NSW election 2023: Political hopefuls support live music pledge

A vocalist from a beloved Sydney band has lashed the dire state of the city’s live music scene, amid calls for government support to spearhead the industry’s revival. Find out what has been pledged.

Art Vs Science

A vocalist from a beloved Sydney band has lashed the dire state of the city’s live music scene, amid calls for government support to spearhead the industry’s revival.

Jim Finn, vocalist and keyboard player from indie electro band Art vs. Science, rated the current state of live music in NSW as “maybe three out of ten”.

The band shot to fame in the 2010s, in a vastly different music scene.

“I got to come through the traps when there were venues and there was a vibrant music scene, Mr Finns said. “I got to grow as an artist going around to the small pubs and clubs gigging.

“Unfortunately any young artists coming up now have a really difficult task finding enough places to play and enough support from the government and community to get them out there in front of people. It’s really difficult and disheartening.”

Art vs. science.

Mr Finn is one of a raft of NSW artists who have won the support of independent MP Alex Greenwich and hopeful state candidates who have committed to reinvigorate the state’s live music and cultural scene – with the two major parties pushed to commit to a $100m pledge.

The commitment includes the establishment of a contemporary music office in the NSW Government, as well as plans to build entertainment venues and festival spaces in the state.

Community independent Karen Freyer has pledged support to the NSW music sector. Picture: Renee Nowytarger.

Community independent candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer has signed onto the commitment, which has been advocated for by a coalition of peak music organisations, including Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS), Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), Live Performance Australia and Music NSW.

Ms Freyer said the next NSW Government must build on successful projects, like outdoor dining championed by the City of Sydney to revitalise the state’s cultural economy.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, and North Shore and Pittwater teal candidates Helen Conway and Jacqui Scruby respectively, along with Joeline Hackman, Judy Hannan, and Victoria Davidson have also backed the plan.

NSW Labor has made a $103m commitment, with The Greens have pledged to invest $700m in music in response to the coalition of peak music organisations campaign.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich has supported the pledge. Picture: Jane Dempster.

Vaucluse Liberal candidate Kellie Sloane. Picture: Renee Nowytarger.

Sydney Independent MP Alex Greenwich – who opposed lockout laws when they were introduced in 2014 – said the next government must strengthen entertainment precincts and invest in Sydney’s 24-hour economy.

“We need an injection of government investment in the contemporary music industry to address the skills shortages created by the pandemic, grow First Nations, regional and western Sydney talent, and build audiences,” he said.

Circular Quay. Picture: Jeremy Piper.

Coogee Liberal candidate Kylie von Meunster said the Liberal’s commitment to a 24-Hour Economy Commissioner reflected the party’s commitment to reinvigorating to the city “for people to socialise and to work”.

Vaucluse Liberal candidate Kellie Sloane said small businesses had seen five consecutive cuts to payroll tax under the NSW Liberal government, which would benefit the live music sector.

“One of the things that is our bread and butter in the Liberal Party is looking after small business and getting rid of the red tape,” she said.

Her Labor opponent Margaret Merten said federal and state Labor had “hit it out of the park in terms of their policies around supporting the arts and [fostering] regeneration”.