New Group Tackles Perth’s Concert Crisis

In recent months, half a dozen venues went dark, citing bureaucratic red tape, high rentals and noise volume complaints. In mid-February, Dave Cutbush, director of tour promoter Life Is Noise, convened an emergency meeting expecting 40 attendees. More than 300 convened with solutions. The meeting wrapped with a resolution to set up the association. An 11-person steering committee includes Cutbush, Luke Rinaldi of Sweet Mate Music agency, club operator Erika Jellis, Charlotte Thorne of promoter Billions Australia and Andrew Ryan of promoter Cool Perth Nights.

Meetings have been held with authorities, politicians and councils discussing issues covering greater funding, a state-subsidised venue, empty buildings for band rehearsals, red tape and strategies to grow audiences. “It’s all looking positive. It’s got a grassroots urgency,” Cutbush told Pollstar.

Perth’s isolated position on the Australian west coast has spawned acts that “sounded different,” including INXS, The Triffids, John Butler, Pond and Tame Impala.