Australian indie festival sells out in 30 seconds
Australia’s Meredith Music Festival sold all 12,500 tickets to its 2024 edition in 30 seconds, organisers have announced.
The 32nd edition of the independent festival will take place at Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre in Victoria between 6–8 December.
Jamie xx, Waxahatchee, Genesis Owusu, Mk.gee, ZAPP, Angie McMahon, The Dare, Glass Beams, Fat White Family and Mannequin Pussy are among the acts confirmed to perform at the one-stage event.
Through a ballot system, the festival sells full weekend tickets only which cost AUS$488 (€299) and include camping and parking with “everyone flying first class, for three days and two nights”.
Last year’s Meredith Music Festival featured Caroline Polachek, Kraftwerk, Alvvays, Alex G, C.O.F.F.I.N., and more.
As a fully independent event with no commercial sponsors and ‘Bring Your Own’ drinks policy, organisers say Meredith Music Festival (MMF) is one of the only Australian festivals to run in this capacity.
Jamie xx, Waxahatchee, Genesis Owusu, Mk.gee, ZAPP, Angie McMahon are among the acts confirmed to perform at the event
The team behind Meredith also organises Golden Plains XVII festival, which takes place across two days at the same venue and has previously hosted acts including Bon Iver, Nile Rodgers, Pavement, Cat Power, Moodymann, Mulatu Astake, Tallest Man On Earth and George Clinton.
Also set to sell out is the last-ever Bluesfest, with organisers confirming the response from fans has been “nothing short of phenomenal”, while Beyond The Valley has shifted 85% of tickets within a few hours of the presale portal opening.
Positive news has been scarce in Australia’s beleaguered festival sector, which has been left in disarray following a flurry of cancellations.
Adelaide’s Harvest Rock is the latest Australian festival to pull the plug on its 2024 edition, following in the footsteps of other high-profile casualties such as Splendour in the Grass, Groovin The Moo, Coastal Jam, Summerground, Vintage Vibes, Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree and ValleyWays.
In response, Australia’s House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into the struggling scene, and Blusfest’s Peter Noble stressed the need for government intervention.
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Australia’s Always Live 2024 lineup revealed
Australian concert series Always Live is returning for a third edition, with more than 280 artists set to perform across Victoria later this year.
The series was launched in 2022 by the late Frontier Touring/Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski in a bid to revitalise the state’s live music scene.
This year’s 17-day extravaganza will feature concerts from acts such as Jack White, St Vincent and The Offspring between 22 November and 8 December.
International artists, however, only make up a portion of the bill, with 208 of the 289 acts hailing from Victoria.
Artists will deliver 65 free and low-cost concerts across cities such as Melbourne, Gippsland, Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo. Notably, more than 35% of the 65 events will take place in regional Victoria.
“This year’s Always Live program not only reinforces our status as the music capital of Australia but brings an extraordinary array of unique and exclusive experiences to audiences across the State,” says Matt Gudinski, chair of Always Live and son of Michael.
“Always Live continues to be an Australian beacon for live music events”
“I am incredibly proud to be part of delivering this year’s program and continuing to build the legacy of Always Live. It’s a privilege to contribute to Victoria’s rich music history and to support our live music sector.”
Psyche Payne, CEO of Always Live, added, “Always Live continues to be an Australian beacon for live music events, with the very best local, national, and international artists coming together across an epic 17-day celebration of our world-leading live music scene.
“I’m thrilled to share part of our 2024 lineup today, which reflects our ongoing and deep commitment to showcasing and supporting our vibrant local venues and the entire live music ecosystem of this state.”
Emily Ulman, executive programme director of Always Live, concluded, “Our ALWAYS LIVE 2024 program is set to showcase the incredible vibrancy and diversity of Victorian music, celebrating our unparalleled home-grown talent alongside the best international acts.
“From intimate gigs in country pubs to major concerts in iconic venues, each event will create unforgettable memories and truly memorable music moments.”
Always Live has previously hosted concerts with Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters and Jessie Ware.
Organisers claimed the inaugural Always Live programme delivered more than A$80 million (€48m) to the Victorian economy.
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Oz fest cancels final night due to extreme weather
The final night of Australia’s Pitch Music and Arts Festival was cancelled following an “extreme fire danger warning”, hours after the suspected drug-related death of a 23-year-old attendee.
The Untitled Group-promoted camping event in Moyston, Victoria, was called off in advance of Sunday’s (10 March) scheduled finale.
“Through consultation with authorities, we have been directed to cancel the remainder of Pitch Music & Arts 2024 in light of an updated extreme fire danger warning issued this afternoon for tomorrow,” says a statement posted on the dance music festival’s social media channels.
“We have consistently followed the guidance of relevant authorities throughout the entire process. Nobody is in immediate danger. We encourage everyone on site not to rush, calmly pack-up and depart either this evening or early tomorrow.”
Additional buses were laid on to assist ticket-holders departing the festival site.
“We continue to have a police, fire and medical presence throughout the festival site to support the safety and security of patrons,” adds the statement. “Ticket-holders will receive an update as more information becomes available.”
Organisers have defended themselves against criticism for proceeding with the sold-out 18,000-cap event despite temperatures soaring as high as 39°C, noting patrons had access to “ample shade, cooling misting fans, food and water”.
“We’ve been in consistent communication with all relevant authorities regarding the weather conditions leading into the event”
“We’ve been in consistent communication with all relevant authorities regarding the weather conditions leading into the event and were advised that we could proceed as planned as late as Thursday afternoon,” they told Resident Advisor. “Of the further advice we received on Friday, we rescheduled some entertainment and incoming buses for Saturday. We’ve been in a unique situation where the fire danger rating was fluctuating but we were diligently following the advice from all emergency authorities each step of the way.
“The directive on Sunday was of a different nature and that’s why we took immediate action to cancel the festival at that time.”
The Age reports that five festivalgoers were hospitalised because of suspected substance use at the event. Antony Maugeri, 23, of Melbourne, was airlifted to hospital after becoming unresponsive in the early hours of Sunday morning, but later passed away. Promoters say they are “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and anyone in our wider community affected by this,” says a statement. “We are devastated that this has occurred at an event where community has been a driving force over the last seven years.”
While the cause of Maugeri’s death is yet to be confirmed, the chain of events has reignited the debate over drug testing at Australian festivals. It follows analysis of drug-related deaths at Australian festivals over almost a decade, which showed that most could potentially have been prevented through harm reduction strategies such as pill testing.
The study, published in January in the International Journal of Drug Policy, and led by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, from Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine, looked at drug-related deaths at music festivals throughout Australia between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2019.
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Australia’s Always Live initiative returns for ’23
An Australian initiative envisioned by the late Frontier Touring/Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski to revitalise Victoria’s live music scene has returned for a second year.
The Always Live scheme launched in March 2022 at the GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Victoria, with a concert by the Foo Fighters, who became the first major international music act to travel to Australia since the pandemic began.
The 2023 series, which features more than 60 free and ticketed events of all sizes, will run over 17 days from 24 November to 10 December. Opening weekend highlights include a show by Christina Aguilera at Flemington Racecourse (25 November) and Mushroom 50 Live (26 November) – an anniversary concert at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena celebrating 50 years of Mushroom Records.
“An event like Always Live is what makes our great city what it is,” says Always Live director and Mushroom Records CEO Matt Gudinski, son of Michael. “The Always Live programme ensures Victoria remains the music capital of Australia and will deliver a host of unique and exclusive experiences across 17 days.”
Mushroom 50 will bring together dozens of domestic artists, including DMA’s, The Temper Trap, Amy Shark, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Birds of Tokyo and The Teskey Brothers, who will perform 50 songs for 50 years.
“It’s set to fill venues across Victoria, attract visitors and boost business while celebrating our state’s outstanding music and events industry”
Other Always Live-associated events will include three nights by Eric Prydz at Rod Laver Arena, Amyl and the Sniffers in Meeniyan, Ballarat, Frankston, Warrnambool, Torquay, Wodonga and Thornbury, and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett and his band The Alter Egos at Wangaratta Arts Centre. Elsewhere, Cosmic Psychos will celebrate their 40th anniversary over three nights at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal.
In addition, Jessie Ware will headline outdoor music festival Summer Camp at St Kilda Marina on 2 December, while the Tones and I-curated Music In the Park will feature the likes of The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT, The Pierce Brothers at Mornington Park on 9 December.
Last year’s inaugural Always Live programme delivered more than A$80 million (€48m) to the Victorian economy, attracting thousands of visitors to the state.
It is backed by $20m in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, which also included $7.5m for the Live Music Performers Fund, which backs thousands of Victorian musicians and artists to perform 10,000 gigs at venues across the state over the next four years.
“Always Live’s 2023 programme offers something for everyone – it’s set to fill venues across Victoria, attract visitors and boost business while celebrating our state’s outstanding music and events industry,” adds Victoria premier Daniel Andrews.
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Australian music festival debuts on steam train
A new “live music and tourism experience” set on a restored steam train has debuted in Australia.
Sound Tracks, which was backed by the Victorian government, launched from 6-8 October and featured acts such as Harvey Sutherland, Glass Beams, Juno Mamba and Folk Bitch Trio.
The train ran between Melbourne and Charlton, with music fans able to watch performances on board while enjoying local food and wine. The Guardian reports that all 200 tickets sold out in 20 minutes.
Departing from Southern Cross Station, the trip included stops in Geelong and Ballarat before the train arrived in Charlton for gigs in a local bowling club and art deco theatre.
“We’re backing Sound Tracks as part of our work to strengthen and support the state’s music industry”
The event was presented by Victorian events company OK Motels, working with Music Victoria and the Charlton community.
“We’re backing Sound Tracks as part of our work to strengthen and support the state’s music industry and our commitment to supporting recovery in flood-impacted communities,” says minister for creative industries Steve Dimopoulous.
Sound Tracks was designed to support the town of Charlton’s continued recovery from the 2022 Victoria floods, and builds on the A$1 million (€600,000) programme announced earlier this year to support music events in flood-impacted communities across the state.
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Major events hand $1bn boost to Victoria’s economy
The Australian state of Victoria has reported that major events delivered an almost A$1 billion (€619,000) boost to its economy in the second half of 2022.
The year saw a record 6.9 million attendees at sporting, music, arts and cultural events across the state, with hotel occupancy averaging 67% in H2 ’22, peaking at at 93.7% on the evening of Billy Joel’s 10 December concert.
Promoted by Frontier Touring, the one-night-only show at Melbourne’s MCG was attended by more than 76,000 fans and formed part of Always Live, an initiative envisioned by the late Michael Gudinski to revitalise Victoria’s live music scene. Gudinski, one of the best-known and most-loved figures in the concert business down under, passed away in 2021.
“Sporting and cultural events have delivered an almost billion-dollar boost to our economy in the last half of 2022”
“Victoria is the home of major events and these blockbuster sporting and cultural events have delivered an almost billion-dollar boost to our economy in the last half of 2022,” says minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos. “Major events deliver enormous value for Victoria by boosting local businesses and supporting jobs – and we’re set for another huge year in 2023.”
Always Live was intended to bring music fans into Melbourne and regional Victoria and help to support local jobs and tourism businesses. The event series featured more than 60 acts such as Foo Fighters playing at venues large and small across Victoria including – in a first for the town, a Kings of Leon concert at Mildura Sporting Precinct, which attracted in excess of 10,000 fans.
The six months of events generated over $980 million in economic impact, with the latest figures showing the visitor economy in Victoria has reached $26.5bn and is back to 84% of pre-pandemic levels.
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Australian orgs welcome $34m live music pledge
Australian music organisations have welcomed a pledge by the Victorian government to invest A$34 million in the state’s live music sector.
Premier Daniel Andrews, who is seeking a third term, and minister for creative industries Steve Dimopoulos have also promised cash to support 10,000 concerts over the next four years and $1,000 grants for artists if Labor prevail in this weekend’s state election.
The commitment also includes $2.5m for a Live Music Major Events Fund, providing grants of up to $50,000 for festivals across the state, plus $2.4m for music industry charity Support Act to assist Victorian artists, managers, crew and music workers who face challenges with their mental health.
“We greatly appreciate this election commitment from the Victorian government,” says Support Act CEO Clive Miller. “If realised, it will have an enormous impact for our programs in Victoria, and help us to help the industry build back better after the disruptions of the past few years.
“We know from our own research that people working in music have elevated levels of psychological distress, suicide ideation, anxiety and depression, and that our prevention, education and training programs have real impact, as they are designed and delivered by people who work in music and have lived experience.”
“It will go a long way to helping the music industry get back on its feet and share great music with Victorians”
Miller adds that Support Act’s remit had increased significantly over the past few years, and that he hopes other governments – and the Victorian opposition – are also factoring Support Act into their upcoming budget planning.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has also backed the move.
“The Victorian music community was hit hard by extended lockdowns leading to live performance cancellations, and now face the challenges of reopening with rising costs, skills shortages and poor consumer confidence,” it says.
“This commitment addresses a range of aspects in the music ecosystem including live music, festivals, education and importantly the mental health toll on our community. It will go a long way to helping the music industry get back on its feet and share great music with Victorians.”
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Australia’s Falls Festival forced to relocate
Australia’s Falls Festival is set to relocate from regional Victoria for the first time in its 30-year history.
The event, promoted by Live Nation-owned Secret Sounds, will now take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X and CHVRCHES performing across two stages.
Secret Sounds had previously announced the event would move from its longtime home in the seaside town of Lorne to Birregurra in Colac, a small city in the western district of Victoria, after the local authority approved a planning permit.
However, despite strong community support, an application was made to the Victorian civil and administrative tribunal by a group of locals appealing the decision.
A hearing date for the appeal had been set for February and March – after the event was scheduled to take place on 29–31 December – which prompted the relocation to Melbourne.
“Thanks so much for all the support from stakeholders, artists and all who contribute to Falls, we’re thrilled that the show will go on at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, ringing in the new year in downtown Melbourne,” the festival’s co-producer Jessica Ducrou said.
A hearing date for the appeal had been set for February and March – after the event was scheduled to take place
Among those opposed to the event being held at Birregurra are Colac farmers concerned about the event’s potential impact on cattle at neighbouring farms.
Some told local media that noise and light from the show could potentially harm their livestock.
“We’ve heard all about the businesses that are going to benefit from this. But my business is farming,” the Gerangamete farmer Chris Roberts told the Surf Coast Times. “What are we going to get out of this festival going forward? I don’t know.”
The Colac Otway mayor, Kate Hanson, said the appeal application was a blow for the area.
“Council is disappointed for community groups and business owners who were looking forward to an increase in spending in the region this year,” Hanson said. “However, we’re pleased that Secret Sounds is still keen to continue to consider our shire for future Falls festival events.”
Ticket holders who are unable to attend the new venue in Melbourne can apply for a refund.
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Australia’s Beyond the Valley reveals new location
Australia’s Beyond the Valley festival has revealed a new site, official dates and full lineup for its comeback edition.
The Victoria-based event was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and last year was reimagined as a two-day event in Melbourne dubbed Beyond The City.
This December, the four-day camping festival will return but at a new location, Barunah Plains in Hesse, some 125km from Melbourne’s central business district.
The scenic site boasts a natural amphitheatre spanning 100,000 square metres with “sweeping trees, rolling hills, a wool shed, mystic bridges and a winding creek”.
All three of the festival’s signature main stages will return, albeit with various upgrades.
The scenic site boasts a natural amphitheatre spanning 100,000 square metres
In addition, this year’s edition will host its first-ever podcast stage, as well as a secret stage installation called the Schmall Klüb where artists will perform impromptu DJ sets on no fixed schedule.
There will also be a heightened focus on accessibility for the 2022 event. Main stage performances will feature Auslan interpreters and dedicated viewing platforms, while a designated accessible campsite will be positioned closer to the main arena.
Other new features include a Beach Club with swimming pools, a series of interactive art installations, an open mic stage, sessions for yoga, pilates and meditation, and a range of other non-musical programs.
News of the relocation comes as Beyond the Valley announces this year’s lineup, led by Nelly Furtado, Kaytranada and Denzel Curry. Diplo, Bicep, Honey Dijon, Aussies Dom Dolla, HAAi and Flight Facilities are slated to join them.
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$8 million boost for Australian festivals
Organisers of large live music events and festivals in the Australian state of Victoria can apply for grants of between AUD$250,000 (€171,000) and $1 million (€685,000) via the Live Music Restart Program (LMRP).
The $8m fund will support the cost of planning and delivering an established music festival or series of events for crowds of more than 3,000 people. It will prioritise events that create opportunities for Victorian musicians and deliver wider benefits to Victorian businesses and communities as the industry continues to bounce back from Covid-19.
Designed to assist Victoria’s music festivals and events to become more accessible, the programme encourages applicants to make their events more inclusive of deaf and disabled artists, workers and audiences. Applications close at 3pm on 18 August.
“We welcome these grants at a time when businesses are facing rising costs and staff shortages,” says Australian Festivals Association MD Julia Robinson. “After over two years of disruptions, this much-needed support will ensure summer sees the return of Victoria’s favourite festivals.”
“This investment provides essential funding for organisers to continue delivering world-class events”
The initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing investment in the recovery of the state’s music industry, building on more than $1 billion in support to the creative sector since the start of the pandemic.
“Music Festivals are a vital part of Victoria’s famous live music scene and this investment provides essential funding for organisers to continue delivering world-class events,” adds minister for creative industries Steve Dimopoulos. “We’re supporting the businesses that deliver the experiences Victorians love, while creating jobs and economic benefits that extend right across the state.”
Last month it was announced that more than 130 Australian venues in Victoria are to benefit from the LMRP, which is providing grants of up to AUS$65,000 (€43,570) to 131 venues with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,200.
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