QMusic unveils survey findings

Queensland’s peak music association QMusic unveiled the results of its survey conducted midway through last year to help it create a vision for the Queensland music industry. It asked specifically for ideas on four themes.

(1) Advocacy:

Respondents felt there was a need for a formalised Musicians Union or award specifically for indie players rather than studio/classical musicians. The recipients made a difference between musos who worked for a living and “hobbyists” who played in venues just for exposure and often prepared to take smaller fees.

They wanted QMusic to advocate for legislative reform for pay and conditions, licensing, sound restrictions and lock out laws, which threatened future employment. There was also a need for an organisation that represented all sectors of the music industry when lobbying.

There was a need for more government funding and access to grants, and access to smaller grants and low-interest loans that were less than $1000.

(2) Audience development:

There was a mixed response to how strong the live original music industry was in Queensland. The concern was there weren’t enough venues for some genres, and that cover bands were “hijacking” venues.

The growth of digital consumption of music was seen as a negative for the live music sector, as it was cheaper and more accessible on-line than attending a gig. Looking at how the industry can use digitalisation differently to reach new audiences was something to look at.

Also needed was more air-time on commercial radio, more support for community radio (as funding and branding as to where “new music” could be found); school based programs to tap younger music fans, and access to easy and cheap promotion and advertising platforms.

A couple of respondents suggested that a centralised system of venue bookers could assist in getting stage time for bands and performers and also help venues establish themselves with specific genre audiences and create a following.

(3) Artist Services:

Musicians felt there was no single place where they could promote their performances and that venues were not interested in promoting acts as this decreased potential profit. Most relied on social media but found it frustrating because it didn’t have as wide a reach as they wanted. In any case they needed help in how to promote themselves.

The survey found there was a need for structured mentoring (to advance careers rather than sharpen their musicianship, and more networking events with “real” access to decision makers like Big Sound and QMusic’s programs.

Also desired were facilities for skill development, mentoring, networking and collaboration as well as access to recording facilities/ information hubs/ performance spaces. Also mentioned were leveraging technology and supporting older artists.

Based on this feedback, QMusic will develop its 2017 – 2020 Strategic Plan to submit to Arts Queensland this year.

Image: Parkway Drive in Brisbane at the Tivoli on their 10 year anniversary tour
Source:Adventure Productions