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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 Brings Back Membership Inclusion Programme

ARIA Brings Back Membership Inclusion Programme

ARIA is opening its doors to a new group of independent labels and music companies through the return of its Membership Inclusion Programme.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 10, 2026
ARIA Brings Back Membership Inclusion Programme

News

ARIA Brings Back Membership Inclusion Programme

ARIA is opening its doors to a new group of independent labels and music companies through the return of its Membership Inclusion Programme.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 10, 2026
Laneway Festival to Scale Back Australian Run in 2027

Laneway Festival to Scale Back Australian Run in 2027

Laneway Festival has announced some changes for its Australian run in 2027, with two cities set to miss out.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 10, 2026
Laneway Festival to Scale Back Australian Run in 2027

News

Laneway Festival to Scale Back Australian Run in 2027

Laneway Festival has announced some changes for its Australian run in 2027, with two cities set to miss out.

By Lauren McNamara - Aug 10, 2026
'Everyone Wants to Be Known for Something': Local Artist Jael Is Finding Her Niche in the UK Music Scene

'Everyone Wants to Be Known for Something': Local Artist Jael Is Finding Her Niche in the UK Music Scene

Ahead of the release of her debut EP 'Mama Says', we caught up with Congolese-Australian singer-songwriter Jael.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 26, 2026
'Everyone Wants to Be Known for Something': Local Artist Jael Is Finding Her Niche in the UK Music Scene

Features

'Everyone Wants to Be Known for Something': Local Artist Jael Is Finding Her Niche in the UK Music Scene

Ahead of the release of her debut EP 'Mama Says', we caught up with Congolese-Australian singer-songwriter Jael.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 26, 2026
Sydney's Divine Playhouse Has Had its Lease Terminated

Sydney's Divine Playhouse Has Had its Lease Terminated

New Sydney live music venue Divine Playhouse's run is officially over.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 20, 2026
Sydney's Divine Playhouse Has Had its Lease Terminated

News

Sydney's Divine Playhouse Has Had its Lease Terminated

New Sydney live music venue Divine Playhouse's run is officially over.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 20, 2026
'MJ the Musical' Takes Its Final Australian Bow

'MJ the Musical' Takes Its Final Australian Bow

After 67 weeks, 532 performances and more than 875,000 audience members, 'MJ the Musical' has officially wrapped its Australian tour.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 20, 2026
'MJ the Musical' Takes Its Final Australian Bow

News

'MJ the Musical' Takes Its Final Australian Bow

After 67 weeks, 532 performances and more than 875,000 audience members, 'MJ the Musical' has officially wrapped its Australian tour.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 20, 2026
BIGSOUND Officially Launches 2026 Program at Brisbane Event

BIGSOUND Officially Launches 2026 Program at Brisbane Event

BIGSOUND officially unveiled its 2026 program at a launch event in Fortitude Valley on Wednesday night.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 17, 2026
BIGSOUND Officially Launches 2026 Program at Brisbane Event

News

BIGSOUND Officially Launches 2026 Program at Brisbane Event

BIGSOUND officially unveiled its 2026 program at a launch event in Fortitude Valley on Wednesday night.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 17, 2026
2026 Art Music Awards Finalists Announced

2026 Art Music Awards Finalists Announced

This year's Art Music Awards feature 15 categories spanning composition, performance, music education, sound art and experimental practice.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 16, 2026
2026 Art Music Awards Finalists Announced

News

2026 Art Music Awards Finalists Announced

This year's Art Music Awards feature 15 categories spanning composition, performance, music education, sound art and experimental practice.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 16, 2026
Sydney Venue Divine Playhouse Forced to Close After a Week

Sydney Venue Divine Playhouse Forced to Close After a Week

New Sydney live venue Divine Playhouse has been forced to close just eight days after opening.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
Sydney Venue Divine Playhouse Forced to Close After a Week

News

Sydney Venue Divine Playhouse Forced to Close After a Week

New Sydney live venue Divine Playhouse has been forced to close just eight days after opening.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
APRA AMCOS and ARIA Welcome Albanese's Stand on AI and Copyright

APRA AMCOS and ARIA Welcome Albanese's Stand on AI and Copyright

Several industry organisations have welcomed a major speech from Albanese reaffirming his commitment to Australian creators.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
APRA AMCOS and ARIA Welcome Albanese's Stand on AI and Copyright

News

APRA AMCOS and ARIA Welcome Albanese's Stand on AI and Copyright

Several industry organisations have welcomed a major speech from Albanese reaffirming his commitment to Australian creators.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
BIGSOUND Marks 25th Anniversary With Biggest-Ever Artist Support Package

BIGSOUND Marks 25th Anniversary With Biggest-Ever Artist Support Package

Every act on the BIGSOUND 100 will receive increased financial support this year, as QMusic marks the event's 25th anniversary.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
BIGSOUND Marks 25th Anniversary With Biggest-Ever Artist Support Package

News

BIGSOUND Marks 25th Anniversary With Biggest-Ever Artist Support Package

Every act on the BIGSOUND 100 will receive increased financial support this year, as QMusic marks the event's 25th anniversary.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 15, 2026
Music Victoria Opens 2026 Music Works Funding Round

Music Victoria Opens 2026 Music Works Funding Round

Victorian artists, music workers and businesses can now apply for up to $40,000 as the state government-backed program returns for another year.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 13, 2026
Music Victoria Opens 2026 Music Works Funding Round

News

Music Victoria Opens 2026 Music Works Funding Round

Victorian artists, music workers and businesses can now apply for up to $40,000 as the state government-backed program returns for another year.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 13, 2026
Emma Donovan Covers Billie Eilish for Like a Version

Emma Donovan Covers Billie Eilish for Like a Version

Emma Donovan took to triple j's Like a Version studio on Friday morning, covering Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather'.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 10, 2026
Emma Donovan Covers Billie Eilish for Like a Version

News

Emma Donovan Covers Billie Eilish for Like a Version

Emma Donovan took to triple j's Like a Version studio on Friday morning, covering Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather'.

By Lauren McNamara - Jul 10, 2026
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Lauren McNamara | The Music Network