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MUSIC/SOUND RECORDING
The Louisiana Music Commission

Louisiana Economic Development (LED) understands the value of Louisiana's cultural assets and is committed to expanding the state's role in the global cultural economy. LED is working to expand the cultural economy and create new opportunities for artists, musicians and filmmakers.

The Louisiana Music Commission, under the direction of LED's entertainment division, promotes and develops popular commercial music and its related industry in Louisiana. Click here to see a list of commission members. LED and the Louisiana Music Commission are committed to supporting Louisiana musicians and are working aggressively to promote the state's vibrant music industry.


  • It is possible that there has never been a more creative group of people than the group called Louisianians. No one anywhere in the world doubts our talents or creative energy. They wait in line to listen to our music. ... They marvel at our state's film and visual arts. ... They envy our celebrations and flock to them every year. ... Across the entire civilized world, when it comes to culture the word "Louisiana" stands for innovation and quality

    -Gov. Bobby Jindal, Inauguration Day speech, Jan.14, 2008

SOUND RECORDING INVESTOR TAX CREDIT
The Louisiana Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit was created with the entertainment industry in mind. Much like the state's highly successful film program, the credit has advanced to 25 percent and is designed to boost record production development by reducing the cost of making new master music recordings, whether distributed by CD, digital download or as part of a soundtrack. The credit also provides a 25 percent tax credit on sound recording infrastructure development.

Click on the links below for more information:

  • Sound Recording Incentives LA RS 47:6023
    NOTICE: When applying for the Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit incentive, advance notification must be given in writing to the Office of Entertainment Industry Development before any production, purchasing, hiring or construction activity begins so as to receive credit for all qualified expenditures from the date of OEID's receipt of the advance notice. Using one of the following two SR application forms is required and will also serve as the notification.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICES FOR SMALL AND EMERGING BUSINESSES
Under the LED Entrepreneurial Services division, entertainment entrepreneurs can find general business assistance and resources, participate in the Small and Emerging Business Development Program and consult with the statewide Small Business Development Centers. To learn more please visit:

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SPECIAL FEATURE
Only In Louisiana: 50 Years of Music in the Grammys

This video was produced to showcase the Louisiana entertainment industry. It premiered during Grammy week at an LED business mission and luncheon. The compilation demonstrates Louisiana's connection to the Grammy Awards and highlights past Grammy winners and nominees with Louisiana roots.

view video

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MUSIC NEWS & RESOURCES
Click on the following links for information and news on Louisiana's entertainment industry:

  • Louisiana Music Export Office: Sound recording incentives and assistance
    http://louisianamusicexport.com/
  • Louisiana and New Orleans music news and directory:
    http://www.offbeat.com/
    http://www.louisianamusicdirectory.com/
  • Music Business Education:
    http://music.loyno.edu/musicindustry/index.html
  • Louisiana Film & Television:
    www.lafilm.org/
  • Film & TV Music Guide: Observations and lessons learned from the Hollywood Reporter, Billboard Film and TV Music Conference, a preliminary guide for songwriters, composers and those interested in pursuing the business of licensing, composing or recording music for film, by Jay Weigel.
    Click here to download
  • ArtistsHouseMusic.org: Valuable information for musicians of all levels, managers, producers, recording artists, resident business operators and others dealing with all aspects of the industry.
    www.artistshousemusic.org
  • Louisiana Recording Studios: An Excel document that lists the location, contact information and scoring capabilities of Louisiana's Recording Studios.
  • Tipitina's Music Office Co-Ops: Provide fully-equipped work space for musicians and other digital media professionals.  Co-ops offer computers, Web design, audio tools, ergonomic work space, basic skills training in layout and web design, press kit creation and building web pages along with technical support, production assistance, access to a network of music business professionals, specialized information resources and much more.
    http://tipitinasfoundation.org/co-op       

EMERGENCY & HURRICANE ASSISTANCE

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For more information on Louisiana's music industry, contact:

Lynwood "Lynn" Ourso
Director, Louisiana Music Commission
Director of Music Business Development
Ourso@la.gov

 

Jana Smith
Business Development Officer
Sound Recording Investment Tax Credit Program
jana.smith@la.gov

 

Office of Entertainment Industry Development
P.O. Box 94185
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
225.342.5403
225.342.5554 Fax