Spin Off Organiser Says Festival 'Might Not Continue'
The festival's organiser said Spin Off is "probably done" due to struggles facing the music industry.
Spin Off festival (Credit: Dylan Michenberg)
Spin Off festival is in trouble and “might not continue,” according to Five Four Entertainment Director and organiser of the Adelaide-based event, Craig Lock.
Lock made the comment during this week's meeting of the SA Legislative Council’s Select Committee on Local and Live Creative Venues, per In Daily.
On Wednesday (23 October), Lock told the committee that Spin Off is “probably done” after 12 years of operation. Lock added, “My event is probably finished because of the situation in the music industry.”
In addition to Five Four Entertainment operating Spin Off, the company—Adelaide’s largest independent music business—also operates Heaps Good Festival and music venue, the Lion Arts Factory.
Five Four also promotes Laneway Festival in South Australia, co-runs Hindley Street Music Hall with Live Nation and Secret Sounds, and handles bookings at the Crown & Anchor and The Exeter.
Lock said of the company’s growth, “Across all of this, what started as two people in a bedroom is now about 40 staff across the venues, office staff, and people working in the music industry.”
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Adding that he’s seen “pretty much everything” you could see in the music industry, Lock cited increased insurance premiums and rents and slower ticket sales amid the cost-of-living crisis as reasons why Spin Off, and the industry at large, is struggling.
Lock advocated for extra government funding as a salve for promoters doing it tough.
“There is huge economic and social value to what we do,” he said, stating that the industry is struggling “massively” and is “hugely underfunded.”
Lock continued, “We need a system that is actually able to work without having to do what we are doing now every time we have a crisis.”
In a statement to The Music, Lock said, “The Spin Off team is still considering all its options for 2025. We will be sure to let [supporters] know as plans take shape.”
This year’s Spin Off festival, which took place in July, was headlined by international stars girl in red and Conan Gray alongside Australia’s own G Flip. The festival also starred Peach PRC, Baby Gravy (Yung Gravy and bbno$), The Last Dinner Party, Michael Marcagi, Miss Kaninna, jamesjamesjames, and more.
More From Our Network
