NSW Music Industry Unites For Pre-Election #VoteMusic Rallying Call

Australia’s music industry today (Feb. 20) presented a united front to media and politicians, part of a mission to revive a music scene that’s been neglected, overlooked and — during the pandemic — paralysed.

More than 30 industry organisations and leaders gathered at Pleasure’s Playhouse in Chinatown to address the challenges facing the NSW music community, and invite all parties to elevate music – or rather, “Vote Music” — in their respective election strategies.

Reps were on hand at the media call to present the $100 million action plan, which would “stabilise and grow” the NSW music industry.

The strategy is broken down into three pillars, which include the establishment of a Contemporary Music Office in NSW government to drive music development; “significant” government investment in artists, and industry initiatives; and the protection and building of venues, festivals and spaces to make NSW “a proud home of music.”

Today we joined a united NSW music industry in launching a plan to supercharge music in this state. We are asking all political parties to back this $100million plan to make contemporary music in NSW thrive. Read the plan. Show your support. Vote Music on 25 March. #votemusic pic.twitter.com/8OeoYc3sPV

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) February 20, 2023

With voters heading to the polls on March 25 to elect the next state government, there’s little time to waste.

NSW’s creative community, and the industry that supports it, has endured its own set of troubles which have included a dark spell during which onerous licensing restrictions were placed on music festivals and across inner-Sydney venues, clubs, and bars.

After a decade of challenges, music in NSW is “not flourishing as it should,” reads a statement accompanying the Vote Music launch.

“We have fewer places for live music, and creative professionals and music businesses are moving interstate. A generation of young talent is missing out on opportunities and regional music communities aren’t getting enough support to thrive.”

Now is the time for music to make cities and towns thrive across the state, the message continues.

“It’s time to bring people out of their homes and into a world of lively streets, packed venues and sold-out tours. It’s time for more local music on TV, in films and on radio. It’s time for the next generation of talent to take the world by storm. It’s time for a new NSW.”

Today over 30 music industry organisations and leaders are launching a united plan aimed at supercharging music in NSW, ahead of the election.

For more go to https://t.co/nl3tfcbM22

Our full release is below:https://t.co/tP19vZaZEg

— APRA AMCOS (@APRAAMCOS) February 20, 2023

A who’s who of the domestic industry is on board with #VoteMusic, including Alberts, APRA AMCOS, ARIA, Live Music Office, Live Nation, Live Performance Australia, MusicNSW, Sounds Australia, Association of Artist Managers, Select Music, VibeLab and more.

“NSW is the natural home for music, and this policy is a bold and ambitious roadmap for supercharging our local industry,” comments Emily Collins, MusicNSW managing director.

“With a wealth of talent, robust businesses and music-hungry audiences and listeners, NSW is on the precipice of something really big. Government has a crucial role to play. We are asking for strategic focus, investment and the right policy settings. We’ll do the rest.”

Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS CEO, points to a Goldman Sachs report into the international music market which forecast total music revenue to double to some $131 billion by 2030. “If NSW wants a piece of that pie we need government working in partnership with artists, industry workers and business to get the investment, regulation and policy settings right,” he says.

NSW has a “long history of surfacing some of Australia’s most celebrated musicians, not just on our shores but across the world,” notes Annabelle Herd, ARIA and PPCA CEO.

“Today more than ever before, new artists need the right settings to develop an all-important local fanbase and a springboard for global success,” Herd explains. “We urge all parties to seriously consider this plan to unlock the wealth of potential for music in NSW as a social, cultural and economic driver.”

The call-out comes soon after the federal government announced is Revive project, a years-long, nationwide blueprint to help the music community reach its potential.

“If this policy is embraced by all parties, combined with the dedication of our music community,” says Jane Slingo, VibeLab Asia Pacific Director, “the potential for this $1.6B industry to grow significantly will be realised.”

Participants in the #VoteMusic launch won’t need to wait long for feedback.

On Wednesday night (March 22), NSW Labor leader Chris Minns and shadow minister for music and the night time economy John Graham will launch the party’s music campaign.

The function in central Sydney promises guests an insight into NSW Labor’s “vision for the future of live music in our state.”

The opposition Labor Party has already unveiled its “Regional Music Census,” which would be the first of its kind in NSW, mapping venues, performances and “music infrastructure,” with a completion date penciled-in for year’s end.

Read the eight-page #VoteMusic policy paper and visit votemusic.com.au for more.