‘Live Music Is In Victoria’s DNA’: State Govt Backing Gigs In A Big Way

The nation’s live music capital was hit hard by the pandemic, but Victoria’s Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said that the latest funding lifeboat will get Melbourne artists and punters back on their feet.

Getting the city rocking and rolling again after COVID-19 swooped in was no easy feat but it was recognised by the Victorian Government as an imperative, and not just for Melbourne but for the entire state. 

In response, the state’s Creative Industries portfolio announced a new raft of support for the industry via the On The Road Again initiative, delivering a new run of more than 100 live gigs to punters across Melbourne’s suburbs.

The On The Road Again regional and outer-metro program, launched late last year, was backed by $5 million in funding. The latest inner-metro leg is supported with an extra $4 million.

“There’s no question that Victoria’s live music industry faced enormous challenges during the pandemic,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.  

“It was a hard time, and a desperate time for some. It’s an industry so reliant on audiences. This is why we acted swiftly to support all facets of the industry – from musicians and crew, to venues and festivals, both here in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.

“Victoria is the live music capital of Australia. No question. Our live music industry and scene here having long been the envy of the country – and the world.

“That’s why we’ve been determined to support it through this incredibly tough period.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the Victorian Government has provided more than $80 million in support for the music sector, including vital funding for venues, artists, industry workers and crew, events and other music industry businesses.

On The Road Again has supported hundreds of gigs across regional Victoria, the suburbs and the city with more on the way including:

• The Push All Ages Tour which visited 18 regional and outer-suburban locations across Victoria with live music concerts for young audiences;
• Support to various festivals including Port Fairy Folk Festival, Gaytimes Festival and Queenscliff Town Hall;
• Forthcoming regional Victorian tours for artists like Emma Donovan & The Putbacks and Baker Boy; and
• St Kilda’s Southside Live which wrapped up last week (Sunday July 3).

“It’s not just about getting through the pandemic either. The industry has required support to get it back on its feet – that’s why we’re investing in initiatives like On The Road Again, Live Music Venue Support Program, our Music Works grants, and an extra $2.9 million to establish and strengthen regional touring circuits for live music and income streams for artists,” Dimopoulos said.

“A lot of industries did it rough during the pandemic obviously, but the creative industries seemed to be somewhat overlooked as not being an ‘essential’ service, however it’s arguable how critical the industry is to the mental health and social well-being to artists and audiences alike. What would you like to say to those who have been affected as a message of support or encouragement.

“What we learned is that Victoria without the creative industries is a very different place – and a much diminished place. Live music is in Victoria’s DNA. Melbourne is a music city.

“What I would say to our musicians and artists is that we value you and that we need you.”

When On The Road Again kicked off in December 2021 with its $5 million program to support live music events in regional and outer suburban areas, it was followed by a series of pop-up performances and a busking program in Melbourne’s CBD that featured more than 700 street performances.

In a further boost to the state’s music industry, the latest round of the Labor Government’s Music Works grants is open for applications. Grants of between $4,000 and $40,000 are available for activities including recording and releasing new music, presenting music events, marketing and business development.

“This program has seen our live music industry roar back to life with hundreds of gigs drawing thousands of fans to venues across regional Victoria, outer-suburban Melbourne and even funding for buskers on CBD streets,” Dimopolous said.

“Over the summer, the On The Road Again CBD and busking program saw pop-up events from major artists like Kutcha Edwards, The Teskey Brothers and Vika and Linda, and 700 other buskers.

“All this has helped kickstart our music industry, with the added bonus of amazing live music performances for Victorians across the state to enjoy.

“On The Road Again is just one of the ways we are investing in our local music industry. We recently announced $6 million to support 131 live music venues, and our long running Music Works program continues to support artists and industry professionals to grow their careers, undertake new projects, and pursue new opportunities.”

To apply for a Music Works grant, visit creative.vic.gov.au/music-works. For more information on upcoming On The Road Again events, visit vmdo.com.au/ontheroadagain.

For anyone in the music industry experiencing mental health issues, you can seek help from organisations such as Support Act, Music Victoria or Beyond Blue.