Beloved Gig Guide SydneyMusic Saved

A month after it was announced that SydneyMusic would shut down, RØDE Microphones has entered the picture to help save the beloved gig guide.

Last month, co-founders Joe Hardy (Project and Technology Direction), Will McKinnon (Art Direction and Web Design), and Caitlin Welsh (Content Direction) announced that running the website had led to a “difficult period” and that it had become unsustainable to continue the project.

SydneyMusic was founded in March 2022 and has since become a valuable resource for promoting local music communities in Sydney. A team of volunteers has operated a not-for-profit organisation, the website and social media presence.

SydneyMusic is an essential resource, operated by a small team that has revitalised the city’s live music scene. It provides a weekly gig guide of all the local music happening in Sydney, allowing punters, including those not so plugged into the local scene, to know what’s happening in their city, and where.

The gig guide, compiled by a team of dedicated researchers, reveals the name of the artists, the venue, and the time the doors open. It also features a tag for free gigs and provides more information about each concert.

RØDE Microphones stepped in to show support for SydneyMusic just days before it was scheduled to shut down in mid-June. The NSW-based company has pledged to fund a significant portion of SydneyMusic’s operations over the next two years, securing the beloved platform’s sustainability.

With RØDE’s backing, SydneyMusic is poised to expand its gig coverage, enhance its technology, and continue serving the community.

Joe Hardy said not only of SydneyMusic’s new lease of life but the growth opportunity offered due to the partnership, “Following our shutdown announcement, RØDE reached out and provided a meaningful and substantial way to support a way forward – right when we thought we’d run out of options.

“We’re over the moon to breathe new life into this project and continue helping people discover and access live music at all levels across our city. It means a lot to see a homegrown global success story taking such an active role in the health of our emerging grassroots.”

Kalinda Atkinson, Sales and Marketing Director at RØDE, added: “Live music is the lifeblood of this city. SydneyMusic has been instrumental in keeping that lifeblood flowing by spotlighting the incredible talent and venues here. At RØDE, we believe in empowering creators and supporting the communities around us. We’re proud to be part of this next chapter for SydneyMusic and the scene it celebrates.”  

Find out more about the rebirth of SydneyMusic on its website.

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