Discovering the True Face of Minneapolis' Music Scene

Race

In Minneapolis, where approximately 9% of the population is Black, surprisingly, only 3% of the census respondents were of African American descent. This disparity raises questions about the representation and inclusivity within the music scene. As Don Pitts, the founder and president of Sound Music Cities, which organized the census, points out, similar censuses in other cities have often revealed a lack of trust within the communities. For instance, there was a gentleman who emailed Pitts, recalling that in the 1980s, they booked Prince at First Avenue, and the notation on Wikipedia stated that African Americans didn't play downtown at that time. This historical perspective highlights the ongoing struggle with racism in the city. Community members like Chadwick Phillips, the founder of The Avant Garde music consulting and production company, emphasize the need for more people of color in music venues to truly represent the Minneapolis scene. "The Minneapolis sound comes from people of color," Phillips said during the event. "We have people of color today carrying on that torch for those from the past. It's crucial to keep this in mind."

Another aspect to consider is the role of trust and community engagement. By addressing these issues, Minneapolis can work towards a more inclusive and diverse music scene that reflects the city's true identity.

Age

The census also revealed a notable absence of 18 to 24-year-olds in the Minneapolis music scene. Only 4% of the respondents belonged to this age group, while the 25 to 39-year-old and 40 to 54-year-old groups had a stronger presence. Don Pitts attributes this to the impact of the pandemic and the cost of creating music, which deters young people from pursuing their musical dreams. "In many markets, we hear from 18 to 24-year-olds that they feel the scene is somewhat closed off and there's limited access to musical opportunities," Pitts said. Chadwick Phillips further emphasizes the need for those in power to open up more opportunities and spread the word about available grants and programs. "I see artists constantly complaining about the lack of support, but if they take the initiative and seek out solutions, they will find a way," Phillips said. Nadirah McGill, the drummer for the Gully Boys, also recognizes that the census shows there is room for improvement. "This census validates that we still have a lot of work to do, and we are eager to collaborate with the city, venues, and the community to make this vision a reality," McGill said.

Overall, the Minneapolis music scene census offers a detailed look at the current state of the music industry in the city. By addressing the issues of race and age, Minneapolis can pave the way for a more vibrant and inclusive music future.