By Ashley Morris

“Keep Austin Weird” is the local trademark of this city. Austin locals take pride in being different, and its music scene is no exception. But what makes Austin’s music atmosphere different from all the others?  In the press release announcing the 2019 Austin Music Awards, co-founder of SXSW, The Austin Chronicle Louis Black said:

"What has always truly and uniquely defined the Austin music scene is the work those in it put in. More than critics, industry honchos, scene makers, or even music fans, so many musicians work so hard in this extraordinary community to impress the audience they regard as the most important — other musicians,” acknowledging the special drive and creative energy that makes Austin’s music scene incredible. 

By Nathalie Phan

Today, the Texas Music Office and BMI announced that BMI will open an office in Austin by March of 2019, just in time for SXSW. This development is big news for the Austin's musicians and music industry professionals as BMI will be the first major performing rights organization to organize an official office in the city. The creation of music publishing infrastructure gives musicians a chance to develop their relationships with professionals in the licensing and songwriting space, strengthens the naively ignored income stream of music licensing, and will attract publishing and licensing companies to the city.