EXCLUSIVE: ‘It’s Really Getting Tough’ - Beloved Victorian Live Music Venue To Shut

Only a few months after being named Best Regional Venue at The Age Music Victoria Awards, beloved live music space Karova Lounge in Ballarat has announced its closure.

The venue, which opened in 2004, has become a staple on Australia's regional touring circuit and also helped Ballarat locals such as Yacht Club DJs, Gold Fields, Hunting Grounds and more cut their teeth.

But, as owner Gary Wilson told The Music, the venue will shut its doors in mid-October after its 15th anniversary, in part due to financial reasons.

“It’s really getting tough run a purely independent live music venue for a number of different reasons,” Wilson told The Music.

“We’ve punched above our weight for a long time now, but it just shows how things can turn. The perception from the outside is that all these places are doing well, but it’s not so much the case.

“Maybe the cost of everyday living has affected what people can spend on things outside of their normal stuff. You can always argue that there needs to be more support from [government]…it’s hard to really pinpoint why and how it’s happened, but there are just a few factors that have lead to it.”

Wilson said Karova's closure was part of a broader trend across the state that he believed would keep happening unless action was taken.

“Punters just need to get out and support live music venues if they want to keep seeing music get to regional towns,” he said.

“They need to get out and support bands, support venues. Maybe there needs to be some regulative changes from government. There’s probably a few things [government] could do to ease the burden on a few different things.”

The closure of Karova Lounge is also expected to disrupt the regional touring circuit.

“Karova Lounge closing down will have a huge impact on not only Ballarat but the regional touring circuit…and it’ll have a huge impact on Ballarat because it just leaves a big gaping hole in this space.”

Before the doors shut in October, Karova Lounge will host a number of yet-to-be-announced gigs and events, including a huge 15th-anniversary celebration.

“The reason we’re giving a bit of lead in time is purely for some of those bands that have forged a career and played here back in their early days,” Wilsons said.

“We’re hoping some of those bands will come back and do some final shows so we can say thanks to them and thanks to the punters who have been around over the years as well.”

Check out theGuide for all upcoming gigs at Karova Lounge.