‘Rise of the pub gig’ brings live music back to Sydney’s local venues

‘Rise of the pub gig’ brings live music back to Sydney’s local venues
Image: 'Rise of the pub gig' will run for 5 weeks bringing live music to over 500 venues across Australia. Photo: unsplash.com

By AMBER GRIFFIN

Live music platform Muso will begin its initiative to bring live music back to pubs, helping venue owners and musicians to re-establish Sydney’s once-electric local live music scene. The list of artists and venues chosen to participate in the ‘Rise of the pub gig’ initiative has been released, as Muso starts its nation wide investment into over 500 gigs across 100 venues across Australia.

“We can’t wait to join thousands of Aussies as they cheer on the incredible talent featured in the tour’s line-up at so many iconic spots” Muso said.

“Original music is the lifeblood of any music scene, and we want to bring it back. We want to bring back the pub gig.”

City of Sydney Deputy Mayor Jess Scully told City Hub that ‘Rise of the Pub Gig’ is a brilliant initiative and has council support. She encourages Sydneysiders to get out there and support live music as Sydney recovers from the pandemic.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for venues and pubs that want to host live music, and this is one way that we can provide material support to get more acts on stages, and to support more venues that may not have been able to hold a show for a long time.”

Cr Scully also brought attention to statistics regarding the detrimental effect that COVID-19 had on the entertainment industry in Australia.

The ‘I Lost My Gig’ survey reports that since July 2021, 32,000 gigs and events have been cancelled – equating to nearly $94 million of lost income. Of this lost revenue, survey results showed 99% of musicians, roadies, promoters, and gig workers had no income protection or event cancellation insurance.

“Now more than ever, we need to support and celebrate local talent” Deputy Mayor Scully said.

“We’ve suffered from seven years of lockout laws undermining our live music ecology in Sydney, before two years of lockdowns and heightened restrictions, so at the City of Sydney we’re doing everything in our power to back local talent and rebuild confidence and excitement around our live scene.”

Cr Scully expressed that she is really hopeful that this initiative will have an impact by creating new opportunities for performers, and bringing audiences together to enjoy live music at their local pub.

Muso brings live music to Chippo Hotel 

The Chippo Hotel is just one of the many venues being supported by ‘Rise fo the Pub Gig’. Chippendale pub owner Cherine Mehasseb said to City Hub that The Chippo Hotel has always been a huge supporter of live music and performing arts.

“We host 2 live gigs a week at the very least and so it was natural for us to take part in this initiative. We love participating in community initiatives that encourage and back artists – no matter how small or big the bands are.”

All gigs involved in the initiative will receive funding from Muso for marketing and a venue collateral budget. Additionally, all gigs are promoted via a national marketing campaign drumming up support for the pub gig.

Muso's rise of the pup gig
Photo: muso.live

After the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and the decline of the local band spaces in the last decade, Muso is on a mission to see local live music return across Australia starting in its rightful home — the pub.

Muso’s Growth Manager Nik Sanghvi shared with City Hub that ever since COVID lockdowns, Muso has been working on a plan to bring local live music back to the Australian stage, and that seeing the 500 shows now come to life is hugely rewarding.

“We hope the Rise of the Pub Gig tour will give venues the confidence they need to kickstart their original live music experiences and artists the much-needed income boost they need. We want great talent to be heard once again.”

Muso’s initiative has gained the support of Creative Victoria, The City of Sydney, and the Australian Government’s ‘RISE Fund’ – a national investment in the reactivation of the arts and entertainment sector.

How to get involved 

Muso’s Growth Manager Nik Sanghvi shared that you can get involved by simply turning up, enjoying a meal, and having a drink with friends while they listen to great local talent

“Punters can find details about all the gigs through our gig guide. Going beyond that, streaming local Aussie musicians, buying their merch, and following them on socials is a huge boost both financially and for morale after a trying two years.”

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