Australian music is at a cultural crossroads
If we continue to look at old charts as an indicator of health, Aussie music is failing. But it's not, at least not on the world stage.
We've never seen more local acts climbing global charts.
There's never been more government funding available.
There are more tools and data in our arsenal today.
More local acts are selling out shows aboard than ever.
Is it easy out there? No.
Was it ever easy? Nope.
If we continue to look at old charts as an indicator of health, Aussie music is failing. But it's not, at least not on the world stage.
If you’re looking at the right metrics, in the right places, things aren't so bad.
Is there room for improvement? Of course.
We are already well on the long road to becoming a Net Exporter of Oz music.
But, in Australia at least, I believe we are at a cultural crossroads.
We don't have a 'music business' problem.
We do have a 'music culture' problem.
The cause? Here's a non-exhaustive list:
- A lack of live music venues
- A lack of new music on radio and TV
- A lack of focus on music education
- A lack of support for local music press
- A lack of artist development investment
- A lack of compelling storytelling
How we got here doesn't matter. How we move forward does.
All these challenges need solving.
To do this, we need to shift our attention from problems to solutions.
Too much oxygen is given to yesterday's shortcomings, and too much noise is being thrown in the wrong direction - it's all a masterful distraction from the real mission: A thriving local music industry where new, homegrown artists are embraced, supported and celebrated at scale.
We need to start asking better questions.
And we need to do this with some urgency.
Here's one suggestion for you:
What needs to change to course-correct Australian music's reputation, impact and influence on local popular culture?