music industry survey results

INDUSTRY NEWS: Over 370 respond to survey

A short while back, Pilot Records (in conjunction with Ross McHenry) volunteered to write and distribute a survey to collect feedback on the SA Music scene. This move coincided with the Live Music Thinker in Residence program, and the project managers Don Dunstan Foundation have now received the survey results for their use in the course of the Thinker's recommendation process. Attracting over 370 responses in just 10 days, there was a 66% completion rate of compulsory questions, and the majority of respondents claimed to be involved in some form in the SA music industry, with just under half being artists. The public report of the results is now online and paints an interesting picture of the participant's perception of the SA scene. While nearly 2/3 though the SA music industry is either 'Rather poorly' or is 'Slightly Behind' in comparison to other states, more than half thought SA artists themselves were on par or better than other successful artists in Australia and elsewhere. Download the full report from the official site.

Official Site

new crowdfunding site for oz music

INDUSTRY NEWS: Zoshpit launches new platform for musos

Australia now has its very own crowdfunding site dedicated solely to music: Zoshpit. Its mission is "to revolutionise the Australian music industry by offering  a platform tailored to the needs of artists, bands and musicians." Not only will it feature a fan funding platform, but it also allows artists to upload and sell tracks without giving away a commission (nb. PayPal transactions fees still apply). Artists looking to raise funds for projects such as producing an LP, putting on a gig or filming a clip should check it out. “This is an exciting time for our music industry. Being able to facilitate making a few musical dreams come true is an honour. By focusing purely on music, we’re not only providing a more tailored platform for artists and bands, but we’re also providing a better experience for their fans. We don’t want crowdfunding on ZoshPit to be just about raising funds and doing your thing. It’s about creating long term relationships everyone involved,” said ZoshPit Co-Founder, Julian Chong.

Official site

freestyle mc comp in new festival

INDUSTRY NEWS: Word Adelaide hosts rap battle at Thebby

The language of war is set to come to life in a boxing ring! As a part of Word Adelaide, the newest festival on the cultural landscape, you can witness - and be part of - a rap battle unlike any other. From flyweights to superheavyweights, there's a chance to win $12,000 in prizes as national and international MCs pit their skills in acapella, beat box and instrumental sections at Thebarton Theatre on 16 August. Overseeing this event is PJ Murton (Pulling Strings), the man who took the Hilltop Hoods from Adelaide favourites to international stars. Australian hip hop continues to take the world by storm, with artists including the Hilltop Hoods, Bliss N Eso and 360 regularly touring internationally. The Freestyle MC Competition performances will be accompanied by Australian hip hop. You can get your tickets now, and MCs should enter to be part of the heats ASAP.

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music room tv show launches

INDUSTRY NEWS: Premier & launch of SA-filmed series

Producer Terri Amor is proud to announce the premiere of the new television series Music Room on Saturday May 25th at 9.30pm AEST. Every week, hosts Shanelle Franklin and Matt Soang present video clips, interviews and live performances from some of the best Australia’s music scene has to offer. While this is their first television gig, neither hosts are strangers to the music scene. Shanelle can be heard every Monday morning spinning the freshest hits on Fresh 92.7 FM as well as reviewing local releases for Music SA, while Matt belts out lead vocals as front man of local rockers Dexter Jones. Music Room will air nationally on Foxtel’s Aurora Community Channel, and the cast, crew and all the guests appearing on Music Room will be celebrating the show launch at Jive, on Thursday 30th of May at 7.00pm.

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bigsound's first announcements

INDUSTRY NEWS: World class speakers & showcasing acts

Bigsound music conference & showcase is turning 12 this year, and with their recent announcement of the first speakers on the bill, it seems set to break some records! Gracing the Brisbane event in September will be Billy Bragg, Amanda Palmer and Australia’s own Kasey Chambers, and the first dozen live artists include Xavier Rudd, Megan Washington, The John Steel Singers, Stonefield, Bleeding Knees Club, The Jungle Giants, Spit Syndicate, Dune Rats, Clubfeet, Thelma Plum, Citizen Kay and Little Bastard. All up there will be 120 artists from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more to play at the showcase, with applications still open until 20 May. Watch this space for more lineup announcements.

Official site

commit to community radio

INDUSTRY NEWS: Update on Budget implications

Official site

ambassador peter combe

INDUSTRY NEWS: APRA announces new Ambassadors

This month APRA has welcomed eight new and highly esteemed APRA Ambassadors from various areas within the Australian music community. From children’s music to classic Aussie rock, to Grammy award winning songs, the new Ambassadors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles representing APRA. Amongst those newly named is SA's Peter Combe, who is in his 30th year as a professional children’s singer songwriter. Often referred to as the ‘Paul Kelly of children’s song writers’, he has captured the imagination of both young and old Australians for a generation with his funny, inspirational and irresistibly catchy songs for children. With 3 ARIAS for Best Children’s Album and seven gold and two platinum CDs, Peter Combe is an icon of Australian children’s music and recognized as simply the best and most loved children’s songwriter in Australia. Peter will be doing a series of in-school concerts in Sydney from July 15th until the 26th, and in Adelaide during Term 4.

APRA's aprap 

music sa board welcomes new chair

INDUSTRY NEWS: Personnel changes at AGM

The Board of the South Australian Contemporary Music Company Ltd T/As MUSIC SA held its Annual General Meeting last Thursday night. The Board is pleased to announce the election of Anne Wiberg to the position of Chairperson, with PJ Murton re-elected as Vice Chair. Anne brings extensive experience to the organisation in music event management, tourism, youth development and festivals. She is currently Program Executive with the Adelaide Festival.

The following members were re-elected to continue as company directors for a following term: Anne Wiberg, PJ Murton, Helen Page, Jett Heysen-Hicks, David Grice, Drew Landt and  Keith Huxtable. At the meeting the incoming Board was pleased to re-iterate its determination as the peak body to support, promote, represent and develop contemporary music in South Australia.

The Board notes with sadness the departure of long term Board members and company founders Arna Eyers-White and Emily Kelly. Emily formed the first Board for the company in 1997, successfully running the organisation as General Manager until 2005 before taking a position as Secretary and later Vice Chair of the Music SA Board. Arna Eyers-White was the founding chair of the company Board, a position that she held for 15 years, and both have been instrumental in the success of the organisation to date. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

partnership brings stars

INDUSTRY NEWS: New clinic series from Music SA, ETI & NSS

Music SA are delighted to announce our new strategic partnership with Education Through Inspiration (ETI) and Northern Sound System (NSS) to bring some of the worlds best musicians to South Australia for an ongoing series of clinics. Starting with drummer Mark Schulman (Simple Minds, Billy Idol) and bassist Eva Gardner (Mars Volta, Veruca Salt) in July, the partnership is aimed at providing opportunities for South Australian bands and musicians to gain insights into performance, technique and songwriting from some of the world best touring artists. “We are very excited at this partnership” said Music SA General Manager Daniel Randell “With Mark and Eva currently touring with Pink worldwide as a part of the massive Truth About Love tour we are really fortunate to be able to gain access to these amazingly accomplished artists.” The first Rhythm clinic featuring Mark Schulman and Eva Gardner will take place at The Promethean on July 3rd. More information on tickets will be available soon through the Music SA, ETI and NSS Websites.

Official ETI site 

Official NSS site