Sydney Councils To Work With Venues & Musicians To Boost Live Music Scene

Sydney's live music scene is about to get a massive boost thanks to a new free service backed by local councils that allow venues to work with musicians in showcasing more live music for its patrons. 

The City of Sydney-led pilot program AMPLIFY will not only support existing live music spaces, but it will also encourage the development of new performance opportunities with help from the Live Music Office, Music NSW, APRA AMCOS and the Leichhardt and Marrickville councils. 

In conjunction with the new program, live music expert Clayton Ries has been appointed to liaise with local businesses and help identify the benefits of live music and maximising return. 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said live music is not only important to Sydney's culture, but that it also contributes to the local creative economy. 

"We want to make it easier to get a band or musician to play, not just in pubs or bars, but in any place where people can come together to enjoy music," Moore said.
 
"When we prepared the Live Music and Performance Action Plan, people told us they’d love to have live music in their venues but didn't know what was involved, how to find and employ the right musicians, how to make it work in their space, or how to build audiences."

Audience and Sector Development for the Live Music Office Damian Cunningham said of Ries' appointment, "Clayton's strong background in both the live music industry and the hospitality sector, means he brings a wealth of knowledge to the project."

"We believe AMPLIFY will have a positive impact on the live music scene across inner Sydney."

Businesses interested in hosting live music are encouraged to contact Ries at lmpc@livemusicoffice.com.au to discuss being involved in the new program.