Sound solutions for live music scene

Live music will be under the spotlight when experts meet in Sydney next month to discuss improving the viability of the industry and its role in boosting the economies of our cities.

Representatives from music venues, independent and major record labels, booking agents, music bodies, artist managers and publishers will meet for Music Australia’s Contemporary Music Roundtable from 1–3 August at Customs House in Circular Quay.

The three-day event supported by the City of Sydney will look at all aspects of live music, including creators, jobs, economic contribution, cultural impact, public engagement and government investment.

The City is providing $28,600 in cash and in-kind support for the roundtable that will feature industry panel discussions, plenary sessions, knowledge sharing, advocacy and networking opportunities.

“We’re committed to having a thriving live music and performance scene in Sydney and to being part of the conversation about supporting the music industry nationwide,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Boosting Sydney’s live music scene is a challenge requiring long-term investment from all levels of government, we’re taking immediate action wherever we can.

“One area we’re focused on is improving how we manage music venue sound and acoustics, which is why the City will host a side-forum on this subject at the 2017 roundtable.”

Convened by the City’s Live Music and Performance Strategy Advisor, Hugh Nichols, the ‘Sound Solutions’ forum will bring together key music industry, government and research personnel from around the country to discuss venue acoustics and sound.

“It’s no secret that balancing the interests of live music, businesses and residents in inner cities is something that needs to be addressed – it isn’t getting any easier,” Hugh said.

“We are reviewing how we manage sound and acoustics, but we’re not the only city facing these challenges. We want to hear from venue managers, urban planners, music policymakers and industry professionals who are keen to foster live music in their communities.

“As a major centre for the music industry in Australia, Sydney has a lot of knowledge to share and there’s so much to learn from the great work happening around the country.”

Music Australia, a non-profit membership organisation and the national advocate for Australian music, will lead the roundtable.

A City of Sydney accommodation grant recipient, Music Australia operates out of Erskineville Town Hall, where it has also held seminars, conferences, workshops, events for Vivid Ideas and Sydney Fringe and the King Street Crawl.

Registration details and the full Contemporary Music Roundtable program can be found at musicaustralia.org.au/program/contemporary-music-roundtable

For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Elaine Kelly on 0477 362 550 or [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please phone 02 8974 4165 or email [email protected]