Oakland, California, boasts a rich and diverse music history, significantly impacting genres like blues, jazz, funk, and hip-hop. In the 1960s and 70s, it was a hub for the funk sound with artists such as Rodger Collins and Johnny Talbot, and was central to the connection between music and social justice movements, exemplified by The Black Panther Party's band, The Lumpen.¹ West Oakland, once known as the “Harlem of the West,” was fertile ground for Black music styles.² Oakland's vibrant scene continues to evolve, with a strong DIY ethos and numerous venues supporting both established and emerging artists across many genres. The city was also a key location in the rise of West Coast hip-hop.³ While specific market size data for Oakland alone is not readily available, the broader California musical groups and artists industry was valued at $1.6 billion in 2025.⁴