ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A bill to create the Georgia Statewide Music Office is moving forward.
The Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee met at the State Capitol on Monday, voting favorably to approve of the bill.
House Bill 549 is the Georgia Statewide Music Office Act. Bill sponsor state Rep. Tyler Paul Smith mentioned Usher the morning after giving a shout-out to the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. Usher celebrated his connection to his hometown at the Super Bowl halftime show.
“For anyone watching the Super Bowl last night, Georgia music was on full display, it should make us proud,” said Smith.
The commission would have to appoint a statewide music advisory council. The team would be made up of Georgia creators, studio owners, and industry leaders. The bill stipulates that they support, cultivate, and promote Georgia artists.
“Georgian music talent has to move north or west to see a career thrive, unfortunately,” said Smith.
Lawmakers want Georgia to rival The Music City. The Recording Industry Association of America estimates Nashville brings in $9.7 billion in revenue. The Georgia Council for the Arts estimates the industry contributes $3.7 billion statewide. Tennessee has a music office, but Georgia does not.
Mala Sharma with Georgia Music Partners said Georgia’s music industry is stagnant.
“Our music has provided the soundtrack for the world for a long time. I think we’d see an immediate return on our investment,” said Sharma.
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