Revealed: Adelaide’s live music census findings
In the wake of the Live Music Office/ University of Tasmania’s The Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in Australia 2014 report on Wednesday, Music SA and the Live Music Office released the Adelaide Live Music Census. It offers a snapshot of live music activity in May 2015.
“Findings show that 962 gigs were presented during May 2015 in Adelaide and outer suburbs across 157 venues, with Adelaide city providing the bulk of live music offerings,” said Music SA General Manager Lisa Bishop.
“It demonstrates the degree to which musicians are given the opportunity to professionally perform and audiences are given an opportunity to access live music.”
Hotels provided 80% of gigs (769) in Adelaide and 69% of venues (108) “The census results again reinforce the primary role of South Australian Hotels in supporting and facilitating a sustainable live music industry,” pointed out Ian Horne, General Manager/CEO of the Australian Hotels Association.
According to the census, there were 17 gigs across three entertainment venues, 39 gigs in eight clubs and 17 gigs in six restaurants. Gigs were 35% original songs and 65% covers. Adelaide City provided the most live music. Elevenof the Special Circumstance licences were hotels.
Music SA’s Lisa Bishop added, “It’s pleasing to note that there are venues showcasing original contemporary music, which made up 35% of the gigs during May. The diversity in venues offers a richer audience experience that allows venues to bring their own fundamental character to the night time economy. Everything from The Dunes at the boutique Grace Emily to The Zep Boys at the stalwart Arkaba.”
A second live music census will take place in May 2016. This year’s figures will be used as a comparison to assess what impact changes in the state’s liquor licensing will have on the live music scene.
The data for census was compiled by DJ Luke Penman of Radio Adelaide and Music SA from venue websites and social media pages, and gig guides from local magazines. Further information was sourced through word of mouth, phone interviews, and Music SA and industry contacts.
The State Government’s arts and industry Music Development Office and the National Live Music Office provided financial assistance for the project. It was commissioned by SA’s new advisory body Music Industry Council (MIC), which was set up last year as a direct response to recommendations within the State Government’s Thinker in Residence, Martin Elbourne’s final report into The Future of Live Music in SA.
In a response to the University of Tasmania national report, SA Arts Minister Jack Snelling noted how SA’s live music scene contributed $263.7 million to the state economy.
Snelling said South Australia continues to be a hub for musicians and artists alike with festivals like WOMADelaide, Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the Adelaide International Guitar Festival attracting global artists to our live venues each year.
Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Kyam Maher, stated that the report helped reinforce the importance of a vibrant music scene and shows that in a time of digital downloads and online sharing of music, the community still holds a special place in its hearts for live music.
“These are significant numbers outlined in the report, which is why the State Government has made a significant investment in the industry through the Music Development Office (MDO),” Maher said.
“The MDO has been set up to facilitate and support the development of the South Australia’s music industry by supporting both creative and business development. The MDO strategically links creative exploration with industry development to support professional artists and businesses working in the South Australian music industry.”
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