New South Wales is rolling out significant legislative reforms designed to revitalise the live music scene, with a particular focus on making it more accessible for teenagers and young people. The proposed changes aim to address long-standing challenges that have impacted venues and artists alike, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable environment for music enthusiasts of all ages.
A New Era for All-Ages Gigs
Historically, venues like Sydney’s Metro Theatre were regular hosts of events catering to the under-18 demographic. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which delivered a severe blow to the entire music industry. Compounding these issues were the now-repealed venue lockout laws, introduced in 2014, which significantly deterred artists from performing in the state and made it a less attractive proposition for live music operators.
The NSW government has now put forward what it’s calling a “world-first” bill, intended to provide robust support for the live music sector. Key among the proposed changes is a revised approach to measuring event noise. The current system has been criticised for triggering fines based on one-off noise spikes, even if the average sound levels remain within acceptable limits. The new legislation seeks to move away from this punitive model, offering venues more flexibility and preventing the imposition of penalties for transient noise occurrences.
Tailored Support and Financial Boost
Beyond noise regulations, the bill introduces a tailored support system for live music venues. This includes protections designed to prevent the imposition of unfair fees and to guard against bias towards specific genres of music. The overarching goal is to create a more equitable playing field for all types of live music performances.
To further bolster the all-ages live music scene, a dedicated $500,000 fund has been established. This fund will offer grants of up to $100,000, aimed at assisting venues in covering the costs associated with booking, staging, and presenting a minimum of three all-ages live music experiences annually. This financial injection is expected to significantly ease the burden on venues and encourage the development of diverse programming.
Lessons from the Lockout Era
The impact of the 2014 lockout laws on NSW’s live music scene cannot be overstated. Introduced with the intention of tackling alcohol-fuelled violence, these laws mandated a 1:30 am lockout and ceased alcohol service by 3 am in designated areas. While the intent was public safety, the consequence for the music industry was dire. Data from APRA AMCOS in 2016 revealed a staggering 40 per cent decline in live music revenue within the lockout zones. The laws were also directly linked to the closure of numerous live music venues, creating a significant void in the cultural fabric of the state. The eventual repeal of these laws in January marked a turning point, and this new legislation builds upon that momentum.
A Welcoming Development for Operators and Artists
The reforms have been met with enthusiasm from those at the forefront of the live music industry. Sam Nardo, CEO of Sydney’s Metro Theatre, expressed his optimism, stating, “It’s a really encouraging time to be a live music operator in New South Wales.” He elaborated on how the pandemic forced a shift in focus from younger audiences to the 18-25 demographic, but the new legislation offers the potential to “fast-track those sorts of programs” for younger music fans.
Nardo also highlighted how past difficulties had led to a loss of talent to other cities like Melbourne and Brisbane. “We’ve never really seen that level of recognition before, so we’re excited to see what comes next,” he said, hoping that NSW will become a “scene of choice for musicians and bands.”
John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, reiterated the government’s commitment to rectifying NSW’s previously poor reputation in the live music sector. “We nearly lost it all together with the lockouts and then the COVID lockdowns, and this legislation is really about backing it for the long term,” Graham stated. He acknowledged that “New South Wales has had a reputation of being the worst when it comes to all-ages gigs across the country.”
Bridging Generational Divides Through Music
For musicians, these changes are not just about increased performance opportunities but also about fostering an environment where music can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Dave Symes and John Hart, members of the band Boy and Bear, emphasised the importance of creating inclusive events.
“There’s something very special about it and I think it’s amazing for the next generation to have those experiences and there might be musicians in the crowd,” Symes remarked. Hart added, “When you see parents and kids enjoying the same music together. I think it’s pretty special,” recalling his own childhood experiences attending concerts with his parents.
Enhancing the Festival Experience
The new legislation also extends its benefits to the festival scene, promising improved protection against stringent noise restrictions. Graham explained that previous regulations could lead to festivals being shut down or penalised due to unpredictable factors like wind gusts affecting sound dispersion. The shift towards an “average way of measuring” noise levels will provide festivals with greater flexibility and potentially reduce their operational costs.
“This doesn’t affect the loudness itself, that’s a separate measurement, but what it does is give certainty for a lot of these festivals in big outdoor places,” Graham noted. He expressed his hope that these changes would ultimately translate into lower ticket prices for fans.
Adele Robinson, chair of the Australian Festivals Association, echoed this sentiment, anticipating an improvement in sound quality at shows. “It’ll improve the way that it’s measured while also obviously protecting residents for disturbances as well,” she concluded.
