You won’t find much argument to comments that the Sydney live music scene is behind that of other major cities across the country. So, with the closure of iconic venues like the Hopetoun Hotel and potential barring up of the Annandale Hotel and the Harp, one has to wonder if we’re not shooting ourselves in the foot.
Yes, the financial issues of an establishment are beyond the control of those outside, but can be helped by the simple patronage of the public.
I don’t have the influence of more established musicians, nor the years of industry insight of others who have exposed themselves to hundreds of hours of beer-soaked carpet and screaming amplifiers; but as an unknown, independent musician, the future’s looking bleak.
Luckily, my livelihood doesn’t depend on it, but getting out there and playing some tunes with my friends is something I’m passionate about. Sure, if we make it, great. But without the opportunity to do so – simply due to the fact that there aren’t enough venues to flaunt our wares – it seems an exercise in futility.
For those who do rely on regular gigs to pay the bills or put food on the table, then I can only imagine how they must feel with the dwindling opportunities.
Yes, music can be created and expressed in more private settings – even written, produced and distributed by a sole individual with enough time and technology to do so. But the skill, essence and sheer pleasure of playing and listening to live music will be lost if this is what we’re left to rely on.
And unfortunately, when we do step out into one of the few decent venues left around town, we’ll be assaulted by the Weekend Bashers or those that are All Gear and No Idea, and for all intents and purposes, are somewhat proficient musicians but still need to develop their live experience to entertain the crowd and translate their ProTools compositions into music.
The downfall of the live music scene in Sydney? Maybe. The hindering of talented individuals across the City, confined to their bedrooms and garages? Most definitely. There’s much press about Sydney striving to become a cultural hub – and it certainly is in many, many aspects – but we need to cultivate our local talents, and not simply import or invite visitors to share with us their gifts.
Live musicians compete with the convenience of instant entertainment, and the comfort of being in one’s own surrounds. Lack of transport to some venues or minimal promotion of events can also be attributed to the laissez faire attitude of most would-be punters.
If we do happen get someone there, we compete with the LCD displays, idle chatter and shattering of glass. But we can’t decline into blame and finger-pointing as to who has the silver bullet to fix the system, or who is responsible for its terminal nature.
Instead, I charge everyone the challenge to get out there and see a gig or concert of whatever genre gets your foot a-tappin’, and do it at least a couple of times a year. Generally it will only set you back the cost of a decent meal, and an hour or two out of your evening.
Most of which, you’ll be supporting true Australian talent in an infinitely more interactive way than pushing the red button on the screen or voting via SMS poll.
Therein lies the rub. Not only does it suck to play to an empty room, but without an audience, the artist/s is less likely to get repeat business from the venue. “Strike another venue off our list of places to play – they won’t return our calls or E-mails”.
There’s incredible pressure on artists with no marketing budget, limited network or notoriety to get people in through the door to buy the food and drinks which keep the pub’s business going. The responsible acts understand this and spend many a late hour after they get home from Job One, rallying the troops so they can continue with Job Two.
Like any industry, the factors and rationale are varied. It’s the individual responsibilities of many that make the whole a living, breathing, rocking, jiving, jumping, swelling, beautiful orchestration that showcases the talent which we have to offer.
The answer to the ultimate question isn’t going to come from someone like me who is just dipping his toes into an ocean that, in all likelihood, will never conquer. All I can do is tell it like it is as I unload my amplifier early in the AM and get handed a plastic envelope with $12 to share between four band members.
We don’t do it for the money, simply for the passion. All we ask is that we’re given the opportunity to do so.
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