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How did Austin become the “Live Music Capital of the World?”

The crowd at a concert at the Moody Amphitheater

Whether you’re at the Moody Amphitheater, Moody Center, or Moody Theater, you’re in for a show. | Photo by @teamscreamy

Between nationally esteemed music festivals, nightly star-studded lineups, and now the CMT Music Awards, Austin certainly seems to be embodying its moniker as the Live Music Capital of the World.

We’ll defend Austin’s music scene any day, but we were curious: how did the Capital City earn that title, anyway?

Depending on who you ask, Austin has been known as the Live Music Capital of the World for about four decades, with the city officially adopting the nickname in 1991.

Common lore says the title came to be when research found Austin had the most live music venues per capita in the US. While we’re not saying that statistic is false (although it would certainly be hard to prove), it might not be the whole truth.

As it turns out, the slogan may have been cooked up by the Austin Chamber of Commerce in the mid-80s, for an advertisement that ran in Billboard magazine. Other reports say it was developed by the city council to bring tourism to the city.

A crowd in front of a stage at Meanwhile Brewing — Concerts take place around Austin every night of the week.

This might not look good for our live music egos, but here’s our argument for why we deserve the title anyway:

For one, Austin actually does have a lot of music venues, with more than 250 hosting shows across the city.
But it’s not just the quantity of venues: it’s the quality. From big venues such as the Moody Center to intimate spaces like the Historic Scoot Inn, there’s no bad spot to see a concert in ATX.
Concerts take place across the city every single night, amounting to thousands of live shows each year. Don’t believe us? Just check our events calendar.
The Capital City hosts nearly 40 music festivals each year, including those with national recognition — ACL and SXSW alone draw in ~850,000 visitors yearly.

You might argue a city like Nashville is the Live Music Capital (it does have a $5.5 billion music industry, whereas Austin’s industry is closer to $1.8 billion). But we’re Austinites through and through, and we know the truth: history, local artists, and stellar spaces make Austin’s claim on live music unlike any other.

(And don’t worry, NASHtoday, we still love you.)

Do you consider Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World?”

A. Yes
B. No
C. It’s complicated

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Nov. 11

Austin Shakespeare: “Sense and Sensibility” | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 27 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Rollins Theatre at the Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr. | $30+ | Jane Austen’s classic tale of two young sisters comes to life at this theatrical performance.
David Bowie: Starman Exhibition | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7-10 p.m. | Modern Rocks Gallery, 916 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 3, Ste. 103 | Free | Take in prints of David Bowie — including iconic and limited edition images — created throughout the duration of his career.
University of Texas Women’s Basketball vs. Louisiana | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. | $9+ | Cheer on the Longhorns as they face Louisiana.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln. | $7+ | This 19th annual festival celebrating Native American heritage features traditional dance competitions, singers, and food.
JUST Fest: “A New Day, A New Dream” | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 1-5 p.m. | Mueller Branch Park Pavilion, 2006 Philomena St. | Free | Shop products from Austin-based small businesses at this event celebrating women-owned, Black-owned, and Latina-owned companies.

Sunday, Nov. 13

AFROTECH Conference 2022 | Sunday, Nov. 13-Thursday, Nov. 17 | 10 a.m. | Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. | $250+ | Learn from innovators, investors, and culture leaders at the year’s largest Black professional conference.
Austin Mac & Cheese Fest: Mac vs. Grilled Cheese | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lantana Place, 7415 Southwest Pkwy. | $25+ | Chefs will compete for champion belts at this delicious festival featuring local vendors.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Weather

69º | Thunderstorms | 79% chance of rain ⛈
Keep an eye out for strong to severe storms today, Austin. The most intense cold front of the year is expected to bring with it rain, high wind speeds, and temperatures in the 40s. (KXAN)

Today Is

Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday at city facilities, such as Austin libraries and the Austin Animal Center.

Civic

Wondering how the recently passed affordable housing, ACC, and AISD bonds will affect your taxes? Depending on the value of your household, you could see an increase in costs of $106-$126 per year. (KXAN)

Edu

AISD interim Superintendent Anthony Mays is leaving his position to become superintendent for Alief ISD, just north of Sugar Land. AISD may name a replacement superintendent as early as December. 📚 (KXAN)

Development

Developers recently broke ground on a ~$500 million mixed-use project in Lakeway called the Square at Lohmans. The town square-inspired project is expected to take five years to complete. 🏗 (Austin American-Statesman)

Travel

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport unveiled its new baggage claim system yesterday. The updates cost ~$125 million, and were completed ahead of peak holiday travel. 🧳 (KVUE)

Coming Soon

Fans of Lazarus Brewing will soon have a second spot for bites and beers. The brewery plans to take over the former I Luv Video space at 4803 Airport Blvd. starting Friday, Nov. 17 with an expanded menu. (Eater Austin)

Festival

The third annual Feels So Good Festival takes place Saturday., Nov. 12, and will include roughly a dozen musical acts, food trucks, and vendors. Proceeds benefit the Austin Music Foundation, which provides professional development + educational programming for the industry — Get tickets here. 🎶

Celebrate

We want to wish a happy birthday (on Sunday) to our teammate Camille, 6AM City Sales Executive. Happy birthday, Camille!

Travel

Two words: Pineapple cottage. This Hakalau, Hawaii Vrbo has sweeping ocean views, an outdoor hanging bed for lounging, and is on a fruit farm (think: lemons, oranges, lychee and pineapple at your fingertips). Book as a January getaway or as the best holiday gift ever for only $175 avg/night. 🍍*

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Y’all Willie like country

A gif of Willie Nelson singing "On the Road Again"

We’d hit the road with you any day, Willie. | Gif via Giphy

Since we’re talking about music... we recently asked y’all whether you listen to country music, and if so, who your favorite artists were.

Well, unlike the Austin mayor’s race, the votes are in:

58% of you do listen to country music.
23% of you don’t listen to country music.
19% of you listen to country music sometimes.

Out of almost two dozen artists sent in, your favorite country artists were:

Willie Nelson
Chris Stapleton
George Strait
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Garth Brooks

It’s not too late to share your country music feedback — click the button below to put in your two cents.

TAKE THE POLL

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: Shoutout to reader Nik B., who said Alabama was one of their favorite country artists in our poll.

My first-ever concert (if this counts as going to a concert) was an Alabama show with my parents — I was so young at the time, I missed the whole show in favor of playing with books and toys.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Your guide to Austin sports bars.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Victoria Bardega | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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