New Orleans music is more than what happens on stage. It is the musicians, culture bearers, songwriters, producers, engineers, studios, venues, presenters, promoters, managers, educators, and support workers who make it possible to create, share, and sustain music here.
The Office of Nighttime Economy connects music professionals with practical resources while working with City agencies, community partners, and the local industry to strengthen the systems that support music in New Orleans.
Find What You Need
Whether you are building a career in music, operating a venue, presenting live entertainment, planning a tour, or looking for local industry support, these resources can help you get started.
For Musicians and Music Professionals
The music industry requires more than talent. Musicians and music professionals also need practical tools to plan, promote, organize, and sustain their work. The Office of Nighttime Econmy has created a series of resources to support local music industry professionals at all stages of their career.
Musician Business Plan Template (PDF)
Promoter Business Plan Template (PDF)
Additionally, O.N.E. has launched a free professional development series in partnership with The Ella Project. These courses and workshops cover everything you need to know about putting the "business" in "music business." For more information and to view archived session videos, visit the Music Census Sessions website.
Have questions about busking? O.N.E. has created a simple guide to explain what you can and can not do.
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Download the Street Performer Guide (PDF)
For Venues and Presenters
Live music depends on venues, presenters, production workers, sound professionals, and the businesses that create space for artists and audiences to gather.
O.N.E. provides resources to help live music businesses understand City processes, manage sound, plan operations, support musician access, and operate responsibly within their neighborhoods.
How to Open a Live Entertainment Venue in New Orleans (PDF)
Download the Sound Management Guide (PDF)
Download the Indoor Sound Management Checklist (PDF)
Download the Outdoor Sound Management Checklist (PDF)
Music Census Data and Research
In 2024, the Office of Nighttime Economy implemented and published the New Orleans Music Census, a comprehensive study of the city’s complete music ecosystem.
The Census collected input from over 1,500 musicians, culture bearers, venues, presenters, producers, engineers, promoters, managers, educators, and other music professionals to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping music in New Orleans.
The findings provide a foundation for the City, community partners, and the local industry to identify gaps, strengthen support systems, and build a more sustainable future for New Orleans music.
Read the New Orleans Music Census Report
Explore the interactive Music Census Data Dashboard
For more information about the New Orleans Music Census & the Music Census Sessions, please visit https://www.nolamusiccensus.org/.