Austin is the Renowned Music Capital of the World

“America’s Hometown,” “The Big Easy,” and “The City That Never Sleeps,” are some of the well-known nicknames for places across America. Here in our own backyard, we have a gem of our own known as “The Music Capital of the World.” Not only is Austin, the state capital of Texas, but its signature slogan came about in 1991 as it was discovered “Austin had more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation,” states the Austin Relocation Guide. “Austin’s nearly 200 live music venues mean you can catch a show any day, at almost any time.” A musical performance ranging from pop, country, indie, rock, blues, Latin and rock en español to jazz, is waiting for your enjoyment.

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Austin’s live music scene has come alive with a host of venues to continue its musical heritage after losing some of the best and popular venues of its time such as: Antone’s, Liberty Lunch, and the Armadillo World Headquarters to name a few.

“Austin gained a reputation as a place where struggling musicians could launch their careers in front of receptive audiences, at informal live venues,” states Wikipedia. “Many upcoming and established acts such as Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and ZZ Top played the Armadillo. Freddie King, Frank Zappa, and Commander Cody all recorded live albums there. Bruce Springsteen played five shows during 1974.”

In addition to the venues and artists who have contributed to the Austin music scene, there are also organizations such as the Austin Music Foundation (AMF) that have provided the foundation and experience to help many artists further their musical career.

With its roots started in 2002, “Austin Music Foundation (AMF) is a nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen and connect Austin’s music community with innovative programs that empower music professionals and music businesses within Austin’s creative economy,” states its website. “With expert panels, consultations, mentoring and mixers, AMF’s programs provide the necessary tools and opportunities to help bring success in the Austin music industry.”

Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Not only can Austin boost about its growing and abundant musical scene, but it also offers platforms through which many artists are able to showcase their talent such as the longest running music television program-Austin City Limits (ACL).

“Created by KLRU and broadcast on PBS for 40 years, ACL TV has become an institution, as well as the recipient of a rare institutional Peabody Award, an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts,” states its website. “It’s a show that’s presented a huge variety of musical styles and genres, hosting everyone from Willie Nelson to BB King to Foo Fighters.”

Austin lays claim to some of the largest musical festivals around the world. Thousands visit the city to take in South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual music and film festival.

“The SXSW Music Festival is one of the largest and most influential global music events of the year, taking place every March in Austin,” says its website. “At SXSW 2015, more than 30,000 music industry professionals and musicians took in six nights of performances in over 100 downtown venues, with a lineup featuring 2,200 acts from 62 foreign countries.”

Just as significant is the ACL’S music festival held in the fall. “ACL Festival features a diverse lineup of acts every year with 8 stages, more than 130 bands – and now, two weekends,” mentions its website. It’s a year-round of musical festivals, of which you’re sure to find one that inspires the musician inside of you.

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To help you narrow down the music scene, make sure to visit the venue guide at Austintexas.org. You can choose from among the many music districts such as Red River, South Austin, and Market Street.  Of course no trip is complete without a visit to the infamous Sixth Street located in downtown Austin. Here you can visit some of the best venues in town to catch a musical act such as-Maggie Mae’s, The Parish, and Beale Street Tavern to name a few.

References:

Wikipedia

Austin Relocation Guide

SXSW Music Festival

Austin Music Foundation

Austin City Limits