New Survey Reveals What Aus Music Industry Wants: A Clear Roadmap Out Of COVID
“We are almost out of time.”
A new report has been released by the Australian Live Music Business Council (ALMBC), highlighting the effects of COVID on the industry so far, the dire situation ahead and what needs to be done to help businesses recover.
The survey undertaken via the music industry body points towards “imminent collapse of the Australian live music industry” due to COVID-related shutdowns unless something is done, with more than 400 of the 600 live music businesses that ALMBC represents facing closure in the coming months.
70% of business members surveyed by ALMBC predicted they would be forced to close within the next six months, with 69% not receiving any form of rental relief and 73% reporting a drastic revenue downturn since the pandemic began.
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Additionally, the survey found a big increase in live music workers accessing professional mental health support, with Support Act also reporting 52% more activity with its Wellbeing Helpline since March.
“We strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, career concerns, financial issues, loneliness, relationship issues or any other aspect of their wellbeing to call the Helpline on 1800 959 500,” Support Act CEO Clive Miller said.
“Maintaining good mental health and wellbeing is vital in such challenging times and talking to a trained counsellor can help to break the cycle of any negative thinking and assist you to make better decisions for the future.”
When it comes to the live music industry’s recovery, members wanted “a clear roadmap for easing venue restrictions and re-opening borders, an extension of the JobKeeper program at the current rates, a survival package that provides additional cash flow support to help carry these businesses through to play a vital role in the nation’s economic and mental health recovery”.
“It is our urgent priority to find solutions for the 30% of members who are not expected to see out Christmas – after six months of no revenue and gigs out to at least March 2021 still in doubt, we are almost out of time for a solution for these businesses,” Interim ALMBC chair, Select Music’s Stephen Wade said.
“Our sector has been uniquely impacted by the pandemic and the role of live music cannot be ignored as part of the roadmap to getting the country back to good commercial and mental health. But if live music businesses don’t make it through the knock on for the entire music industry and wider national consciousness will be immense.
“You can’t remove 2/3 of businesses from an ecosystem and not have a flow-on impact to all the other businesses in the chain. Tours can’t happen without engineers, road crew, marketing staff and countless others. Venues and promoters need agents to book acts and essential skilled technical staff to deliver the live experience.
“What happens when festivals return but there are no production companies or crew to service them? What happens when there are no operators to handle production in local pubs and clubs? What happens when international artists want to visit Australia and there are no venues to play? When the ecosystem collapses, it’s the artists, the public, our culture and way of life that will ultimately pay the price.”
Head to ALMBC website for more details.
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