Industrial Strength: Indigenous awards announce hosts; Another Aussie added to EDMbiz; NZ to strum Golden Guitars?; Splendour sets up online petition

Australian Habits #1: More watching video on smartphones

There has been a 42% rise in the amount of Australians watching videos on their mobile phones, according to a global survey commissioned by the Interactive Advertising Bureau. The figure puts Australians alongside Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. The Americans’ take-up was 50% while it was 40% for the UK, 37% in China and 32% in Singapore. In all, 24 countries were surveyed.

Australians are also spending more time on video watching: 36% watched at least one video over five minutes each day. Globally, 82% said they found videos through YouTube, 33% through social media, 20% through search and 14% through advertising.

Australians also showed a high willingness to pay for video content streamed to phones. Aussies are at fifth spot with 21% showing a willingness. China topped the list with 33%, followed by the UK (25%), Canada (23%) and the US (23%).

Australian Habits #2: regional radio listeners’ lifestyle and spending

Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and Presslaff Interactive Revenue’s second in the series of Finding Consumer Trend (FCT) reports, offering insights in the lifestyle interests and spending intentions of regional radio listeners. The latest looked at the grocery shopping of 2100 listeners from 96 stations. CRA CEO Joan Warner remarked, “The reports offer a fantastic opportunity, for regional stations, to open the door to new business.”

Australian Habits #3: more reliance on mobiles

Key findings from ACMA’s Australians Get Mobile—Using Mobile Devices For Voice, Messaging and Internet Access showed that at December 2014:

• 12% of adult Australians were exclusively mobile—without a fixed-line telephone or fixed internet connection at home, and using mobile devices for voice, messaging and internet access. This grew from 10% at December 2013.

• 29% of adult Australians were mobile-only phone users—with a mobile phone but no fixed-line telephone at home. This grew from 13% at December 2010.

• 21% of adult Australians were mobile-only internet users—relying on a mobile device (mobile phone, tablet or mobile broadband connection) to access the internet. This grew from 19% at December 2013.

The exclusively mobile set are most likely younger (22% of the 25–34 group, 16% of the 18–24 group), more likely lived outside cities (only 10% of metros) and most likely living alone (11%).

Indigenous awards announce hosts

NITV and SBS journalist and presenter Malarndirri McCarthy and comedian Kamahi Djordon King will co-host the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs). They’re held at Darwin Amphitheatre on Sat July 25, with performances by East Journey and Yothu Yindi members premiering their The Genesis Project, Frank Yamma, Tiwi Island’s B2M and The Painted Ladies.

Nominations for the NIMAs close Sat June 20 and the triple j Unearthed Indigenous Competition signs off on Sun July 5.

NZ to strum Golden Guitars?

New Zealand country music performers may be eligible for inclusion in the Australian Country Music Awards (Golden Guitars). The Country Music Association of Australia is currently polling its members. Vice-Chair Roger Corbett said when the awards first began, the Kiwis were included but seemed to have been inadvertently dropped through the cracks through the 90s. So far, polling has showed two-thirds of the members are in favour.

Another Aussie added to EDMbiz

Two Australians are speaking at the fourth EDMbiz Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. It starts tomorrow and runs for two days. In addition to Future Classics’ A&R and co-Director Chad Gillard on the A&R panel, as announced in TMN previously, LA-based DJ, songwriter and producer Hook N Sling is added to the Artist Panel. He joins 3LAU, Krewella, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens and Pretty Lights.

Community radio awards open for nominations

Nominations for the 2015 CBAA Community Radio Awards are open until Wednesday July 15. The 20 categories include digital training, digital media, indigenous broadcasting, music programming, youth contribution, outside broadcast as well as best new music program, outstanding volunteer contribution and best fundraising campaign.

America’s PSAV to acquire Australia’s Staging Connections

US events technology company PSAV entered an agreement to buy Australian event staging and services provider Staging Connections Group Ltd subject to shareholder approval. SCGL managing director Tony Chamberlain said the proposed deal “opens the door to broader technology offerings, resources and professional expertise” and allowed them “to offer our clients an international solution to all their event needs and an improved offering domestically.”

PSAV was set up in 1937 and employs 5000 people in 1,400 destination resorts and hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and Middle East.

Terrestrial radio beats streaming radio revenue

While PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)’s Australian report showed how revenues in the music sector reflect changes in technology – as reported in TMN yesterday – not so much in radio. Terrestrial radio is expected to turn over ad revenue of $1,185 million in 2019 (currently $1,062 million). Internet radio will still be 12% of that, from the current $60 million to $146 million in five years.

Jimmy Little’s Thumbs Up could close

The late Jimmy Little’s successful Thumbs Up – set up six years ago to increase health and opportunities for indigenous children in remote communities through music and videos – could close in weeks if it doesn’t get Government funding. The Jimmy Little Foundation’s CEO Buzz Bidstrup says its application under the new Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) was rejected. Hehas been contacting politicians to address the problem.

Bidstrup points out that up to 50 communities are using the scheme, with its mantra “Good tucker, long life” and its focus that well-fed kids can concentrate on studies, which in turn helps their career prospects in the long run. What is frustrating, he said, was that Thumbs Up needs at least ten years “to show a generational change.” As well, the funding cut comes at a time when it is being asked to expand its focus to include family and domestic violence matters.

The Foundation is trying to raise at least $500,000 through a crowd-funding campaign and on-line auction of Little’s guitars is being considered.

Ten to join Presto?

As part of this week’s Foxtel’s move to take 15% of Ten Network, Ten also has a two-year option to become a 10% shareholder in streaming firm Presto – which is co-owned by rival Seven.

Splendour sets up online petition over noise, events

The Splendour In The Grass festival has emailed its members to sign a petition set up to lobby the NSW Government on two issues. Firstly, Splendour wants to have its noise requirements modified to be similar to other outdoor events in NSW. Secondly, it also wants more smaller community and school events to be allowed at the North Byron Parklands site. "The changes applied for will mean a greater and clearer festival experience for you and happier neighbours!” the festival said. See https://helpparklands.com/.

Women in Australian music discuss women in Australian music

In its latest round of thought provoking industry panels in Melbourne, STEP (Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People) is holding a discussion of Women In Australian Music. Clare Bowditch will moderate a panel with musician and LISTEN co-founder Evelyn Morris, The Good Copy senior editor Brodie Lancaster, troubadour and booker Emily Ulman, journalist and author Jenny Valentish and Bakehouse Studios co-owner and SLAM co-founder Helen Marcou. It takes place at the Toff In Town on Wed July 1.

Unlicensed rave promoters to face charges?

The promoters of an unlicensed and overcrowded rave in a Brisbane West End warehouse on the weekend could face charges of fire safety breaches, the Courier Mail reported. Police and fire services were called out to check the safety of the building. Authorities were concerned there was only one exit for 800 ravers attendees, who were squeezed in after paying $10 a head. The event was closed down by its security team.

Venues update: two new rooms, closures, fines, sales

* Perth gets a new live music room this weekend, the Basso Music Bar at 25 Old Perth Road in Bassendean. The new owners have given the heritage pub a facelift, are committed to music and arts, and hired Big Tommo Presents to handle bookings.

* The new Albion in South Melbourne (on the site of the old Motel club) re-opens on August 21, and will have live entertainment.

* Melbourne jazz club Bennetts Lane closed this week after 23 years, putting in four stunning final shows. However, theatre operator David Marriner (Forum, Regent, Princess) has bought the name, and is setting up Bennetts Jazz Club in Flinders Lane, operational by late 2015. Megg Evans is retained to manage the new venue. Owner Michael Tortoni will open a new venue in Brunswick next year.

* After 20 years Soho nightclub in Sydney’s Kings Cross is closed. Owner Andrew Lazarus blamed the State Government’s lockout for affecting patronage to such an extent it was no longer financially viable. No doubt the adverse publicity over Lazarus’ 23-year-old son Luke’s raping of a teenage girl in a nearby alley, for which he was jailed for three years, didn’t help either.

* Coffs Harbour’s Coast Hotel was in in Coffs Harbour Local Court for continuing to serve an intoxicated man in 2013, The 34-year-old, a former employee of the club, later died of head injuries after brawling elsewhere with a 21-year-old man. Venue owner Cheralex Holdings fined $100 and its GM James Marriott put on good behaviour bond.

* The Crown Hotel Parramatta, which featured regular live music and comedy, was sold by Iris Capital along with The Crest Hotel in Potts for a combined $170 million. New owner is China’s biggest building company Greenland.

* Also sold in Sydney was the Woolloomooloo Bay, which also showcases live entertainment. Halcyon Hotels sold it, and the Woolwich Pier, together for an estimated $35 million to the Laundy family.

* A 1,000-seat performance arts centre and an international film festival are among initiatives unveiled by The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Noosa to boost Noosa’s economy.

* The Wyndham Estate, one of the Hunter Valley wineries which regularly stages live music, is changing its name to George Wyndham Wines as part of a rebrand in recognition of its founder.

Turn the page

Prolific Australian author Jeff Apter’s next tome is Tragedy – The Sad Ballad of the Gibb Brothers. It looks at the highs as well as the personal downside: divorce, drunkenness and death. Robin Gibb once said, “All the tragedies my family has suffered…is a kind of karmic price we are paying for all the fame and fortune we’ve had.” It is out in August through Echo Books.

Sydney-based singer, writer and producer Ricci Carr draws on her 45-year career to provide the basic skills for a young aspirant to sing a modern song well in A Modern Singer’s Guide: I Can Sing, But Where Is My Voice?. Carr who attended a singing an acting academy after arriving from New Zealand toured the East Coast and also worked the cruise and RSL circuits. More info www.icansing.co.

Vale

Melbourne jazz drummer and composer Allan Browne passed last Saturday, a month away from his 71st birthday. He had complications from an infection after a long time battle with emphysema, which led to a lung transplant ten years ago, Self-taught, he was touring internationally from the 60s with the Red Onions Jazz Band to later years with Onaje. At one point, he was running four bands while playing with others, working on film and TV scores and recording his own albums. His record label Jazzhead called him “a mentor, a leader, a driving force, free spirit and a joy. To Jazzhead he was an inspiration of open-minded review and expression, a reminder that nothing is old, done or really explored. He was fresh, playing each track like it was the first time.” Browne released his latest album Ithaca Bound this month.

Carol Anderson, guitarist with pioneering Sydney post-punk grunge outfit Box Of Fish, passed after a short battle with acute pulmonary pneumonia. Box Of Fish used their high profile to encourage younger acts as Died Pretty and The Scientists, and for political causes. Anderson was also a member of The Siberian All Stars.

Composer and Ten’s music director between 1966 and 1988, Jack Grimsley was best known for his themes for TV shows Wheel of Fortune and Sale of the Century as well had his music Blankety Blanks, The Price is Right and Benny Hill Down Under. He also worked on various jazz and swing compilations, and played on albums by artists as John Williamson.

And a few other things…

Part 2 of Blood +Thunder, about two immigrant families – the Alberts (label, publishing, studio) and the Youngs (Easybeats, AC/DC) is screened by ABC-TV on Thursday July 2 at 8.30 pm.

Tragedy struck a Flume gig at Echostage in Washington DC. A woman in the audience celebrating her 19th birthday collapsed and died after an OD on molly.

Peter Garrett leaped up from the audience to join Paul Kelly and Gurrumul on stage at the 30th Barunga Festival in the Northern Territory for a finale of From Little Things Big Things Grow. The festival drew 4,000 people, a 30% rise from the year before.

The latest incarnation of the Smashing Pumpkins includes Melbourne born LA-based Katie Cole on bass. She recently opened an acoustic tour by Pumpkins’ leader Billy Corgan.

Oh dear, a Change.org petition to get Def Leppard to Brisbane (they’re only playing Sydney and Melbourne) attracted 18 people.

Rdio is expanding its low cost subscription service Rdio Select through Europe in the next few months. It is already available in Australia as well as NZ, the US, Canada, India and South Africa.

The Tony Awards generated a 79% gain for cast album sales in the US.

The first North American leg of Taylor Swift’s current world tour grossed US $16.8 million from 149,708 tickets sold.

Australian country music singer-songwriter Catherine Britt will continue her Boneshaker tour despite beginning treatment for breast cancer. The Newcastle-based 30-year-old posted news of her diagnosis on Facebook.

Will Ferrier, frontman with Perth’s The Embers, will be a contestant on the next Ten series of The Bachelorette Australia under his real name Will Ferrier.

As part of Melbourne’s Leaps and Bounds, Dave Graney and Clare Moore will be honoured as Living Legends at the Gasometer on July 12. Their vast catalogue will be interpreted on the night by a collection of admirers including Mick Turner and Jane Dust.

Real Groovy, the best known record store in New Zealand, has to find new digs as the building it has occupied for 25 years is being demolished to make way for apartments.

17-year-old Keely Johnson, who wrote and recorded with Lee Kernaghan the song Turn This To Gold – about her being diagnosed at the age 10 with a rare form of blood cancer which contributed to a brain tumour – has been given her own acoustic guitar. The gift was from Queensland businesses Fretfest and Guitar Brothers.

Dissatisfaction among some members of NSW radio 2TLC FM (Tender Loving Clarence) saw a move to hold a special GM on June 24 to dissolve the current board. The station is facing financial and technical issues.