In case you needed any more proof, Melbourne is now officially one of the world’s leading music cities. At least, that’s the opinion of a new global study titled The Mastering Of A Music City, published by the IFPI and Music Canada.

The study cites Melbourne, along with the likes of London, Montreal, New York, Berlin, and of course, Austin, as one of the world’s foremost hubs for music, particularly when it comes to live performance, and a shining example for the rest of the globe.

“In Melbourne, Australia, a 2012 census found that live music alone generated more than A$1bn in spending at small venues, concerts and festivals, supported 116,000 annual full-time equivalent jobs, and produced significant spin-off benefits to restaurants, hotels, transportation companies and other providers,” the study reads.

“In 2009-2010, an estimated 5.4mn people attended live music performances in the city. This puts music in the top ranks of the city’s economic drivers.” The authors of the study heaped particular praise on the city’s Agent of Change laws.

“The Agent of Change Principle works well where there is a concentration of established music venues that are threatened by encroaching residential developments,” they wrote. “An effort is now underway to have this principle adopted in part of London, UK.”

“Having ready access to live music will increase community pride and wellbeing, and make Melbourne a more welcoming, vibrant 24 hour city for residents and visitors,” the authors add, praising Melbourne’s efforts to integrate music into daily life.

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In conducting their study, researchers identified seven strategic areas as an effective means to grow and strengthen a city’s music economy, including musician-friendly government policies, the creation of music offices and advisory boards, and broader community engagement.

“A vibrant music sector delivers an extensive array of social, cultural and economic benefits to its community; from job creation and retention to city identity and music tourism, to social cohesion, music can play an essential role,” said Graham Henderson, President and CEO, Music Canada.

Considering Melbourne is home to the Agent of Change Principle (now being implemented in London), groups like Music Victoria and SLAM, and houses some of the country’s most iconic live music venue and artist hubs, it’s not hard to see why the city is so highly regarded.

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