A bold new initiative is set to revolutionize New South Wales' live music scene, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment for all ages. This sweeping reform aims to breathe life back into music festivals and gigs, especially for teenagers, who have been hit hard by the COVID pandemic and restrictive laws in the past.
The state government has introduced a groundbreaking bill, a "world first" in their words, to support and rejuvenate the live music industry. One of the key changes is a new approach to measuring event noise, ensuring that venues won't be fined for one-off spikes in sound levels. This, along with a tailored support system for live venues and protections against unfair fees, aims to create a fair and vibrant music scene.
But here's where it gets controversial... The infamous lockout laws, introduced in 2014 to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence, had a devastating impact on live music. These laws, which mandated a 1:30 am lockout and a 3 am drink-serving cutoff, led to a 40% decline in live music revenue within the affected zones, according to APRA ACMOS data. They also resulted in the closure of numerous live music venues, further damaging the industry's reputation.
Sam Nardo, chief executive of Metro Theatre, welcomes these changes, calling it an "encouraging time" for live music operators. He believes these reforms could help bring back programs specifically for under-18s, which were halted due to COVID.
"We've had to focus on the 18 to 25-year-old cohort, but now we have the opportunity to fast-track programs for younger audiences," Nardo said.
The Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, acknowledges the state's poor reputation within the live music industry and is committed to turning things around.
"New South Wales has had a reputation for being the worst when it comes to all-ages gigs. We want to change that," Graham said.
For musicians like Dave Symes and John Hart of Boy and Bear, these changes are not just about more performance opportunities but also about making music accessible to all generations.
"There's something special about seeing parents and kids enjoying the same music together. It's a unique experience and we want to create those moments," Symes said.
The live music legislation also promises to provide better protection for festivals when it comes to noise restrictions. Previous regulations could shut down a festival if a gust of wind carried the sound further than expected.
"By moving to an average way of measuring noise, we're giving festivals more flexibility and reducing their costs. This will hopefully lead to lower ticket prices for fans," Graham explained.
Adele Robinson, chair of the Australian Festivals Association, agrees, saying people can expect better sound quality at shows while still protecting residents from disturbances.
So, what do you think? Are these changes a step in the right direction for New South Wales' live music scene? Will they help bring back the all-ages gigs and festivals that were once so vibrant? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
