Sydney gets industry alliance to protect live music

More than 60 music industry representatives have joined forces to protect Sydney’s live music scene.

The alliance was formed at a meeting hosted at Sydney venue Oxford Art Factory yesterday between venue operators, musicians, promoters, booking agents, festivals and industry associations.

Facilitated by the City of Sydney, the meeting saw the group discuss ways in which it could lobby government, influence legislation and promote the value of the industry.

City of Sydney Cultural Strategy Manager Hugh Nichols said: “It’s great to see the live music community rallying around this idea, and we’re looking forward to working with the alliance when it’s formed.”

MusicNSW will coordinate the proposed entity. Acting Executive Officer Emily Collins, said: “Sydney is full of incredible music talent, passionate audiences and inspiring creative leaders – this alliance is about bringing those leaders together to find new and exciting ways to collaborate and MusicNSW is absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.”

Among the attendees was Tim Levinson (Urthboy). He said in a statement: “It makes a lot of sense to organise and represent the needs of musicians, venues, soundies, bar staff, and the countless others involved in live music.”

The alliance follows the formation of Keep Sydney Open last January to combat the lockout laws and protect Sydney’s late night culture. Speaking to TMN, Collins said the effect the lockouts have had on Sydney’s music scene did play a hand in the new alliance.

“The impact of the Sydney lockouts were certainly one factor contributing to the need for such an alliance to be formed – but working towards more effective relationships with regulators is just one of the key goals of this group. We’re still in the early days of the alliance, but other key issues discussed yesterday included artist and audience development, industry perceptions and misconceptions and the role of live music in building and contributing to community.”

Collins also told TMN MusicNSW is piecing together a structure for the alliance in the coming weeks. “Once its formed the first piece of work will be formulating our objectives and strategies for achieving them.”

Since the controversial 1:30am lockout laws hit Sydney in February 2014, musicians, DJs and live music venues have felt the affects, with at least 30 venues in Kings Cross and Oxford Street closing (James Loch, spokesperson forReclaim The Streets).

Most interestingly though, the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) has reported Surry Hills, Redfern and Pyrmonthave recorded a rise in crimesince the new laws were set into place. Meaning the 40% drop of assault rates in Kings Cross has had a deferred effect on those suburbs, as well as at the city’s Star casino, where assault rates have risen.

Image: Bloc Party at Oxford Arts Factory this month