Sound of music ... ka-ching!

Monday, February 9, 2004

Sound of music ... ka-ching!
Seattle scene generates $650 million annually and 8,700 jobs, study finds

By GENE STOUT
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER POP MUSIC CRITIC

Seattle's music industry is surprisingly robust, generating more than $650 million in annual revenue and 8,700 jobs for the local economy, according to an economic impact study released last night by Mayor Greg Nickels.

When combined with revenue generated by businesses that support the core music industry, the figure tops $1.3 billion.

The jobs -- musicians, composers, music distributors, promoters, teachers, audio engineers and others -- are found at more than 2,600 local businesses. According to the study, the average wage of a music industry job in Seattle is $22,770, but combined income from multiple sources of work often increases individual earnings.

At a private Grammy Awards party at the Experience Music Project, Nickels hailed the study as an important step toward supporting the local music industry. It was commissioned by Seattle's Office of Economic Development and completed last year by the city's expanded Office of Film and Music.

"Seattle benefits greatly from our vibrant and diverse music industry, from its economic and cultural contributions to its promotional value for branding Seattle," Nickels said. "This study demonstrates that the industry is an important source of jobs and employment."

The mayor also announced the launch of a new Web site devoted to the local music scene: www.seattle.gov/music. It was created last year in collaboration with the Music Advisory Group, comprising local music industry leaders who consult for the Office of Film and Music.

Seattle is known for spurring an international rock renaissance in the late 1980s and early '90s and for launching such bands as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Queensryche, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Heart.

Recent recording projects completed here include CDs by Dave Matthews ("Some Devil"), Evanescence, the Charlie Mars Band and Trey Anastasio of Phish.

Among the films that have been scored in Seattle are "Mr. Holland's Opus," "Die Hard With a Vengeance," "The Wedding Planner," "Happy, Texas," "The Astronaut's Wife" and two that have not yet been released: "The Final Cut" (featuring Robin Williams) and "Man on Fire" (with Denzel Washington).

Besides making a hefty contribution to the local economy, the music industry stimulates employment, enhances the city's cultural resources, generates tax revenue and boosts tourism by creating a destination city for musicians, the study concluded.

David Meinert, producer of the Capitol Hill Block Party, called it a pivotal tool in demonstrating that investments in the local music industry bring economic as well as cultural benefits to the community.

"We have evidence now that the music community is a strong local economic sector that produces jobs and significant tax revenues," Meinert said.

"The economic impact study confirms what we already know -- that Seattle's creative community of talented and independent musicians are leaders in the fields of music and film scoring," said David Sabee, president of Seattlemusic Inc., a film scoring and music production company.

"That may be why Dave Matthews, Evanescence, Fox, Miramax and Sony Pictures all have recorded here in the past year."

P-I pop music critic Gene Stout can be reached at 206-448-8383 or genestout@seattlepi.com

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