Turn the Beat Around

For the first time, the NSW Government will conduct a survey of artists and professionals working in the music industry in a bid to build a picture of the challenges faced and what can be done to restore the live scene to a position of strength in our cultural fabric.

NSW has lost half its live music venues over the past decade, with just 137 remaining, according to current Liquor and Gaming data. As part of the music revival, the Government will seek to ensure the survival of these venues as the recently established Sound NSW begins its work with the live music industry.

Launching during Australian Music Month, participants will be asked to assess the strengths of the industry as well as the factors that might be holding the industry back — from noise restrictions, venue closures, COVID-19 and cost of living pressures.

The survey forms part of a wider research project that will combine economic analysis, venue mapping data and audience research to inform the NSW Government’s first-ever strategic policy for Contemporary Music and create a vision for a vibrant arts and cultural scene in NSW.

The survey is completely anonymous, with no personal information collected, and the data will lead the decision-making process to revolutionise the live music industry in the state and spearhead new policies that centre around supporting and invigorating NSW’s music scene.

Those working in the industry are strongly encouraged to provide insights, including artists, managers, promoters, venue operators, roadies, audio engineers, lighting and technical teams, ticket and merchandise retailers and more.

To participate in the Live Music Survey, click here. The survey will be open until 15 January 2024.

“The NSW Government is committed to reviving live music across NSW,” Minister for Music John Graham said.

“The last decade of lockouts and lockdowns has led to a grassroots music venue crisis in this state. We know the live music sector is facing many challenges, and this research will help identify from firsthand experience of musicians and industry participants themselves what those challenges are.

“From artists and music workers to record labels, promoters, and managers, if you work in music, we want to hear from you. This consultative research will help us tune in to the policy priorities that will restore live music in NSW.”