Minneapolis Music Scene Report: 2024 Minneapolis Music Census

The 2024 Minneapolis Music Census results paint a fascinating picture of musicians and venues. Approximately 2,300 musicians, venue owners, presenters, promoters, studio owners, and music industry professionals in Minneapolis participated.

A Few Highlights

A staggering 17,653 live music events occur annually across Minneapolis venues—an average of 123 live events per venue per year—and there are multiple opportunities every night to catch or perform live music. This translates into a rich ecosystem of venues, from intimate jazz clubs to larger concert halls.

The Business of the Music Scene: Strong but With Risks

 The Minneapolis music ecosystem generates an impressive $62 million annually. However, the census also revealed:

• 49% of musicians who responded reported relying heavily on live performances as their primary income source.

• 39% of creatives reported stagnant pay rates as their top concern, while 36% cited rising living costs

• The majority of music venues (83%) are operating in rented spaces rather than owned properties, making them potentially vulnerable to market pressures and rent increases

Looking Forward

92% of creative professionals are confident about continuing their music careers here over the next three years. This level of optimism speaks volumes about the health and sustainability of our music ecosystem.

Your Role in Keeping the Music Playing

Minneapolis's music scene isn't just about entertainment—it's a vital economic and cultural ecosystem that needs your active participation to thrive. Every time you leave a tip, purchase a ticket or buy a beverage or a meal during a show, you're supporting not just the performers on stage but also the sound engineers, venue staff, and countless others who make each show possible.

Here's how you can help:

• Make live music a regular part of your entertainment & dining budget

• Purchase tickets in advance when possible, helping venues with planning and cash flow

• Support venue preservation efforts in your community,

• Don’t forget the little things that make a big difference: buy merchandise, bring friends to shows, and share your favorite performances on social media.

If each music lover in the Twin Cities attended just one additional show per month, it could generate the sustainable support our music scene needs to not just survive but thrive.

The stage is set – will we see you in the audience?