REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION May 5, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 3 and April 7, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Statistics report briefing by Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Candice Cooper, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) and Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS Input on recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing 5. revenue distribution practices with update from Michael Collins, Broadcast Media Inc. 6. Airport Music Program following presentation by Commissioner Strickland. 7. Artist in Residence Program at New Downtown Development following presentation by Megan Mills and Alex Perkins, Paseo ATX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct elections for Vice Chair and Secretary for 2025-2026 term. 9. Select a music commission representative for Downtown Commission vacancy. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 5/05/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.28.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund March 2025 w/ Encumbrances $48,397 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,047,707 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
2024 Austin Live Music Fund Stats Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 70 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (51%) • 18 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (13%) As of 5/1/25 C I TY O F A U S T I N
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT Resolution: Equity and Transparency in Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by the Austin Music Commission Whereas, the city of Austin, Texas is nationally recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of the United States through its diverse music community; and Whereas, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a critical role in administering the licensing and royalty distribution for public performances of copyrighted music; and Whereas, the current structure and practices of PROs have presented increasing challenges related to transparency, equitable compensation, and administrative accessibility for independent artists, small venues, and marginalized communities; and Whereas, the proliferation of PROs without standardized licensing practices has created confusion and compliance burdens, especially for community-based venues and nonprofit cultural institutions; and Whereas, there is a lack of publicly accessible and verifiable data on royalty distribution across demographic, geographic, and genre-based lines, impeding efforts to ensure equity and accountability; and Whereas, significant portions of unclaimed or unmatched “black box royalties” are often distributed to major rights holders by default, without sufficient efforts to trace the original creators, disproportionately impacting emerging and underrepresented artists; and Whereas, many creators, particularly from BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities, face barriers to entry in understanding and engaging with the copyright system, PRO registration, and royalty tracking due to systemic inequalities in access, education, and language; and Whereas, local artists and venue operators should not be penalized by licensing frameworks that do not reflect actual usage or local contributions to the cultural economy; and Whereas, the Copyright Office has initiated a Notice of Inquiry on these issues, signaling an opportunity for federal engagement and reform; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the United States Congress recognize the urgent need for reform in the operation of Performing Rights Organizations to ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of royalties and licensing practices; and Be it further resolved that Congress direct the U.S. Copyright Office and other relevant agencies to: 1. Mandate transparency from PROs in royalty collection and distribution, including public reporting by genre, geography, and demographic data; 2. Standardize licensing structures to protect small, nonprofit, and local venues from undue burden; 3. Create mechanisms to trace and equitably distribute black box royalties, with a priority …
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT May 5, 2025 Dear Register Perlmutter and Members of Congress, On behalf of the Austin Music Commission, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their impact on our vibrant music community in Austin, Texas. Background Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," thrives on a rich tapestry of musical talent, encompassing songwriters, performers, venues, and a diverse array of music industry professionals. Our city's cultural and economic vitality is deeply intertwined with the health of its music ecosystem. Concerns Regarding PRO Proliferation and Practices We acknowledge the historical role of PROs in simplifying the licensing process for public performances of musical works. However, recent developments have raised concerns: 1. 2. 3. Proliferation of PROs: The increase in the number of PROs has introduced complexities for venues and businesses, leading to confusion over licensing requirements and potential legal vulnerabilities (U.S. Copyright Office) Transparency in Licensing and Royalty Distribution: A lack of comprehensive disclosure regarding the works covered by PRO licenses and the methodologies for royalty distribution undermines trust and fairness in the system (U.S. Copyright Office) Impact on Local Artists: Independent and emerging artists in Austin often face challenges in receiving equitable compensation, as current distribution practices may favor more prominent rights holders. Recommendations To address these issues, we propose the following: • • • Standardization of Licensing Practices: Implementing uniform guidelines across PROs can reduce confusion and ensure venues can comply without undue burden. Enhanced Transparency: Mandating clear disclosure of licensed works and detailed royalty distribution reports will foster accountability and allow artists to verify their earnings.(U.S. Copyright Office) Support for Independent Artists: Establishing mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, will promote a more equitable music industry. What’s completely missing from mandates regarding PROs: 1. Racial & Genre Equity in Royalty Distribution What's missing: No current mandate requires PROs to report demographic or genre data on who is getting paid—and who is not. This leads to systemic underpayment or invisibility for BIPOC artists, particularly in genres like hip-hop, Latin, gospel, or regional roots music. Recommendation: • • Urge Congress to commission or require PROs to conduct equity audits. Request a breakdown of …
Artist in Residence Paseo Hotel & Residences MEET PASEO • Opening Fall 2025 at 80 Rainey Street • Hotel, residences and hospitality • 12th floor pool deck with bar service, in-house coffee shop + bar, coworking lounges, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, 48th floor rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, and more • A fully integrated living experience blending design, wellness and culture What is AIR? Paseo's Artist in Residence (AIR) Program offers artists a unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and celebrate Austin’s arts community—all while living rent-free. Located in the heart of Rainey Street, it’s designed to help artists shape culture and connect through their craft. We believe artists shape the soul of a neighborhood. By removing barriers, we give them the freedom to experiment and engage, nurturing creativity that brings Rainey to life. Building on the success of Moontower Phoenix AIR—now in its third year—we’re bringing this proven model to Austin to deepen our commitment to the arts and community. Teaser Video How It Works What We Provide: • • A rent-free apartment at Paseo for one year Full access to amenities: coworking, café & bar, pool deck, fitness spaces, and more What’s Expected: • Host community events that align with your craft • One major artistic contribution (mural, exhibition, performance, etc.) • • Engage the Paseo community + share your journey on social Submit a final portfolio + reflection at the end of the residency Who Can Apply: • • All artists working in any medium at any stage of their career Apply under Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Textile/Craft, or Other What's Next Help spread the word! Share with your networks. We’re calling on Austin’s creators to help shape the next chapter of Rainey Street. • • • • Applications open now through June 1 Panelist Judging in June o Jim Ritts – Paramount Theatre o Michael Hsu – Michael Hsu Office of Architecture o Ben Siegel – Banger’s + Rainey Business Coalition o Jackie Lee Young – Photographer & Creative Director o Matt Peters – Chef, Prélude + Maven o Heath Speakman – Co-founder, SprATX Artists announced early July Residency kicks off Fall 2025 Visit paseoatx.com/artist-in-residence to learn more and apply.
Cultural Funding Community Engagement Music Commission Briefing Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) May 5, 2025 Agenda 1. 2. 3. 4. ACME Funding Program Evaluation & Goals Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Funding Guideline Updates Community Engagement Timeline ACME Funding Programs - Evaluation & Goals Programs Under Evaluation • Elevate / Nexus / Thrive • Austin Live Music Fund • Creative Space Assistance Program • Heritage Preservation Grant • Art in Public Places Evaluation Goals for ACME Funding Programs Centering underserved communities Encouraging artistic sustainability Reflecting Austin’s cultural richness Serving artists, organizations, and the public equitably Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Community Engagement Team • • Corporate PIO, Program Staff, and Special Assignments Facilitator Historical Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis New Working Group & Focus Groups • Groups Now Forming ACME Funding Guideline Updates Program Guideline Updates • Community-Focused Approach • Incorporating Engagement Feedback • Language Revision Community Engagement Timeline Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
