Mountain Sounds responds to allegations of non-payment of artists, contractors

Following TIO’s release of information from the Mountain Sounds festival creditor’s report, the festival has today issued an official response.

In a statement issued via email this afternoon, a representative from the festival confirmed on behalf of festival directors that the festival is in the process of liquidation. “Whilst many of the figures circulating online are inaccurate, Mountain Sounds can confirm we are in the process of liquidation,” a spokesperson stated.

They’ve stated that the Berejiklian Government’s recent impositions on the festivals industry are to blame. “This is yet another example of the catastrophic impact the new policies will have on not just festival organisers but all parties involved should the new policies go ahead.”

“This has come as a result of being forced to cancel the event a week out from when it was due to take place,” the Mountain Sounds spokesperson continued. “Cancelling the event has meant we have had to forfeit all artist and infrastructure deposits, as well as many other upfront expenses.”

“We’ve also forgone all on day and sponsorship revenue expected meaning we have been unfortunately forced into liquidation for now.”

Reports MAKER Agency are owed at least $161,000 are defended.

“MAKER’s acts were paid their 50% deposit as per contract prior to the event cancellation,” Mountain Sounds explained. “They are owed $84,150 which would have been paid if the event went ahead and did not occur its heavy losses due to late enforcement of user pay police.”

They’ve also denied claims Courtney Barnett was owed in excess of $95,000.

“Courtney Barnett was paid her 50% ($47,850) deposit, as per contract prior to the event cancellation.”

“They (Village Sounds – Barnett’s bookers) are owed $47,850 which would have been paid if the event went ahead and did not occur its heavy losses due to late enforcement of user pay police.”

The festival’s team have also denied claims that they owed other agencies more than $410,000.

“$364,000 is amount owing due to final deposits not being able to be met due to cancellation,” the festival explained. “MSF has made all artists’ full payments in previous event years.”

They ended their official statement by re-assuring punters that their payments will be reimbursed promptly.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure our mountaineers will be reimbursed. Refunds have been processed to patrons who purchased tickets via the Eventbrite platform.”

Mountain Sounds have also urged all buyers of hard-copy tickets, and Live-IT patrons, to register with Shaw-Gidley (the delegated liquidator) as soon as possible.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.