Blog
Blog
ATXM News & Happenings
Jun 15: Musicians Master Class - Sync Licensing, Music Placement & Revenue Streams for Independent Artists
Learn how to get your music placed in film, TV, ads, gaming, and streaming. Join ATXM’s free Sync Licensing Master Class and discover what makes music “sync ready,” how artists get paid, and what music supervisors are looking for.
Austin Musicians Push Back Against AI: Why the Fight for Human Creativity Matters More Than Ever
Austin's music community is taking a stand. Following recent KVUE coverage, musicians, artists, and advocates are calling for stronger AI protections to safeguard creative rights, fair compensation, and the future of human-made music. Discover why this fight matters and how you can help protect the artists who make Austin's culture possible.
June 2: ATXM Night Shift Music Industry Mixer + Open Mic (FREE)
Join ATXM Night Shift on June 2 for Austin’s free music industry mixer and open mic. Connect with musicians, venues, media, and creatives shaping Austin music culture. RSVP required.
Austin Musicians Are Fighting for the Future of Human Creativity — Here’s How You Can Help
Austin musicians, recording artists, and fans are taking a stand against AI exploitation in music. Learn how to support the movement and protect human creativity.
May 19: AI vs. Music - Austin Solidarity Protest + Panel Discussion (FREE)
Austin’s music community is joining New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and cities across the country on May 19 to stand in solidarity against the exploitation of artists’ work by Generative A.I. systems. Join Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM) at Far Out Lounge for an important panel discussion bringing together musicians, technologists, venue owners, educators, and advocates to discuss artist rights, intellectual property, and the future of human creativity. Whether you're a musician, fan, or supporter of Austin’s live music culture, your voice matters in this conversation.
May 12: ATXM Night Shift Music Industry Mixer + Open Mic (FREE)
Join us May 12th for a laid-back night of music, connection, and community with Austin’s musicians and industry pros at Hotel Vegas. Open mic, new collaborations, and good vibes all around.
🎟️ Free, but RSVP required — grab your spot and come hang!
ATXM Downtown Vision Plan Advances to City Council
A safer, more sustainable downtown for Austin musicians moves forward. Key recommendations—safe escorts, parking, and a Green Room hub—now head to City Council.
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 (FREE)
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 3: 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) FREE
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 (FREE)
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 (FREE)
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.
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.