This State We’re In #688

G’day music fans,
Last week, Melbourne hosted the first ever Music Cities Convention in the southern hemisphere. Dozens of speakers from eight continents joined music industry, government and academics from all around Australia descended on Melbourne to discuss the best ways cities can support music.
What makes a great music city?
Firstly, an organic music scene made up of well-run venues, talented musicians and passionate fans. Secondly, an understanding from government about the make-up, contribution, and needs of a music city. Victoria is fortunate to have the support and backing from the State Government, which has invested $22.2 million over the last three years through its Music Works strategy. Further, Geelong and Ballarat are fortunate to have music strategies put in place by their councils, with input from industry advisory committees and the community.
One of the key skills that underlines any music sector is the quality of songwriting, and Victorian songwriters have an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best local and international songwriters at the upcoming APRA AMCOS The Melbourne Sessions event at Kindred Studios on Friday 6 July 2018. For just $45 for APRA AMCOS members, you’ll be able to sit in on masterclasses and workshops with Grammy Award winner Warryn Campbell, Anna Laverty, Ben Abraham, Cezary Skubiszewski, Shungudzo (USA/ZIMBABWE), Dallas Frasca, Harvey Miller (Client Liaison), and Geelong’s own Adalita Srsen.You can book your place here online.
It’s definitely worth having a look online at your local live music strategies and programs to find out how you can benefit.
Keep an eye out for our 2018 Professional Development Program, which is free for MV members to attend and access to ensure you, your band, or business is up-to-date with the latest skills, info, and trends.
Our Live Music Professionals business development program is about to pick up steam with its 2018 successful applicants announced! There was an overwhelming response to the program this year with 50 percent of successful applicants hailing from regional Victoria. They include The Lost Ones Basement Bar (Ballarat), The Eastern (Ballarat), The Dart ‘n’ Marlin (Warrnambool), Theatre Royal (Castlemaine), Shedshaker Brewery Taproom (Castlemaine), The General Store (Mt Hotham), Grampians Music Festival, Common Thread Events (Birregurra), Macedon Ranges Music Festival and Grand Hotel Mornington. The program will officially launch at a new, to-be-announced, Melbourne music conference in early July.
See you on the sticky carpet…
Paddy & the Music Vic crew

MV Member of the month
Nigel Wearne (https://www.nigelwearne.com/)
Nigel Wearne is a folk/country singer-songwriter, luthier, poet and gleaner. Equipped with personally handcrafted instruments, his music melds finger-style guitar, clawhammer banjo, folk and honest storytelling. Gleaning diverse influence from Kelly Joe Phelps, Townes Van Zandt and Sun Kil Moon, he tells stories of forgotten rebels, wandering poets, and his love of eggs.
Nigel has toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand and he’s performed at a long list of Australian music festivals, including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Cygnet Folk Festival and Illawarra Folk Festival. He’s also shared shows with the likes of All Our Exes Live in Texas, Lindsay Lou (USA), Jenny Mitchell (NZ), Tennyson King (CAN), The Davidson Brothers, Jordie Lane and the late great Billy Thorpe.
Regional gig of the month
Lucie Thorne (and The Yearlings) – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
Sunday 27 May, 4-7pm
Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one of Australia’s most striking contemporary songsmiths. With eleven releases to her name – including her latest LP Everything Sings Tonight – and a prodigious touring schedule, Thorne continues to carve out an extraordinary creative career. Thorne conjures “exquisitely impressionistic… poetry in motion” with an intimacy and warmth for which her live shows have become so renowned. In the comfort of Castlemaine’s newly renovated live music gem The Bridge, you should do yourself a favour and dig some Castlemaine GOLD!
Written by Sarah Deborre, Live Music Professionals Project Manager at Music Vic & Patrick Donovan, CEO at Music Vic