Inner Sydney businesses invited to change their tune through Amplify
The Live Music Office is calling for businesses in inner Sydney to be part of the second round of Amplify, a pilot program that aims to put more live music in venues.
Eight businesses were part of the program’s first round, and have engaged in a 12-week consultancy with Amplify Coordinator Clayton Ries. The consultancy includes tailored, site-specific advice on topics such as production, staging, ticketing, talent booking, licensing, marketing and audience development.
“It’s been fantastic working with these venues and seeing them make changes that deliver value to both their business and their patrons,” says Clayton.
Gary Cowan, owner and general manager of the Sir William Wallace Hotel in Balmain, joined the program to kick start music at his venue. Since learning how to program and promote live music through Amplify, he’s been presenting performances on Saturday evenings and seeing happy customers who spend more time at his hotel.
“Live music at the Wally adds a bit of excitement to the weekend,” says Gary. “It adds warmth to the pub, it gives punters something to talk about before and after the event, it makes the pub more interesting and it gives it a bit more depth.”
At arts space 107 Projects in Redfern, Amplify has helped Development Manager Dario Phillips program six months of the NOW Now Series, which features experimental and improvised music.
“Amplify adds experience and professional resources to our organisation that we couldn’t otherwise access or afford,” says Dario.
“The program contributes a team member in the form of a consultant, who directly works with us to review our current operations and identify opportunities to enhance the live music experience we offer musicians and audiences.”
The venues that participated in series one of Amplify were:
107 Projects, Redfern
The Chippendale Hotel, Chippendale
Lazybones Lounge, Marrickville
Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham
Play Bar, Surry Hills
Sir William Wallace Hotel, Balmain
Newtown Hotel, Newtown
Taste Bar, Sydney
Amplify was launched in December 2015 as an initiative of the Live Music Office in partnership with APRA AMCOS and Music NSW. It is funded by City of Sydney and Inner West Council.
Businesses or organisations interested in joining the second round of the program should contact Clayton Ries: lmpc@livemusicoffice.com.au. Please note your venue must be located in one of the aforementioned councils.
