A new pilot program has been created to provide support for new and existing live music spaces and encourage the development of additional performance opportunities in inner Sydney.
Inner Sydney businesses keen to lay on live music for their patrons can effortlessly work with musicians thanks to a new free service backed by local councils and the City of Sydney.
Working with the City are program partners Live Music Office, Music NSW, APRA AMCOS and Leichhardt and Marrickville Councils. Live Music expert, Clayton Ries, has been appointed to liaise with businesses to identify the benefits of live music and maximise return.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said live music enriches the cultural life of a city and contributes to the local creative economy.
“We want to make it easier to find out what’s involved in getting a band or musician to play, not just in pubs or bars but in any place where people can come together to enjoy music,” the Lord Mayor said.
“When the City prepared its Live Music and Performance Action Plan, many people told us they’d love to have live music in their venues but did not know what was involved, how to find and employ the right musicians, how to make it work in their space, or how to build audiences.”
“We’re working with the Live Music Office, Music NSW, APRA AMCOS, Marrickville Council and Leichhardt Council to pilot the AMPLIFY program- it’s a step to support venues and provide more places where people can go to enjoy live music.”
The City is calling on businesses interested in hosting live music to contact Clayton Ries and discuss taking part in the pilot program.
“We are delighted that Clayton Ries has joined the Live Music Office to manage the AMPLIFY program. Clayton’s strong background in both the live music industry and the hospitality sector, means he brings a wealth of knowledge to the project. We believe AMPLIFY will have a positive impact on the live music scene across inner Sydney” says Damian Cunningham Audience and Sector Development Director for the Live Music Office.
With a background in the live music and hospitality industries, Clayton will work with individual businesses at their venues to provide site-specific guidance, to ensure live music is tailored to the available space and suits the business model.
While licensed venues like pubs and clubs typically host most live music, the pilot program will also encourage operators of community spaces to take part in the program.
Businesses or organisations wanting to participate in the pilot project should contact Clayton at lmpc@livemusicoffice.com.au
Clayton Ries – lmpc@livemusicoffice.com.au
