'We're All Very, Very Concerned': Josh Pyke Reps Aussie Music Industry On 'Q&A'

Australian songwriter Josh Pyke says the local music industry is "very, very concerned" regarding the Government's support for it in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Sydney artist discussed the subject when appearing on Monday night's episode of Q&A, which largely dealt with the Government's newly-announced wage subsidy. 

"Artists are always optimistic and inspired by things like this, so from a creative point of view I think that we'll really rally and try and bring communities together," Pyke said.

LISTEN: With COVID-19 Shutting Down Australia, What’s Next For The Music Industry?

"But in terms of financially, we're all very, very concerned.

"Our industry has been decimated. My personal touring income has just been written off for the next six months."

Pyke added he is "cautiously optimistic" about the guidelines put in place for the subsidies, despite there being  "just so much we don't know about".

Will the JobKeeper payment extend to contractors, including those in the music industry? #QandA pic.twitter.com/MFCH9ANw9a

— QandA (@QandA) March 30, 2020

The ARIA Award winner also said key music industry figures taking part in a roundtable with Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher earlier this month is an encouraging sign.

"... I do want to say it is positive that Paul Fletcher's been sitting down with the industry. That is really positive because there has at least been an acknowledgment of the myriad of business structures that we do operate under."

Check out last night's episode of Q&A here.