MUSCLE SHOALS — Alabama’s Music Scene Ignited
A major expansion of Alabama’s entertainment tax incentive program is shaking things up in the music industry. That’s right—this isn’t just another bureaucratic mumbo jumbo. The Alabama Department of Commerce and the Alabama Entertainment Office are on a mission to promote fresh opportunities, and they dropped by the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival last month to spread the word.
This year’s festival attracted over 50 songwriters and hundreds of music fans from all corners of the country. Venues like Fame Recording Studios and The Shoals Theatre played host to unforgettable performances by legendary Muscle Shoals songwriters.
State officials were in the mix, connecting with songwriters and industry bigwigs. They jumped into a panel discussion to unveil the newly-launched Alabama Music Incentive, aimed at luring music creators to record in Alabama with financial perks.
Spooner Oldham, a Grammy Award-winning Shoals songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, performed at the festival and noted that buzz about the program is spreading like wildfire. “People keep hearing about the incentive and are asking, ‘What is that?’” Oldham said. “It has a magical effect, and it is growing.”
In the words of hit songwriter Matt Warren, who also graced the festival stage, the incentives are a no-brainer. “You’ve got to have material to put out for people to hear,” he said. “Why would you not come to the Shoals or anywhere in the state to record, knowing about the incentive we now have?”
Earlier this year, Governor Kay Ivey signed into law the expansion of Alabama’s previous entertainment tax incentive program, extending it to music productions. They even rebranded the Alabama Film Office as the Alabama Entertainment Office to reflect this new, broader mission.
The revamped incentive structure kicks the annual cap up to a whopping $22 million starting in Fiscal 2026, with $2 million earmarked specifically for music albums. And get this: unused incentives can now roll over to the next fiscal year, up to $3 million. This is crucial for maintaining the program’s efficiency and long-term viability.
As Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair put it, “Alabama already is home to a huge talent pool of creative minds and voices, and the expanded entertainment incentive program will help us grow that dynamic scene.” It’s about time we recognize that this state is a goldmine for creative talent.
Meghann Bridgeman, chief entertainment officer of the Alabama Entertainment Office, joined forces with Shoals record producer Charles Holloman during the panel discussion, moderated by Kevin Lamb at the Shoals Songwriter Workshop. This workshop drew talent from across the Southeast, including students from the University of North Alabama’s Music Business and Technology programs.
Bridgeman emphasized the festival’s role in inspiring the next generation of music in Muscle Shoals, stating, “Alabama has been and will continue to be a music-making destination known around the world.”
Lillian Glanton, festival founder and Executive Director, expressed excitement for continuing the partnership with the state, aiming to attract more singer/songwriters to the Shoals. “We were honored to have the Alabama Department of Commerce at this year’s festival and the Shoals Songwriter Workshop,” Glanton said. “It was a tremendous opportunity to connect with songwriters and performers from all over the country and share why Alabama is an incredible place to create music.”
The Commerce Department served as the premier video partner for the festival, which has run for four consecutive years, significantly boosting the local economy as music fans flock to the area. This year’s impressive lineup included Chris Tompkins, Gary Baker, Mark Narmore, James LeBlanc, and others.
Oldham shared a moment with a 20-year-old songwriter at the festival, brimming with enthusiasm for the future. “As long as people love music and are willing to put their heart and soul and a little time and money into it, it will keep happening,” he said.
Alabama’s music scene is not just surviving; it’s thriving, and the new tax incentives are a game-changer. Keep an eye on this space—great things are on the horizon for Alabama music creators. For more details, check out the Alabama Commerce website.