This new ranking crowns the ten best U.S. cities for music lovers

From jazz funerals and block parties to sweaty club nights and stadium tours, several cities across the U.S. stand out as hotbeds of live music, music history and musical culture—and a new study reveals which towns offer the very best music experiences around the country.

Using data on venues, artists, festivals, events, search interest and music-related jobs, Spin Genie set out to find the best U.S. cities for music lovers. The leaders of the pack boast a culture that weaves music into daily life, through performance and history.

According to the study, the number one city for music lovers is Atlanta. With a hotspot score of 8.74 out of 10, the city outperformed traditional heavyweights like Nashville and Los Angeles. Atlanta boasts nearly 190 upcoming music events per 100,000 residents and a huge concentration of artists. It’s long been the unofficial capital of hip hop, shaping modern rap and R&B through artists like Usher, Ludacris and Ciara. From warehouse shows to polished arena tours, Atlanta’s scene is constantly in motion.

Tied at number two are New Orleans and Miami. Music is an inseparable part of daily life in New Orleans. The birthplace of jazz leads the nation in musical artists per capita, with more than six times the national average. Walk along Frenchman Street or through the French Quarter and live music spills out into the streets at all hours. Legends like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton set the tone, but the traditions have been passed down through generations and updated for modern ears. And it's not just jazz: funk, soul, brass and rock are all part of the local music scene.

Miami's sound reflects its cultural mix. Latin, Caribbean and American influences collide here, creating something that's uniquely local. Miami hosts major festivals like Ultra and GroundUp, but the music is pervasive on all levels, from DJs at beachfront bars to live bands in Little Havana.

Wrapping up the top of the list is Orlando, which boasts the most music-related jobs per capita in the country. Here, music is nurtured as an integral part of the economy.

The report also reveals facts about the country's music scene. Oakland has the most music venues per capita, for example, while Las Vegas boasts the most upcoming shows per person. Phoenix has the most upcoming music festivals and Austin gets the most music-related Google searches.

Find the full report here.

Ten best cities in the U.S. for music lovers

1. Atlanta
2. New Orleans and Miami
3. Orlando
4. Boston
5. Minneapolis
6. San Francisco
7. Nashville
8. Las Vegas
9. Seattle