MusicSA has commissioned BDO EconSearch to conduct a survey into the impact music has on the state’s economy.

MusicSA, in partnership with the Music Development Office, the City of Adelaide and Festival City ADL, has enlisted BDO EconSearch to conduct a new survey into the music industry's economic contribution to South Australia.

The study comes as the local music industry finds itself battling the cost of living crisis as venues deal with developers and a lack of funding from the government.

The survey is aimed at both music industry professionals and general fans, with MusicSA hoping those who attend live gigs and consume both digital and physical music releases will get involved. Business owners are also encouraged to participate, with BDO using the data gathered regarding profits and losses of venues to analyse the impact this has on a broader economic level.

The survey asks questions concerning participants’ involvement in the local music scene, from the types of gigs they attend and the number of local acts they support, to how much they spend at events and on music merchandise and equipment. At the end of the questionnaire, there is a chance for people to add their own thoughts about the local music scene, the economic struggles it is facing and any other points they wish to raise.

The survey is estimated to take 10 minutes for music fans and 20 minutes for music businesses.

Talking with InDaily, BDO EconSearch manager Lisa Carlin explained how the survey will “help us collect the information we need to determine the size and shape of the industry in South Australia.”

“Knowing more about our industry in a post-pandemic world helps us all to make better decisions and leverage opportunities,” a statement released by MusicSA says. “It is so important for us to understand our worth and the economic impact of this sector to the state’s overall economy.”

BDO undertook a similar survey in 2017 and will compare those results with the findings from this latest survey to determine how big an impact the pandemic had on the South Australian music industry.

The announcement of the study comes as the local music scene continues to struggle since the pandemic ended. In the past six months there have been several venue closures across the state while East End favourite Crown & Anchor finds itself under threat from developers.

While the results from this survey won’t create immediate change, the data collected could go a long way to helping the government understand how important music is to the state’s economy.

To have your say about South Australia’s music scene, take part in the survey here. The survey closes on May 8.

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