also receive a promotional poster to remember the event. I’m curious to hear what Greg proposes.
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Entire Press release including schedule of events from the Mayors Office of Film + Music after the break

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SEATTLE TEACHING THE WORLD TO SING: MUSIC’S IMPACT ON ECONOMY AND CULTURE SETS STAGE TO UNVEIL

SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM INITIATIVE

REPORT IDENTIFIES OVER 20,000 MUSIC-RELATED JOBS AND SALES OF $2.2 BILLION IN MUSIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY

Mayor Nickels to announce formation of city music commission and collective 12-year strategy to solidify Seattle as a home to music business, musicians and live music
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WHERE: The Paramount Theatre

WHEN: Today - Wednesday, October 29, 2008

PRESS CONFERENCE: 4:45 p.m., promptly

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: 5:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
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SEATTLE, WA /October 29, 2008/ - When Perry Como sang about the bluest skies you ever seen being in Seattle - little did he realize that the sun would be shining on a $2.2 billion industry employing over 20,000 people in Seattle and King County.
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At an event free and open to the public today at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle music community will celebrate and honor Seattle’s rich musical history and its ongoing importance in Seattle’s economy and culture.

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“Seattle has long enjoyed a reputation as a distinctive city that embraces the inspiration and innovation of its music scene,” says Mayor Nickels. “Music of all genres, whether classical or hip hop, rock or jazz, thrives in our city. We don’t just make or listen to music, we live it.”
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The event will include the release of a new economic impact study on music and Seattle and the announcement of the formation of a formal city commission dedicated solely to music. In addition, the Mayor will outline a 12-year strategy encompassing the city’s commitment to build upon and provide resources to make Seattle the country’s most attractive city for music business, musicians and live music.
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“The economic impact study reveals once again that music is more than just entertainment, it is a vital part of Seattle’s economy and cultural identity. The study creates a benchmark for Seattle to grow,” says Ben London, local musician and Director of the Recording Academy Pacific Northwest Chapter. “The City of Music effort is an exceptional way to celebrate our success and leverage it to create a music community and industry for the future.”
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Mayor Nickels will hold a press conference today at 4:45 p.m. on the stage at the Paramount Theatre. A public celebration will kick off at 5:15 p.m. and will include representatives of music business, musicians and live music speaking about the city’s unveiling of SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM.
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“This is a proud day for the city and those businesses, musicians and live music venues which make Seattle their home,” says Mayor Nickels. “Music is a part of Seattle’s identity - it gives our city soul,”
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The celebration will also include guest performances featuring Vince Mira, New Faces and Blue Scholars - with a special tribute to music education featuring the Garfield High School Dance Team’s tribute to Quincy Jones, the nationally-renowned Eckstein Middle School Jazz Band, Garfield High School Jazz Quintet and the Seattle All-City Marching Band.
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“Seattle has always been a great place to make music,” says James Keblas, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film + Music. “SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM is going to make it a great place to make a living making music.”
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ATTACHED :

1) EVENT RUN OF SHOW

2) EXEC SUMMARY - SEATTLE MUSIC ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY 2008

3) SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM - A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF MUSIC IN SEATTLE

EVENT RUN OF SHOW:
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Pre-Event Pike Place Market buskers/street musicians perform outside and inside lobby including Jonny Hahn, instrumental pianist, Mariide Widman, guitarist/mandolin, the acapella group, A Moment In Time and Becky Poole, musical saw/accordion

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4:30 p.m. Doors Open to Theatre Lobby

4:45 p.m. Press Conference on stage with Mayor Greg Nickels

5:00 p.m. Doors Open to Main Theatre

5:15 p.m. The Garfield High School Dance Team - a tribute to Quincy Jones

5:20 p.m. James Keblas, Director, Mayor’s Office of Film + Music

Introduction and Welcome Mayor Nickels

5:30 p.m. Mayor Nickels - SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM

5:40 p.m. Performance by Vince Mira

5:45 p.m. Seattle City of Music Business:

Steve Leahy, President, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Tom Mara, Executive Director, KEXP

Josh Rosenfeld, Founder, Barsuk Records

Megan Jasper, Vice President, Sub Pop Records

6:00 p.m. Performance by New Faces

6:10 p.m. Seattle City of Musicians:

Michael Killoren, Director, Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs

David Endicott, Rotary Music4Life^TM

Dustin Fujikawa, Musician, The Vera Project

6:20 p.m. Eckstein Middle School Jazz Band and Garfield High School Jazz Quintet

6:35 p.m. Seattle City of Live Music:

Tracey Wickersham, Director of Cultural Tourism, Seattle’s Convention &

Visitors Bureau

John Creighton, Seattle Port Commissioner

Kate Becker, Director of Development, Seattle Theatre Group

6:45 p.m. Seattle’s Blue Scholars perform their anthem “North by Northwest” with Seattle’s top up and coming MCs and some very special guests

6:55 p.m. Close - James Keblas

7:00 p.m. Seattle All-City High Marching Band, procession from stage to lobby

Distribution of Commemorative Event Poster and Jones Soda
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SEATTLE MUSIC ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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The music industry in Seattle directly creates 11,155 jobs, with $1.2 billion in sales and $487 million in earnings. When the indirect and induced impacts of the industry are considered, the number of jobs supported rises to 22,391, sales are $2.6 billion, and labor income is $972 million. Within the larger King County economy the music industry directly creates 20,193 jobs, with $2.2 billion in sales and $840 million in earnings. The total impact of the music industry on the King County economy is substantially larger, with 38,862 jobs supported, sales of $4.6 billion, and $1.6 billion in labor income. It is estimated that the industry in Seattle generates $90 million in state and local sales and business and occupation taxes. The industry in King County generates at least $148 million in tax revenues.
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These figures were developed through a careful analysis of employment statistics for Seattle and King County. The music industry involves a number of streams of spending and production. These include the direct labor of musicians, which is consumed in live venues, in recordings, on radio stations, and through a complex system of production and distribution. Some of this activity is focused on households, within the local area and elsewhere, while another portion is associated with applications as diverse as ringtones and recorded music played as background sound in business environments.
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The music economy reaches across most categories of economic activity, including construction, manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, consumer services, and the public sector. People work in this industry both as employees and as self-employed individuals. About 20% of the music industry workforce is self-employed. These conclusions were reached after analyzing public records on wage and salary employment, private databases identifying individual businesses located in Seattle and King County, and public records related to self-employment. The statistics presented here are likely conservative owing to the difficulty of identifying the universe of industries and occupations related to music.
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The largest categories of employment in the music industry are in music and dance, education, broadcasting, software and custom computer services, and eating and drinking establishments. The Seattle region is the home of several globally important companies with a substantial music business, including Real Networks, Amazon.com, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
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This study reports a similar level of direct employment in Seattle as found in a 2004 study of the music industry. Total economic impacts as measured by sales, labor income, are larger in the current study than reported in the 2004 study. Sales increased by 17%, labor income rose by 72%, and earnings per worker rose by 75%. Employment impact estimates in the current study are slightly below those reported in the 2004 study, but it should be emphasized that the current study utilized a new model of the regional economy, that has different multipliers than contained in the model used for the 2004 study, and was based on different data sources.
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SEATTLE CITY OF MUSIC^TM

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF MUSIC IN SEATTLE

A committee of music advisors to the City of Seattle assembled this document through a series of meetings held during 2007. It expresses a vision and development strategy for Seattle’s music industry and the larger community for the year 2020.
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This vision and the following recommendations were developed to capitalize on Seattle’s rich music history and to propel the city’s existing music industry to the forefront of a rapidly expanding creative economy throughout North America. The goal of this document is to create action over the next 12 years that enhances the climate for music and that will reward our city with an even stronger economy and cultural environment.
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A Vision Statement for Seattle in the Year 2020:
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We value music as a dynamic force that enriches the lives of residents, visitors and listeners around the globe. Seattle will be acknowledged as a distinctive center for music where a spirit of innovation continually renews a thriving music industry, both economically and culturally. The talent of our individual musicians of all ages and musical genres and the engagement of audiences will be the foundation of this city’s vibrant music culture. Audiences, business leaders, educators and politicians will enthusiastically support the creative, economic and community value of music.
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In creating this vision, a number of topics were identified with broad preliminary recommendations crossing the private, not-for-profit and government sectors for developing Seattle as a “City of Music.” These topics have been arranged into three categories reflecting key aspects essential for fulfilling this vision: City of Music Business, City of Musicians and City of Live Music. Components relevant to each category are briefly noted here as a catalyst to future development.
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City of Music Business

In 2020 Seattle will have expanded its role as a hub of music innovation, with both commercial and not-for-profit industry leaders having their homes in this thriving environment. Seattle’s music business reaches far beyond the City’s physical boundaries: radio and online broadcasts, recordings, film scores, soundtracks, etc., will be valued exports that are enjoyed locally, nationally and globally. This role in the economic and cultural prosperity of the City will be supported by an effective and sustainable local infrastructure.
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Components include:
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- Enhancing Business Development and Retention: The growth of Seattle’s music business sector is made a priority among city leaders and developers, and will be continually measured and enhanced through government incentives and support.
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- Creating Job Opportunities: Initiatives will be developed across the public/private sector that create and retain music industry-related jobs and aggressively pursue new opportunities to promote business growth.
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- Our Technology Sector Assets: Professional networks will exist among Seattle’s information and communication technology sector to ensure music businesses are at the forefront of new technology economies.
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- Business Investment and Mentoring: Successful business leaders will recognize and support the contribution of the music sector through investments in new entrepreneurial opportunities and music-related not-for-profit programs.
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- Supporting the Sector: Seattle’s music industry will be valued and supported for its enhancement to the city’s tax base and for fostering economic diversity. Educational and not-for-profit music will be valued for its important contribution to the continuity of this industry and for enhancing the quality of life in the community. Such endeavors will receive sustainable financial support from individuals, foundations, government and business.
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City of Musicians

In 2020 Seattle will provide music learning opportunities at national leadership levels for recreational, educational and professional development. Musicians around the country will recognize Seattle as a highly desirable place to live, create and perform.
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Components include:

- K-12 Education and After School Programs: Music education programs will be provided by all public schools, as well as through neighborhood community centers and independent organizations.
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- Higher Education: Local colleges will lead the nation in music education and performance.
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- Professional Opportunities for Musicians: A professional development structure will be established to support musicians who want to make a living-wage career playing music in Seattle, including teaching and mentorship.
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- Livability for Musicians: Musicians will have access to health care and will be able to afford to buy a home and raise a family in the city through a career in music.
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- Creating Community Among Musicians: Fellow musicians of all genres will support one another and work together to advance their craft, their professional community and their role in the city.
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- The Musician in All of Us: The people of Seattle will value music in everyday life and enjoy chances to expand personal involvement with music.
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City of Live Music
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In 2020 Seattle residents and visitors will have increased opportunities to experience the power and pleasure of live performance in a multitude of ways. Seattle will be acknowledged as a premier site for performers - both local and international. The variety and quality of performances encourages audiences to encounter music in a multiplicity of settings and styles.
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Components include:

- Music Festivals for All: Seattle will encourage public celebration through a wide range of musical events throughout the City’s parks and neighborhoods.
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- Audience Engagement and Support: Residents of all ages will have a range of opportunities to learn about, connect with, advocate for and support live music in Seattle.
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- Facilities for Music: Seattle will be rich with well-managed concert venues of various sizes, supporting a wide variety of musical performances.
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- Connecting our Communities with Live Music: Unconventional and publicly owned spaces will be utilized for live music performances and will encourage music as a means for community building.
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- Connecting Tourists with Live Music: Seattle will be regarded worldwide as a destination for exceptional and diverse live music performances, which will be promoted via visitor centers and tourism communication.
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The Seattle: City of Music effort represents the vision of a cross section of music interests and entities from indie pop to classical and small music labels to major for-profit and not-for-profit corporations. While this group reflects an extraordinary range of music there is a high level of agreement regarding vision, needs and strengths of the sector. There is untapped potential to enhance music as an economic, educational and recreational force in meeting the needs of the city, and to build Seattle’s role in music nationally and internationally.
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The capacity of Seattle’s musicians, music organizations and industries is growing. While this group recognizes not every aspect of this vision will be realized, there is great interest and enthusiasm for harnessing this creative momentum in a way that is coordinated for maximum economic and cultural benefit to all. While there is great optimism there is also awareness of the challenges. This document outlines the key findings of this process to help inform and shape a vibrant future for music in Seattle
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Prepared September 2007 by the Seattle Mayor’s Office of Film and Music, James Keblas, Director. Consulting provided by Claudia Bach, AdvisArts. Based on the work of the Music Advisory Committee. Including:
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Leslie Beattie, Amazon

Carri Campbell, Seattle Public Schools

Elena Dubinets, Seattle Symphony

John Gilbreath, Earshot Jazz

Stewart Hallerman, Avast Studios

Shellie Hart, KUBE 93fm

Holly Hinton, Hear Music

Jason Hughes, Sonic Boom Records

Jon Kertzer, Microsoft

Sara Liberty-Laylin, Seattle Public Schools

Ben London, Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy

Tom Mara, KEXP

Andrew McKeag, Musician

David Meinert, Fuzed Music

Jason Milstead, Real Networks

Josh Rosenfeld, Barsuk Records

David Sabee, Seattle Music

Chukundi Salisbury, Seaspot

Michele Scoleri, One Reel

Steven Severin, Neumo’s

Susie Tennant, Town Hall

Shana Weydert, ADA

Adam Zacks, Seattle Theatre Group