Texas Music Office Director Annual Year in Review Letter
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. This marked yet another great year for the Texas Music Office (TMO), and the TMO staff and I are ready to continue our work serving as the voice of the Texas commercial music industry. Looking back at the past 12 months, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what has been a remarkable year for the Texas music community.
First, I must thank the hardworking staff of the TMO – Gini Mascorro, Steve Ray, and Jaclyn Zapata. I would also like to thank our 2024 fellowship interns – Zaina Asad, Lux Bauman, Garrett Guilianelle, Charli Houser, Prisha Mehta, Juliane Smouse, Mia Spidel, and Karsen Wilkerson. I’d also like to thank Governor Greg Abbott and his staff, as well as Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, and her team for their continued support of the TMO and the entire Texas music industry.
On September 1, 2024, the TMO opened the second round of applications for the Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR) Program. The TMIR Program was signed into law by Governor Abbott following the 87th Legislative Session, with $20.2 million in FY 2024-25 funding approved in the 88th Legislative Session. The rebate program allows qualified Texas music venues and festival promoters to receive up to $100,000 in rebates of the mixed beverage gross receipts taxes or sales taxes attributed to the sale of beer and wine. For FY 2024, the program approved nearly $8.9 million in rebates for 168 venues and festival promoters. These funds were utilized by recipients in many ways, including operational costs, administrative expenses, enhanced marketing, and more. The second round of applications closed on November 30, 2024, and as of now, the TMO has received and is processing 250 applications.
Music Friendly Texas
Our Music Friendly Texas program continues to grow, as the City of Mexia was certified in December as our 71st MFT community. We also kick started 2025 with our newest community, certifying the City of Lockhart on January 3 (see photo above). With their certification, these communities, along with our other Music Friendly Texas Community partners, show their commitment to connecting with their local music stakeholders, and amplifying their successes and growth.
Do You Have Your Texas Music License Plate?
Did you know that you can show your love of Texas music with the purchase of an official Texas Music license plate for your car, truck or motorcycle? Your purchase provides funds to buy music instruments and lessons for Texas schools or support free community music programs across the state. Order your Texas Music license plate today!
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