Melbourne Proclaimed As One Of The World's Leading Music Cities

A global study has named Melbourne as one of the leading music cities in the world. 

According to The Mastering Of A Music City, Melbourne joins London, Montreal, New York, Berlin and Austin as one of the best cities to adopt a vibrant music economy. 

It reads: "In Melbourne, Australia, a 2012 census found that live music alone generated more than A$1bn in spending at small venues, concerts and festivals, supported 116,000 annual full-time equivalent jobs, and produced significant spin-off benefits to restaurants, hotels, transportation companies and other providers."

"In 2009-2010, an estimated 5.4mn people attended live music performances in the city. This puts music in the top ranks of the city’s economic drivers."

The study suggests that Melbourne's implementation of the agent of change principle last year, which protects venues from noise complaints of new residents, is one of the key factors in its surge as one of the best music cities. 

"The Agent of Change Principle works well where there is a concentration of established music venues that are threatened by encroaching residential developments. An effort is now underway to have this principle adopted in part of London, UK."

It also cited the Melbourne Music Strategy for its cause to integrate music in everyday life: "Having ready access to live music will increase community pride and wellbeing, and make Melbourne a more welcoming, vibrant 24 hour city for residents and visitors."

The study concludes that cities such as Melbourne that are focusing on music making an impact into people's lifestyles are leading the way for the rest of the world. 

"The outsized impact of music on both the lifestyle and economic fortunes of places like Austin and Melbourne has become a beacon for other cities."

The news interestingly comes just days after Melbourne introduced relaxed drinking laws in live music venues and bars.