COVID-19 disruptions have caused significant challenges for society as a whole, but the live music industry has arguably been hit harder than most as an industry largely reliant on mass participation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After two largely uncertain years, musicians, venue operators and assorted music professionals have had to frantically work around regular cancellations, loss of revenue and a 'planning minefield'.
Millthorpe musician Jason Roweth, who has been a professional musician with his wife, Chloe, for 25 years, said he's worried the constant disruptions could dissuade the next generation of musicians.
"The whole industry: gig bookings, tours, promotional material, scheduling etc.: is all essentially 'COVID pending' right now, and you have to admire those operators who are doing everything they can to work around it," Mr Roweth said.
"I really feel for those who are just starting to crack into the industry, and I can't bear to think of a country without the ability to nurture the next generation of storytellers; people might laugh at this, but think about it, without the incentive to grow their careers, how will today's up-and-coming musicians survive?"
COVID-19 disruptions have not only presented challenges for musicians, but also venues who champion live music as a key aspect of their entertainment offerings.
The Victoria Bathurst has been affected by a swathe of cancellations by artists from outside the Central West.
However, The Victoria's brand and marketing manager Meg McKenna said the venue has stuck with the four square metre rule for Little Alberts since reopening after last year's lockdown to best allow for patron and musician comfort.
"We obviously have had to postpone gigs as artists live in Sydney, but after the first lockdown we never moved back to that one per two square metre when we could as we knew people were conscious of their own personal space and if ever we had to go back to this restrictions we would be safe," Ms McKenna said.
Ms McKenna said the venue has been able to keep up a regular roster of gigs on the back of the Central West's diverse music scene, with Soul Food selling out shows, and fellow locally-based acts James Van Cooper and Ska-ramouche set for energetic gigs in September.
"Everyone is feeling frustrated by having to continue wearing masks and follow strict rules, but at least they can plan to enjoy and support local live music," Ms McKenna said.
"We will continue to host and support live music until we're told otherwise."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News