Industrial Strength: November 6

STUDY: CULTURAL & CREATIVE ACTIVITY WORTH $111.7B TO AUSSIE ECONOMY

A new analysis from The Bureau of Communications and Arts Research (BCAR) shows that cultural and creative activity is increasing value to the Australian economy.

Cultural and creative activity relates to the arts, media, heritage, design, fashion and information technology.

In its latest report, Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008-09 to 2016-17, its contribution in 2016-17.was $111.7 billion – which equated to 6.4% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in in 2016-17.

It was a 30% increase in value from 2008-09 when it was $86 billion.

The working paper tracks annual growth in cultural and creative activity, based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

For more details, head here.

Activities contributing the most to the economy were design ($42.8 billion), fashion ($14.2 billion), and broadcasting, electronic or digital media and film ($9.7 billion) in 2016-17.

Design has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven mainly by computer system design and related services.

THANK GOD I’M A COUNTRY GIRL

One of 14 documentaries that Screen Australia is funding to the tune of $2.7 million is Heart Of The Queen, about Wanita, a chaotic and talented honky-tonk singer from Tamworth who risks it all to take one last glorious stab at her lifelong dream: to become a country music great in Nashville.

It is written and directed by first-timer Matthew Walker, and produced by Carolina Sorensen and Clare Lewis’s company People Productions with Tait Brady of Acme Film Co. as the executive producer.

Other arts-oriented docos in the 14 are Fire Starter abut the 40-year history of the Bangarra Dance Theatre through the eyes of its celebrated artistic director, Stephen Page; and Trans Mission which follows transgender truck driver Holly Conroy in her bid to stage a Mardi Gras in Australia’s No. 1 Christian town: Wagga Wagga.

Among the themes of other documentaries were child abuse under the Roman Catholic Church, six young disabled people finding romance, a chaotic family run events business, life (and death) in two Sydney funeral homes, sexual assault victims battle for justice, 1.5 kilometre long bamboo bridge in Cambodia, a guide dog’s change of diet, a New York graffiti art photographer and a Sydney kids’ magician’s quest to reboot his life with a grand illusion to make Uluru disappear.

SAVE PICABAR PETITION HITS TARGET

A petition to raise 10,000 signature for a campaign to extend the lease of Perth’s Picabar was close to hitting its target by the weekend.

The bar in the Cultural Centre in the Northbridge entertainment precinct has its own performance space and art gallery.

The centre’s new owners Perth Theatre Trust told the bar’s owners since 2012, Brian Buckley and Melissa Bowen, that their lease would not be extended as the centre was looking for expressions of interest from other parties.

The organisers have now upped their target to 15,000 signatures, to make your voice heard – head here.

ULTRA MOVING HOME?

After losing its contract with downtown Miami after 23 years, Ultra Music Festival is casting its eyes a 15-minute drive further south.

Promoters will next week make a bid to stage in Virginia Key, occupying Virginia Key Beach Park and in Miami Marine Stadium Flex Park.

APPEAL FOR KATE STEWART

Friends are rallying around music industry vet, Kate Stewart, who worked at Big Day out and managed You Am I, who suffered a stroke in September

A fundraising campaign via Support Act Ltd explains, “Kate has right sided paralysis (hemiplegia) limiting use of her arm and leg as well as memory and language deficits.

“Unfortunately, Kate is not well enough to return to work and is not in a financial position to pay for ongoing rehabilitation and care services, mortgage repayments and costs of daily living.

“Kate has always been a generous donor and supporter of charity with monthly donations to WWF, Oxfam, and Save the Children to name a few.

“In order for Kate to live an independent and full life in the future she will require ongoing care and support.”

For more details and to donate, head here.

THE CAT EMPIRE CASTS SPANISH EYES

‘Sola’ the latest track from the Cat Empire’s Feb-due Stolen Diamonds is sung mainly in Spanish and features Calexico star Depedro on vocals.

Spain is one of The Cat Empire’s most successful territories, where recent shows have come close to pandemonium.

The song’s co-author Felix Reibl explains, “We met (Depedro) many years ago at the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

“He plays with one of my favourite bands Calexico, but is also a very well respected artist in his own right.

“There was a cumbia style riff we recorded, and I felt the lyrics should be in Spanish, so we got in touch and this song emerged with Depedro writing his lines.

“It’s very cruisey, and the melody just goes around and around in your head, and that felt like a good moment for the album, and for all our Spanish speaking fans.”

The Cat Empire are currently on another massive European run which includes multiple sold out shows in Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London and Brixton.

All of this comes off the back of four previously released singles including ‘Ready Now’, ‘Stolen Diamonds’, ‘La Sirène’ and ‘Kila’, which combined have had The Cat Empire’s army of fans generating well over 2 million streams.

A series of 360 degree performance videos for each single have also been released with YouTube VR showcasing the series to their millions of viewers.

In February, the band will embark on a 21-date through the US and Canada.

NICK CAVE ON COMMUNICATING WITH HIS LATE SON

Nick Cave has opened up on his website The Red Hand Files about communicating with his late son Arthur who passed three years ago at the age of 15.

The site allows his following to ask any question they want, on any topic.

A fan called Cynthia said she communicated with her late father, sister and first love through dreams, and asked if Cave and his wife Susie also communicated with Arthur.

Cave thanked her for her “beautiful question”, and explained, “It seems to me, that if we love, we grieve. That’s the deal. That’s the pact. Grief and love are forever intertwined.”

He went on to explain that he “feels the presence of my son, all around, but he may not be there.

“I hear him talk to me, parent me, guide me, though he may not be there.

Read the full answer below.

AEG OGDEN ”VERY CONFIDENT” ABOUT 17,000 SEAT BRISBANE LIVE

Venue operator AEG Ogden’s CEO Harvey Lister is “very confident” that the Queensland government will green-light the 17,000 Brisbane Live entertainment and sporting stadium over Roma Street station.

Lister was speaking at a Property Council of Australia lunch.

The Palaszczuk government has committed $5 million to develop a business case, with an answer set for early 2019i if it’s economically viable.

Earlier on deputy premier and treasurer Jackie Trad said, “Brisbane Live is a very exciting proposal that will deliver decades of economic and employment opportunities in what is an underused part of the city.

“But it’s also a transformative project for SEQ and the whole of Queensland, drawing in tourist dollars, and ensuring our great state does not miss out on world class events.

“It’s exciting to see an internationally-renowned company like AEG Ogden get on board because they can see the potential here once Cross River Rail is up and running and providing turn-up-and-go trains right to the door of a future arena.”

At the lunch, Lister observed that acts were out there on tour, but there were increasing moves for people to get their kicks and global connections at home.

“I say to the young people in my organisation the challenge for us is now to give people an experience they can’t get in their lounge room and that’s the difference.

“If you build it they will come and that’s what’s happening with Cross River Rail.”

BEYOND THE VALLEY SELLS OUT

Regional Victoria’s Beyond The Valley #5 has sold out, but is still adding more acts. It is held from December 28 to January 1 at Lardner Park in Warragul.

The bill already has an impressive list including The Kooks, Joey Badass Tash Sultana, Bonobo, PNAU, Duke Dumont and Fisher.

It has now added influential French electronic producer Oxia, East Coast techno, tech house and deep moods purveyor Made in Paris, busy music export Cassian, UK’s ABSOLUTE, Melbourne producer Jordan Brando, EDM star on the rise London Topaz, Interstellar Fugitives aka Melbourne DJs Sarah and Georgia Bir, emerging Brisbane singer-songwriter Clea, new Gold Coast duo Arroyo, Melbourne based producer Cassettes For Kids and Market Memories who are a new tech house collaboration from Melbourne artists Oliver James and Sean Rault.

DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE TO GET UPGRADE

The 7,000-capacity Darwin Amphitheatre may have been outgrown by the BASSINTHEGRASS festival which has now relocated to the beach.

But the outdoor venue in the Botanic Gardens is still home to the National Indigenous Music Awards, Carols By Candlelight and Songkran Festival, and the City of Darwin has received funding of $185,000 for an upgrade, the NT News said.

MANSON LIST OF INTERROGATION MUSIC

There are lists and there are lists. Marilyn Manson has posted a list of songs that US interrogators used in detention centres around the world, playing them loud and with great frequency.

The list included:

‘Fuck Your God’ by Deicide

‘Bodies’ by Drowning Pool

‘Dirrrty’ by Christina Aguilera

‘Somewhat Damaged’ by Nine Inch Nails

‘The Beautiful People’ by Marilyn Manson

‘Baby One More Time’ by Britney Spears

‘I Love You Song’ by Barney and Friends

‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen

The Meow Mix Theme song

BATHURST WORKSHOP FOR INDIGENOUS SONGWRITERS

Indigenous musicians are invited to a free two-day ‘Starting Ground’ workshop in Bathurst.

Mentors include songwriters Leah Flanagan and Black Arm Band collaborator Troy Jungaji Brady, and producer/engineer Liam Judson (Cloud Control, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Belles Will Ring).

APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander national representative Michael Hutchings will facilitate the sessions, which will also include industry guests with expertise in publicity, marketing, management and more.

APRA AMCOS, in partnership with Create NSW and Arts OutWest, will bring its successful Starting Ground workshop for Aboriginal musicians to the Bathurst region for the first time.

The free workshop is held on November 28-29 at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC), just prior to the Inland Sea of Sound festival.

Previous workshops have been held in Tamworth, Eden, Byron Bay, Dubbo, and Redfern.

RSL LASHES AT VIDEO SHOOT AT WAR MEMORIAL

The filming of a hip hop video at the Kings Park State War Memorial in Perth by production company Nephilim Philms—including footage of drinking and dancing on its steps- has enraged the city’s Returned and Services League.

RSL chief executive John McCourt described the shooting as “gobsmackingly inappropriate n our sacred site”, “insensitive” and “What bit about disrespectful don’t you get?’ and demanded that the video’s local production company Nephilim Philms pull it off Facebook.

But one of the artists involved argued that the song was about Halloween, “a celebration of the dead. And it’s no disrespect to those who perished at war. “

The Kings Park Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority said it had no application for permission to film there.

VOICE FOR CHANGE RETURNS

Voice For Change is back for 2018 with a new set of mentors at www.voiceforchange.net.

It’s a community-focussed music initiative developed by the Mushroom Group supported by the Victorian government, to inspire young people to follow their dreams and ambitions.

Last year they heard from urban music, hip-hop and sporting personalities from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.

In 2018, the Voice For Change documentary series mentors including Ngaiire, Mohamed Komba (aka MoMO), FlexMami, Darcy Vescio, Mirrah, Krown, P-UniQue, Adrian Eagle, Ecca Vandal, Majak Daw and B Wise share their personal journeys and challenges including racism, feelings of disenfranchisement, marginalisation and social inclusion.

The first episode kicks off today (Tuesday, November 6).

Voice For Change engages young people through a series of interactive school workshops led by hip hop artists across songwriting, talent development, recording, video and live music performance opportunities – giving youth direct access to mentors who are quickly becoming positive role models.

 Michael Gudinski, AM chairman, The Mushroom Group, stated: “Mushroom Group is proud to witness the impact Voice For Change has had within the community to date.

“It is humbling to see the positive response from the aspirational stories shared by these respected Australian musicians, sportspeople and community leaders; proving that success comes from a positive mindset and outlook, despite personal challenges.

“We are excited and committed to harbour and encourage the next generation of Australian Music Industry professionals and community leaders.”

CREATE NSW CREATE INCOME

Create NSW has created a new toolkit to help small to medium arts, screen and cultural organisations to flourish.

It was developed consultation with the industry to educate on strategies that could help them to generate alternative income streams, increase their sustainability, leverage new commercial and philanthropic opportunities, and improve their overall business practice.

Offered as an online resource on the Create NSW website, the comprehensive set of 50 articles and case studies is an outcome of the recent Arts 2025 Summit held in March this year, where business sustainability and new income sources were one of five main themes explored by the sector meeting.

AUSSIE SONGWRITERS WANTED

The 5^th Regional Song Contest is now open, offering an acoustic guitar prize, six months tuition and live slots at the 2019 Tamworth Country Music Festival .

It is run by Fretfest Pty Ltd, now based in Tamworth after 20 years spent developing new talent in Queensland.

AND A FEW OTHER THINGS …

Who sabotaged a promoter’s bid for an Order of Australia?

How true are reports that Canberra’s Spilt Music festival lost its “sold out” status after refunds to Childish Gambino fans after he pulled out due to his recurring toe injury?

The Victorian Racing Club issued a statement that it had stopped Ultra festival’s Facebook campaign where it had Melbourne Cup Birdcage Marquee tickets for sale, which included two VIP tickets for the festival, Marquees are not allowed to sell their tickets.

The VRC said it had “clarified” the situation and “Ultra has removed the Facebook promotions.” Ultra also announced that performing at the Birdcage is DJ producer Jackson Hunter (son of Dragon’s Marc) who’s just returned from the United States and Europe producing alongside his singer-songwriter sister Bella Hunter, who now resides in Los Angeles,

Armed police were called to the London offices of Sony Music and the office evacuated after a “violent altercation” between members of the catering team. Two were carted off to hospital and, to balance things out, two were arrested.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler is now an ordained minister – and he wants to marry Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin.

Eminem booked an entire cinema screen in Detroit over two nights so fans could to watch his new movie Bodied for free.

The late Hobart musician, Michael Clennent, best known for his song ‘Deeply’ was farewelled by colleagues on the weekend with a tribute gig at The Brick Factory.

Three festivals held on the same weekend in Newcastle and Maitland drew the crowds despite the heat, the Newcastle Herald reported. This That drew 15,000 danceheads, Bitter and Twisted had 4,000 through the gates and the ‘90s Retro had 5,000.

A Vancouver casino has blubbered apologises to Drake after he took to social media accusing it of racially profiling him.

I’m living for drake beefing our garbage casino GAMBLING IS CANCELLED pic.twitter.com/kvjoWhkfX0

— Igloo Azaelia ひ (@wywy2k) November 3, 2018

Brisbane band Good Boy have shared a surprise track, ‘Sodabrea’, and announced they’re now a four-piece with the addition of Marli Smales to the lineup.

Tired Lion had to pull out of two shows in Tasmania after drummer Ethan Darnell landed in hospital with a broken arm.