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Music industry leaders urge Georgia to revive tax incentives, create statewide music office
Summary
Industry representatives told the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee that Georgia’s music sector generates billions and urged lawmakers to consider restoring a music tax credit and establishing a music office to keep rehearsals, production and related jobs in state.
Music‑industry representatives told the Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee that the state could capture more economic benefit from recording, touring and rehearsal business by restoring a targeted music tax incentive and creating a statewide music office.
Brian Hudson, who represents the Recording Academy and other industry groups, framed the presentation as an economic development discussion, noting prior work on a music‑office bill and recent committee attention to AI/digital‑replica issues. He introduced several industry guests who described local impacts and opportunities beyond Atlanta.
Matt McClain, executive director of Trof Live in Fayetteville, said the multi‑use venue has hired more than 250 employees, booked 20 concerts since opening phase two, and spends more than $5 million annually with over 90 local and regional vendors. He said the venue also generated thousands of hotel room nights in nearby markets and competes with out‑of‑state rehearsal centers supported by tax credits.
Michael Greg Thomas, CEO of Echo Base (a vinyl pressing plant in Athens), said Echo Base employs about 30 full‑time staff (planning to grow to roughly 50), can produce about 2 million records a year at capacity and expects roughly $5 million in annual revenue. He described vinyl manufacturing as a source of stable local jobs and a catalyst for arts districts.
Mala Sharma, president of Georgia Music Partners, said the organization represents more than 70,000 music professionals and over 10,000 music‑related businesses, and estimated the industry contributes more than $5 billion annually to Georgia’s economy. Sharma urged lawmakers to consider a music tax incentive and a coordinated statewide approach to retain production, rehearsals and related business.
Committee members asked about workforce training, local partnerships, and how venues coordinate with cities; industry speakers described internship partnerships with local school systems and nonprofit governance structures that tie venues to municipal partners. Speakers and members agreed to explore policy options to attract and retain rehearsal and production business in Georgia.
