Will Music City Become Music Scarcity?

Six Ways To Make Sure Nashville Retains (and Reclaims) Its Music Identity

Two weeks ago, I traveled to Austin, Texas, for Coke’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival and part of SXSW. Austin owns the trademark for the “Live Music Capital of the World,” a designation approved by the Austin City Council in 1991.

Throughout my visit, I had more than a dozen conversations that naturally turned to comparisons between Austin and Nashville—discussions about growth trends, traffic congestion, the influx of Californians, and, of course, the role of music in both cities.

Nashville officially became known as “Music City” in the 1950s, but the legend behind the name traces back to the historic Fisk University Jubilee Singers. In 1873, this all-African American choir toured the U.S. and Europe to raise funds for their struggling school. According to reports, Queen Victoria, upon hearing their performance, remarked that these singers must hail from a “city of music.”

So, which city truly deserves the title? While music history, venue count (over 300 in Austin vs. 180 in Nashville), status as a crossroads for touring artists, and the number of working musicians (Nashville has the most songwriters per capita of any city in the world) all play a role, the larger question isn’t about past or present achievements—it’s about the future.

Will Music City become Music Scarcity?

Three pressing concerns:

1. A Changing Influx of People
   Nashville was once a city where people arrived to contribute—to create, to build, and to chase dreams. Today, many newcomers, particularly from California, seem more focused on escaping than engaging. While this is anecdotal and not universal, I often hear them talk about leaving behind high taxes, liberal policies, and high costs of living. But a city thrives on those who come to add something, not just those looking for a refuge. The collaborative, struggle-driven spirit that once defined Nashville’s music scene may be at risk.

2. The Rising Cost of Living
   Artists and creatives flourish in environments with density, diversity, and affordability—places where they can be in close proximity to one another. In 1991, the average home price in Nashville was $120,000, about 20% below the national average. Today, it stands at $535,000, pushing most first-time buyers out of the market. Established artists will manage, but what about the emerging ones? How can the next generation of musicians afford to live, create, and collaborate in a city pricing them out?

3. The Shift from Art to Attractions
   Nashville is experiencing a transformation from a city that nurtured authentic artistic expression to one dominated by commercialized entertainment. Once a joke, “NashVegas” is now a reality. Do we really need a Vegas-style male revue like Thunder Down Under or a Cirque du Soleil show in the heart of Music City? On any given Thursday night, Broadway is more crowded than Times Square, and I’d bet Dollar General makes more from pink bridal party cowboy hats than local indie songwriters make from Spotify royalties. The city’s artistic identity is shifting, and not necessarily for the better.

At the risk of sounding like a nostalgic curmudgeon, let’s talk about solutions. Here are six ideas to preserve and reclaim the soul of Music City:

1. Preserve and build more smaller-capacity venues, like Exit In, which provide space for intimate performances and up-and-coming artists.

1. Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) has helped more than 14,000 entrepreneurs raise over $319 million in capital. Why not replicate this model for artists? A dedicated space for education, collaboration, recording, and networking could empower the next wave of musicians.

1. Support initiatives like Ryman Lofts and the Nashville Industry Fund to create more affordable living spaces for artists, ensuring they can continue to work and thrive in the city.

2. Organizations like The Other Nashville Society (TONS) are doing important work to expand the city’s artist community beyond country music. Let’s invest in and amplify their efforts to foster a more inclusive and eclectic music ecosystem.

3. Visionary creatives like Matt Logan have produced shows honoring Nashville’s rich musical heritage. We need more of this—investments in productions that showcase the city’s deep artistic roots rather than just its tourist appeal.

4. And just for kicks … If Nashville is truly Music City, let’s make it official. BNA Airport could have a dedicated entrance, security line, and boarding process for musicians carrying instruments and gear. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that reinforces the city’s commitment to its artists.

I’m not ready to slap a “Don’t California My Tennessee” bumper sticker on my car, but I am wanting to preserve the past, celebrate the present, and create the future of Nashville. Are you concerned with Nashville’s identify as Music City? What ideas might you have for artists and the city?

©Some Assembly Required, 2025