Music Victoria's 2017 Live Music Census results have revealed that, while average Australian income increasing 4% over the last quarter decade, musicians income has remained the same and they're being paid the same amount in gig fees.
The results of the census were shared this week at the Music Cities Convention and also found that despite payment hasn't increased for musicians, the Melbourne live music scene is thriving.
Residents of the southern state see live music three times more than sporting events with 17.5 million people heading along to a gig last year, compared to 6.5 million that went to major sports games.
The census also showed a general increase in venues and shows with 11 new sites popping up in 2017 and iconic venue The Tote hosting, on average, 50 bands in a single week.
"While the topline figures of the census reveal a very robust live music scene, it’s not all rosy underneath," Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan said.
"We will use the feedback, along with some of the best ideas discovered at the Music Cities Convention, to feed into an industry white paper to present to the political parties ahead of the upcoming state election."
For the full report and infographics click here.
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