In 2017 we conducted the first-ever nationwide live music census,
allowing for unprecedented levels of detailed, comparable data on the
live music cultures of different localities. Live music censuses have
been increasingly used in recent years (e.g. Melbourne, Edinburgh,
Bristol) to illustrate the value of music to policymakers. This has
coincided with challenging times for urban live music venues,
particularly small venues and clubs. We present key census findings
here, reflecting on how local contexts both shape the census process and
may be informed by it, and on the growth of the idea of “Music Cities”
to inform policy.