March
Your concert ticket might soon look like a bill
A federal parliamentary inquiry into reviving the struggling live music industry has proposed itemising the costs that go into the price of a show.
Why the live album is back
The rise of pop and hip-hop almost killed in-concert recordings, but a few factors have led to a revival, with everyone from The Cure to Ed Sheeran releasing them.
February
Meet the rare male soprano shaking up concert halls
Samuel Marino is one of just a handful of professional male singers with the voice type, but his significance is more than musicological.
Falls Festival site going for a song as Live Nation cuts asking price
The entertainment group wanted $4 million two years ago for the site near the Great Ocean Road. It’s less optimistic now on price.
January
Star deal crowns Sydney’s media-shy theatre king
Star’s sale of its Sydney events centre means that by 2026 the city will have three major commercial theatres under the control of one owner, Stephen Found.
Splendour in the Grass cancelled for second year running
One of Australia’s largest music festivals said it needed “more time to recharge” after a last-minute cancellation in 2024, although other music festivals are thriving.
Why Paul McCartney, at 82, cannot let it be
Back on tour last month, the legendary songman is still hungry for appreciation and intent on settling old scores.
December 2024
This Christmas concert is a (mostly) Mariah-free zone
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s gorgeous Noël! Noël! program offers a welcome return to when Christmas music was actually about Christmas.
It’s the end of Eras: How Taylor Swift changed pop forever
After 149 shows over almost two years, the singer’s blockbuster, career-defining show has come to an end. She could be music’s last truly monocultural figure.
November 2024
Music industry brass throw weight behind talent booking platform
An online platform that fashions itself as the future marketplace and booking platform for top Aussie talent is rounding the final week of its $2 million raise.
October 2024
$330 Oasis tickets fair, dynamic pricing a good thing: Live Nation chair
After selling 270,000 Oasis tickets in less than 36 hours, thousands of which cost over $800, Michael Coppel says it’s clear people value live experiences.
This CEO gave up drinking 10 years ago, and never looked back
Why Australian Chamber Orchestra boss Richard Evans swapped alcohol for walking and a cup of tea.
September 2024
People don’t want ‘challenging’ music, says Peaceful Piano king
Chad Lawson writes music to improve your mental health – which has meant this stalwart of Spotify’s Peaceful Piano playlist repressing some of his own creative impulses.
How this former accountant became a top music exec
Sean Warner, the CEO of Universal Music in Australia, thought he wanted to be an accountant, until he realised he didn’t.
Nearly $700 to see Oasis! Outrage in UK over ‘dynamic’ ticket pricing
Fans had expected to pay around half that, and global giant Ticketmaster was the only one of three platforms to have engaged in the practice.
August 2024
The Oasis reunion is all about the vibe
In that sense, Oasis Live ’25 will be no different from a Taylor Swift gig - another major moment but with more bad hair and beery tears.
Opera Australia artistic director gone amid rift with boss
Australia’s largest performing arts company is in turmoil, with Jo Davies resigning after just nine months in the role amid a split with CEO Fiona Allan.
Victoria’s budget woes put ABBA plans on ice
However, despite the state’s debt pressures, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce says ABBA Voyage would generate hundreds of millions in revenue for Melbourne.
This is why a ‘Frankenstein’ violin can still be worth millions
The Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Satu Vanska is in a dream collaboration with the Sydney Dance Company, but has nightmares about losing her violin.
How Taylor Swift got very, very rich
The tale of the singing star being exploited by a ruthless, male dominated music industry isn’t the full story.