Music Mecca

New Orleans is a music town like no other, with an independent spirit, a unique sound and a music industry vital to its community. This city's music is recognized throughout the world —Cajun, zydeco, jazz, blues, brass, funk, rock-and-roll — it's all here.

City Hall also takes the business of music to heart. A newly created Office of Music Business Development spearheads initiatives to help ensure the music from New Orleans stays authentic, and the industry vibrant.

"It's a very common sense way to create jobs in an industry where New Orleans is already world famous," says Scott Aiges, Director of Music Business Development.

The Music Business Development office encourages the development of music on many levels. Each month the office sponsors professional workshops for musicians, and every week industry representatives can network at city-sponsored events.

The office is also crafting legislation that offers tax credits to film producers on location in Louisiana who employ New Orleans musicians or local producers.

As a long-term marketing tool, the office will work with Internet and Satellite Radio companies to offer dedicated streams of New Orleans music. Wherever music lovers live, they can stay close to that New Orleans sound.

The Big Easy takes the business of music seriously. Whether you're booking studio time, scouting local talent or putting on a festival, New Orleans has everything a musician or music producer needs — a fresh sound, inimitable talent and skilled technicians.

Anyone wishing to start a business, launch a festival, record a CD, or just make the right contacts can start at the Mayor's Office of Economic Development. Contact Scott Aiges, Director of Music Business Development, at musicbiz@mayorofno.com. Phone (504) 565-8138. Fax (504) 524-4780. Write to the Office of Music Business Development, City of New Orleans, 1515 Poydras St., Suite 1150, New Orleans, LA 70112. Or visit
www.realneworleansmusic.com.