City music department recommended

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Live Music Task Force presented recommendations Thursday to help musicians and the community work together. The biggest recommendation included creating a new city Music Department."Unfortunately it's really difficult for musicians like us to able to actually survive," said Austin Musician Malice Blackhart. Blackhart said the city needs a music department to utilize use resources and money to keep her in town.

"There's several billions of dollars that come into our economy every year from us musicians, and unfortunately, us musicians are working for less than minimum wage," she said. The other recommendations include helping provide access to affordable housing in Austin, and implementing rules to have sound engineers at live music venues.

"Everybody's got to find a nice common ground," said Terri Ewton, an live music fan in Austin. There is still a lot of noisy ground to cover. "What we're concerned about is compatibility," said Jeff Jack, a past president of the Austin Neighborhood Council. "Being able to live in our homes and not being disturbed by a venue five blocks away."

Those that live by big music festivals like ACL, say the noise at outdoor venues is still a big problem. "I think they missed the opportunity to really build a good working relationship with the neighborhoods," said Jack. Musicians said neighborhood residents need to give them a chance.

"What they need to do is come, check us out, know that were not just some kids trying to make it next door, but we are professionals too," said Blackhart. The City Council now has to decide whether to create a music department, and how many staff members to bring on board. That will most likely happen early next year, according to city staff.