New York City and Los Angeles, the Music Consumption Capitals

Abstract

Traditional rivals, New York City and Los Angeles are the two largest cities in the US, and therefore have a demographic advantage in the global music industry. Highly urbanized, these cities are where exceptionally creative people move to once they reach a certain stage of their music development. Comparing recent music census, journalism coverage, algorithms A to C, coupled with interviewees from music industry representatives based in North America (Austin and Toronto) and from Melbourne, this chapter examines the urban sociability of New York City and Los Angeles. It offers empirical evidence that New York City is the music and digital music consumption capital, while Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and a live music destination.