30/12/04
The Western Australian music industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom and has never been more buoyant, according to a recent review.
An interim review of the Gallop Government's four-year Contemporary Music Strategy shows that sales are up, audiences have increased and ARIA music history is being made with fans locally, nationally and internationally enjoying more of our homegrown product.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said there was no doubt that Western Australia's local music scene was thriving - with even greater audiences expected at music venues this summer.
The Gallop Government's $5million Contemporary Music Strategy was launched in 2001 - helping to develop a vibrant, productive and profitable local music industry attracting worldwide acclaim.
"The WA music industry is thriving with venues reporting a surge in audience numbers expected to rise even further over summer, and local record retailers recording a big increase in sales of local product," Ms McHale said.
"The Government's investment is paying dividends, with sales of five platinum and three gold WA releases surpassing $16million, and independent local artists making ARIA history by topping both the singles and albums charts.
"The talent of our artists is undisputed with ARIA history made on a number of levels this year, including more Australian chart number ones than ever before."
Successes include:
- John Butler Trio 'Sunrise Over Sea' album first ever ARIA chart number one debut by an independent artist on their own label;
- 'Sunrise Over Sea' recently certified quadruple platinum (sales of 280,000 in Australia);
- WA 'Australian Idol' contender Cosima De Vito;
- more WA acts in final ARIA nominations than ever before;
- more WA acts in ARIA charts at one time than ever before; and
- more accredited (gold and platinum sales) at one time than ever before.
Ms McHale said a range of WA solo artists and bands were enjoying great State, national and international success and had been supported by Contemporary Music Strategy funding.
Industry development grants funded 103 projects with special 'quick response funding' helping 20 artists take advantage of various music opportunities.
"Our quick response funding helped local band 'Little Birdy' in its tour with The Dissociatives and also resulted in more than 40 all-ages, drug, smoke and alcohol-free music events across the State, attended by more than 10,000 young people as part of the RAMMPAAGE program," the Minister said.
Bands supported under the strategy include:
- Little Birdy - funded to tour with the Dissociatives and Alex Lloyd and to record debut album 'BigBigLove', which has sold in excess of 35,000 copies since its November release;
- The Sleepy Jackson - attended the prestigious South by Southwest (SxSW) music trade fair in Austin, Texas;
- John Butler Trio - performed at the WA Music Industry Association Showcase at SxSW and subsequently signed to Lava Records (Warner subsidiary);
- End of Fashion - signed an international recording deal following funded attendance at SxSW in 2004;
- The Chevelles - funded to tour the United States, Spain and Brazil to service existing fanbase. The band has also been invited to perform Embassy and other shows in Chile and Argentina in 2005; and
- Gyroscope - who performed to more than 120,000 people across Australia touring with Blink 182 and have since signed international recording and publishing deals.
In more good news for the local music industry, Ms McHale said a State Government soundproofing and support strategy for local live music was set to address planning and noise concerns.
"The problem of sound affecting nearby residential areas from performance venues sometimes causes conflict and consequently the Gallop Government will continue work to address this issue while also supporting the music scene," she said.
The strategy includes a variety of projects involving a range of State and local government agencies with one key project to allocate up to $250,000 to a dollar-for-dollar grant program allowing existing live music venues to investigate soundproofing.
Other initiatives include:
- a pilot project to establish a special noise zone for Northbridge examining noise levels;
- the development of specific sound education campaigns for residents, musicians, developers and licensees, as well as for live outdoor music events; and
- the recognition of contemporary music in the Liquor Licensing Act.
"Finding a balance between the sound requirements of musicians and bands and the relevant State and local government policies on mixed use planning, zoning and environmental noise regulations is sometimes difficult but vital," Ms McHale said.
"Soundproofing and education strategies, along with continued financial support of musicians and bands under the Contemporary Music Strategy will reap even greater rewards in the future and is testament to the Gallop Government's commitment to the local music scene."
Full details of the interim evaluation and the success of the Contemporary Music Strategy will be released in January 2005.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
