Australia: Parliament, CMC Rocks Sellout, Reeperbahn Spotlight

A group of artists led by Icehouse performed before 100 ministers, senators and staffers at the New South Wales parliament house in Sydney. It was the second NSW Parliamentary Friends of Australian Music event. In between sets, the artists spoke about issues facing the music industry. It is organized by music rights and recording associations with Australian Hotels Association NSW and Clubs NSW.

Icehouse leader Iva Davies emphasized the importance of a sustainable metro and regional touring market, for artists career development and boost to economy. “In Australia we have the limitations of only a certain number of big cities, and so it’s great to go and work in regional Australia,” Davies said. Last year, he said, Icehouse played shows to over 350,000, many of them in regional areas. Each show provided extra work for 400, Davies estimated.

Electronic producer KLP, didgeridoo player and composer William Barton and singer-songwriters William Crichton and Leah Flanagan addressed the importance of music education, protection of copyright and the investment in music export initiatives. Gigs in NSW draw 16 million over 12 months while Live Performance Australia’s 2016 research valued NSW contemporary music live concert and festival revenue at A$201 million (US$149.9 million)

CMC Rocks Queensland, the largest country and roots festival in the southern hemisphere, sold out its 21,000 tickets in 90 minutes when tix went on sale Oct. 2. “We’re constantly blown away by how passionate and loyal CMC Rocks fans are,” said festival director Jeremy Dylan. Co-promoter Michael Chugg said it was a testament to festival co-founder, the late Rob Potts.

CMC Rocks Queensland, which stages March 14-17 in Ipswich, has developed a strong base, not only with major stars – the 2019 instalment has Florida Georgia Line, Kasey Chambers and Thomas Rhett, but a phenomenal range of upcoming acts from the US and Canada making their debuts Down Under. 

They include Michael Ray, LoCash, Frankie Ballard, Carly Pearce, Cam, Devin Dawson, Danielle Bradbery, Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Lindsay Ell, Morgan Wallen, The Sisterhood Band, Jim Lauderdale, Tenille Townes, Noah Schnacky, Home Free and Oakwood.

Germany’s Reeperbahn festival will spotlight Australia at its 2019 edition, in Hamburg Sept. 18-21. With Germany overtaking the UK as largest music market in Europe, German delegates have been invited to Aussie events to highlight opportunities, while government-funded music export body Sounds Australia holds its signature Aussie BBQ events at Reeperbahn annually.

The Temper Trap, Methyl Ethel, Lisa Mitchell, Alex the Astronaut, Dean Lewis, Jen Cloher, Safia, Parcels and Client Liaison have showcased at the event. Festival director Alexander Schulz commented, “The list of bands and artists with a huge diversity of musical genres coming out of Australia that venture into international careers is absolutely impressive.”