As costs rise and income falls, live music industry hopes to reverse decline
Venues are struggling to bring acts and put on gigs as the costs for all aspects of live shows rise.
In Mount Gambier, South Australia's second-largest city, live music venues and artists have reported a decline in gigs due to soaring costs, leading to backlash against a local venue owner. MusicSA, the regional music organization, says the issue is nationwide, and a regional music summit in Mount Gambier aims to find solutions.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, once a prison and now a hub for events and music shows, has seen costs increase significantly over the years. Owner James Stephenson attributes the rising expenses to multiple factors, including artists' fees, security, logistics, and staging. The decline in live music has frustrated locals, leading to criticism and online attacks on the venue owner.
Despite this, the majority of feedback has been positive. MusicSA's CEO, Christine Schloetter, acknowledges the challenges regional venues face due to increased costs, declining alcohol sales, and COVID's lingering impacts. She emphasizes the importance of regional music scenes and highlights MusicSA's efforts in Mount Gambier, including supporting venues and promoting a touring corridor between Melbourne and Adelaide.
The summit in October aims to address the declining live music scene across regional Australia and find ways to revive it.
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