Twenty venues, promoters, announced for Victoria’s Live Music Professionals program

Ten venues and ten independent promoters are announced as recipients of Victoria’s Live Music Professionals program.

It is a free professional and business development initiative for independent promoters, venue owners, venue managers and band bookers.

It is part of the state government’s $22.2 million Music Works to support the music industry, and operated by Music Victoria.

The program received close to 70 applications from all over the state.

Successful participants in this year’s program in the venues stream are:

Adam Connally, The Lost Ones Basement Bar, Ballarat

Annemarie Blades, The Gem Bar & Dining, Collingwood

Benjamin Langdon, The Skylark Room, Upwey

Evan Read, Shedshaker Brewery Taproom, Castlemaine

Eyal Chipkiewicz, The Boite, Fitzroy North

James Donovan, The Eastern, Ballarat

Nyah Rowe, The Grand Hotel, Mornington

Paul Alun Hughes, The General Store, Mt Hotham

Samuel Pyers, The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool

Timothy Heath, Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Successful participants in the independent promoter stream include:

Antony Attridge, Sensible Antixx

Carly Aldred, Grampians Music Festival

Cristian Muscatello, Laser Highway

Fiona Brandscheid, Common Thread Events, Birregurra

Jacob Bourke, LAB Music Management

James O’Hare, Macedon Ranges Music Festival

Blair Wittstadt, Possum Stomp

Tanya McLaine, Sona Productions

Max Donohue, YEAH NAHHH

Jessica Robinett, Lo Jo Jive Festival

Participants will be matched with music industry and business coaches for one-on-one coaching sessions, while also attending a number of industry-related conferences, workshops and masterclasses – all aimed to bolster their business skills and aid them in creating sustainable long-term live music businesses.

Coaches in this year’s program will be coming from 170 Russell, The Corner Group, Deathproof PR, Karova Lounge, Sanicki Lawyers, Social Season and White Sky, with more to be announced soon.

Last year, participants in the Live Music Professionals program reported on average a 35% increase in ticket sales and an 80% improvement in their business activities.

Martin Foley, minister for creative industries said. “Our Music Works program aims to support the industry at all levels and Live Music Professionals helps to strengthen the music ecosystem by helping music businesses to take the next step.

“Last year’s participants have already experienced significant growth and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for our cohort this year.”

Sarah Deborre, project manager Live Music Professionals, added, “I’m really excited with the response to Live Music Professionals applications this year.

“We had so many amazing applications from all over Victoria which demonstrates the massive need for a program like this.

“I’m buzzing from the overwhelming positive reactions from our successful candidates and I can’t wait to get the program started!”