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Lauren McNamara

Joined 2025 • 539 posts
Lauren McNamara

Lauren McNamara is a Sydney-based journalist covering music, film, TV, media and pop culture. She began writing for Vinyl Media in mid-2025 and joined the team full time in August 2026. 

Latest stories

ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

The ARIA Award for Best Music Festival will return for a second year in 2026.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 7, 2026
ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

News

ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

The ARIA Award for Best Music Festival will return for a second year in 2026.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 7, 2026
‘We Don’t Aspire to Be Other Festivals’: QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis Reflects on BIGSOUND 2026

‘We Don’t Aspire to Be Other Festivals’: QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis Reflects on BIGSOUND 2026

BIGSOUND won’t chase the model of other major festivals as the organisation begins planning for 2027 and beyond, according to QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 6, 2026
‘We Don’t Aspire to Be Other Festivals’: QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis Reflects on BIGSOUND 2026

News

‘We Don’t Aspire to Be Other Festivals’: QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis Reflects on BIGSOUND 2026

BIGSOUND won’t chase the model of other major festivals as the organisation begins planning for 2027 and beyond, according to QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 6, 2026
'You Need People Who Are Going to Protect You': Julia Jacklin Gets Candid About the Music Industry

'You Need People Who Are Going to Protect You': Julia Jacklin Gets Candid About the Music Industry

There’s not much protection in the music industry for artists, according to Julia Jacklin, who says a solid support network has become more crucial than ever.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 3, 2026
'You Need People Who Are Going to Protect You': Julia Jacklin Gets Candid About the Music Industry

News

'You Need People Who Are Going to Protect You': Julia Jacklin Gets Candid About the Music Industry

There’s not much protection in the music industry for artists, according to Julia Jacklin, who says a solid support network has become more crucial than ever.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 3, 2026
Young Australians Are Being 'Locked Out' of Live Music, New Report Finds

Young Australians Are Being 'Locked Out' of Live Music, New Report Finds

Nearly half of young Australians under 18 say age restrictions are stopping them from attending live music, according to new research from The Push.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 2, 2026
Young Australians Are Being 'Locked Out' of Live Music, New Report Finds

News

Young Australians Are Being 'Locked Out' of Live Music, New Report Finds

Nearly half of young Australians under 18 say age restrictions are stopping them from attending live music, according to new research from The Push.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 2, 2026
Kobie Dee Launches Twenny47 Records With BAM as Distribution Partner (EXCLUSIVE)

Kobie Dee Launches Twenny47 Records With BAM as Distribution Partner (EXCLUSIVE)

Kobie Dee is stepping into the label business with the launch of Twenny47 Records, The Music Network can exclusively reveal.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 1, 2026
Kobie Dee Launches Twenny47 Records With BAM as Distribution Partner (EXCLUSIVE)

News

Kobie Dee Launches Twenny47 Records With BAM as Distribution Partner (EXCLUSIVE)

Kobie Dee is stepping into the label business with the launch of Twenny47 Records, The Music Network can exclusively reveal.

By Lauren McNamara - Sep 1, 2026
Triple J to Broadcast One Night Stand 2026 Nationwide

Triple J to Broadcast One Night Stand 2026 Nationwide

Triple j is bringing One Night Stand to audiences around the country this weekend, with the Griffith festival set to be broadcast and livestreamed nationwide.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 31, 2026
Triple J to Broadcast One Night Stand 2026 Nationwide

News

Triple J to Broadcast One Night Stand 2026 Nationwide

Triple j is bringing One Night Stand to audiences around the country this weekend, with the Griffith festival set to be broadcast and livestreamed nationwide.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 31, 2026
Harry Moore Launches New Independent Agency Lowtide

Harry Moore Launches New Independent Agency Lowtide

Australian booking agent Harry Moore has launched a new agency, Lowtide, with Ocean Alley, Tones And I, The Cat Empire, and more among its foundation clients.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 26, 2026
Harry Moore Launches New Independent Agency Lowtide

News

Harry Moore Launches New Independent Agency Lowtide

Australian booking agent Harry Moore has launched a new agency, Lowtide, with Ocean Alley, Tones And I, The Cat Empire, and more among its foundation clients.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 26, 2026
Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley Launch New Sydney Concert Series

Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley Launch New Sydney Concert Series

Festival veterans Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley are launching a new outdoor concert series in Sydney.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 26, 2026
Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley Launch New Sydney Concert Series

News

Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley Launch New Sydney Concert Series

Festival veterans Jessica Ducrou and Elise Huntley are launching a new outdoor concert series in Sydney.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 26, 2026
Darren Hayes Receives Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award

Darren Hayes Receives Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award

Darren Hayes has been honoured with Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award at the 17th annual Music In The House event in Sydney.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
Darren Hayes Receives Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award

News

Darren Hayes Receives Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award

Darren Hayes has been honoured with Support Act’s Excellence in Community Award at the 17th annual Music In The House event in Sydney.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
Australian Artists James Johnston and BOY SODA Gain Ground Overseas

Australian Artists James Johnston and BOY SODA Gain Ground Overseas

James Johnston and BOY SODA are flying the flag for Australian music overseas, with both artists reaching new international milestones.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
Australian Artists James Johnston and BOY SODA Gain Ground Overseas

News

Australian Artists James Johnston and BOY SODA Gain Ground Overseas

James Johnston and BOY SODA are flying the flag for Australian music overseas, with both artists reaching new international milestones.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
Kate Miller-Heidke Says Ageism Is ‘Deeply Entrenched’ in Australian Music

Kate Miller-Heidke Says Ageism Is ‘Deeply Entrenched’ in Australian Music

Kate Miller-Heidke has called out ageism facing women in Australian music, as she and Tina Arena reflect on the challenges they have encountered over the years.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
Kate Miller-Heidke Says Ageism Is ‘Deeply Entrenched’ in Australian Music

News

Kate Miller-Heidke Says Ageism Is ‘Deeply Entrenched’ in Australian Music

Kate Miller-Heidke has called out ageism facing women in Australian music, as she and Tina Arena reflect on the challenges they have encountered over the years.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 25, 2026
BIGSOUND Locks In Final Program for 25th Anniversary

BIGSOUND Locks In Final Program for 25th Anniversary

BIGSOUND has locked in new showcases, industry events and international delegations ahead of its 25th anniversary next week.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 24, 2026
BIGSOUND Locks In Final Program for 25th Anniversary

News

BIGSOUND Locks In Final Program for 25th Anniversary

BIGSOUND has locked in new showcases, industry events and international delegations ahead of its 25th anniversary next week.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 24, 2026
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Lauren McNamara | The Music Network