Blog
Blog
ATXM News & Happenings
Austin musicians learn the business side of the industry during free classes at St. Edward's University
Austin musicians are stepping into the business side of music through ATXM master classes at St. Edward’s University. Learn how this program is helping artists build sustainable careers—and why it matters now.
City review flags new failures in $25 million arts contract oversight
Austin invests millions into its creative community—but new findings raise concerns about how that money is tracked. A $25M contract review reveals gaps in oversight, transparency, and accountability.
Audit scrutiny forces Austin to rethink Long Center arts grants deal
Austin reviews arts grants program after concerns over Long Center oversight. Proposed changes could reshape how funding reaches local artists.
Missed the SoundExchange Webinar? Here’s How to Catch Up and Get Paid
Missed the SoundExchange webinar? No problem. Learn how to register, claim your recordings, and start collecting your royalties—plus download the takeaway guide to get started.
April 3rd: Full Albums, Really Loud: Led Zeppelin I, II, III, and IV
Experience Led Zeppelin I–IV played loud, start to finish at Hotel Vegas on April 3. No skips, no distractions—just music. $10 tickets benefit Austin Texas Musicians, The SIMS Foundation, and Sonic Guild.
Understanding Your Music Money — SoundExchange vs. BMI vs. The MLC (And How to Actually Get Paid)
Confused about music royalties? Learn the difference between SoundExchange, BMI, and The MLC—and how to collect every dollar you’ve earned. Join ATXM’s free webinar and master class to get paid properly.
2026 Live Music Fund Recipients
Austin’s creative community just hit a major milestone—$7.14M awarded to musicians and venues through the Austin Live Music Fund. With $24M+ distributed citywide, this investment signals real momentum for the future of Austin’s music economy.
March 30: ATXM Master Class: Performance Royalties, Mechanical Royalties & Publishing 101
Learn how royalties really work. ATXM’s Master Class breaks down performance royalties, mechanical royalties, publishing, and streaming income so artists can better understand—and collect—the money they’ve earned. Seats are limited, so register today!
Austin Texas Musicians and St. Edward’s University Announce New Education Partnership to Support Professional Musicians
ATXM and St. Edward’s University are excited to announce a new hybrid education partnership designed to support working musicians. The program delivers practical music industry education through online curriculum modules, in-person master classes, artist mastermind cohorts, and the combined power of academic expertise and Austin’s real-world music ecosystem.
ATXM Music Industry Education Series Kicks Off March 30th
Austin’s music scene is world-renowned—but too many artists are left to navigate the business side of music on their own. The ATXM Music Industry Education Series, kicking off March 30, brings together industry professionals, working musicians, and experienced artists to deliver practical career education. Through in-person master classes, webinars, and workshops, the program gives musicians the tools they need to better understand the music business and build sustainable careers. Location for the first master class will be announced March 13.
April 8: Join us for ATXM Night Shift Music Industry Mixer + Open Mic
Austin’s music community is gathering again for ATXM Night Shift on April 8 at HowMuchStudios (North Lamar + Airport). Join musicians, producers, and industry professionals for a music industry mixer and open mic on the patio stage. RSVP by April 7 to be part of the room. 🎶
March 17: “Stay Out All Day” starring Nakia at the Continental Club
You’re invited to the party. 🎶 Join Nakia at the legendary Continental Club on March 17 for Stay Out All Day — a celebration of Queer Pride, community, and incredible live music from one of Austin’s most powerful and beloved voices.
March 26: Free SoundExchange 101 Webinar
Many musicians are leaving money on the table simply because they aren’t registered to collect digital performance royalties. Join this free SoundExchange webinar on March 26 at 12:00 PM CT to learn how digital royalties work and how to make sure you’re getting paid.
2026 Will be Our Biggest Year Yet—And We Need Your Help to Build It
ATXM is launching its most ambitious year—more education, a new creative hub, safer gigs, and stronger advocacy. Your support powers the programs that keep Austin’s music alive and its musicians thriving.
The ATXM Merch Store Is Live! Premium Apparel with a Purpose
The ATXM Merch Store is officially live — featuring premium, retail-quality apparel designed to celebrate Austin’s music community while directly supporting it. From ultra-soft tees and tanks to classic hoodies in a wide range of colors, every purchase helps fund advocacy, education, and economic development for working musicians and venues.
Shop with purpose. Wear the mission. Support Austin music.
Confusion Around Austin’s Live Music Fund: What Musicians Need to Know
Why did Austin’s 2024 Live Music Fund grants leave parts of the music community confused and frustrated? A recent investigation by Andrea Ball in Austin Current explores scoring, priorities, and communication gaps. Here’s what musicians and venues need to know — and how ATXM is working toward clarity and solutions.
How One Man’s Encounter Sparked a Vision to Revive East Austin’s Music Landmark
ATXM’s Chief Operating Officer, Ray Price never set out to be a music venue savior — but after a serendipitous discovery of the Doris Miller Auditorium, he became a driving force in restoring the historic East Austin space. From teaching young musicians to building a vision for a cultural hub, Price’s work embodies creative community revitalization.
Free Sunday Funday at ACL Live Theater, Feb. 22nd!
Join us — Austin Texas Musicians — for a FREE Sunday Funday at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on February 22! Celebrate 15 years of music and community with live performances, Willie Nelson–style braids from PNC Bank, tech recycling and swag from Dell Technologies, family zones with Ascension Seton and Dell Children's Medical Center, plus food, giveaways, backstage tours and more. Book your free ticket now or join the standby line at the Box Office.
March 3: Join us for ATXM Night Shift Music Industry Mixer + Open Mic
ATXM Night Shift returns Tuesday, March 3rd at Brushy Street Commons — bringing together Austin’s musicians, industry leaders, and creative professionals for an evening of connection and live performance. Featuring our signature listening-room open mic and delicious eats from Marinara Miracles, this is where collaboration starts and community grows.
A Moment That Reminded Us Why We Gather
Last night at ATXM Night Shift, a quiet, powerful moment unfolded when Southern Longoria wrote a poem in the room and bravely shared it during open mic. His words captured the heartbeat of Austin music and reminded us why creating space for artists to be heard truly matters.
Community Partners
Are You a Central Texas Musician?
Austin Texas Musicians is for you! We are musicians working for musicians.
Our community of Central Texas musicians is over 6,000 strong and growing.
We represent those we serve on city, state, and federal policy and provide basic needs and services to improve our quality of life.
Advocacy, Education, and Economic Development are the three pillars of our work to empower you to “Show Up, Speak Up, and Be Heard"!
Make an impact today
🎵 Join us in protecting Austin’s creative future.
Every bit of support goes a long way in helping us help musicians. We’ve got some very impactful new initiatives in motion for 2026, including:
Expanded Paid Performance Opportunities for Musicians
Expanded Education Programming, in Partnership with Local Higher Education
A Downtown Creative Hub, Parking and Safe Escort for Musicians
To continue doing this work, we need your help. Cultivating new partnerships, investment, and donor relations both public and private will be key to our sustainability.
We're putting out a call to all interested corporate partners, angel investors, and music community members and imploring that we all come together to lift up what has proven to be a crucial service to the health of our music community, which truly serves as the cornerstone to Austin’s economic well-being. We hope you’ll help us continue our work by donating, or by contacting us directly to discuss options.