Festival Director Says Sydney's Live Music Scene Needs More Creativity

It's no secret Sydney's live music scene has taken a battering in recent times, with statistics in February showing a drop in revenue for live music in the city, thanks in part to the contentious lockout laws, and the director for the Mullum Music and Bello Winter Music festivals believes the answer to the hit is creativity. 

Having worked in the music industry for 30 years, as well as having run one of Sydney's most popular live music venues, The Harbourside Brasserie from 1986-2002, Glenn Wright believes the city needs to be open to utilizing more facilities. 

Speaking to theMusic, Wright said, "Looking at what’s happened in Sydney…with the lockout laws and also just the reduction in venues all the time, I think Sydney could possibly be a bit more creative with its venues and look at different ways."

Wright says giving punters more access to where they can see live music is the best way to boost interest, citing in particular the soon-to-be-reopened iconic Paddington RSL. 

"If you get those RSL’s, those bowling clubs and universities to maybe open up their spaces…and look at maybe gigs starting early...that can be cool.

"In order for music to do really well, you’ve got to think outside the box."

Wright references the Mullum Music festival, which he has overseen for nine years, as a perfect example of being creative.

"What’s interesting I think is that these festivals use existing infrastructure within the town and so it’s a way of looking at venues that might not be busy or popular or not even used at all for entertainment or gigs," he explains. 

"We turn halls and pubs and bowling clubs, golf clubs...we’re even turning a hairdressing salon into a gig."

The second Bello Winter Music fest will take place this July in Bellingen — check out the line-up here. 

Meanwhile, the November-planned Mullum Music festival bill is expected to drop mid-July. Keep your eyes peeled to theMusic.com.au as details come to light.