Australia’s live music scene has faced its fair share of challenges over the past couple of years, with declining attendance rates, rising operational costs, and a scarcity of hospitality workers. However, amidst the struggle, hope emerges in the form of the Everyday Festival, Australia’s first independent live music venue alliance.
Kicking off today and running through the weekend, this festival celebrates the daily efforts of live music venues, particularly small-to-medium owner-operated ones, as they fight to keep their doors open in the post-pandemic landscape.
The Independent Live Venues Alliance (ILVA) is behind this initiative, emphasising the crucial role these venues play as the unsung heroes and lifeblood of the live music ecosystem. They provide stages and employment to musicians, sound engineers, lighting technicians, bar staff, music publicists, and other essential industry workers. Not only do these venues serve as vital platforms for creatives and professionals to gain experience and exposure, but they also contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of Australia.
In the last 12 months alone, Australia has bid farewell to several iconic live music venues, including Frankie’s and HiWay Enmore in NSW and NightQuarter on the Sunshine Coast. Others, such as Melbourne’s Yah Yah’s, Cherry Bar, and Badlands in WA, are grappling with the looming threat of permanent closure.
Tam Boakes, the driving force behind Adelaide’s Jive and a founding member of ILVA, expresses the harsh reality. ‘This winter has hit us like a ton of bricks… people just aren’t going to gigs like they used to before the pandemic. I’ve had to cancel several local shows last-minute because ticket sales are so bad.’
‘Consider this a desperate plea from owner-operated live music venues and the creatives who need our stages as a platform for their careers to the live music lovers of South Australia’, says Tam. ‘Without your continued support, we can’t continue to open our doors. Our venues aren’t just places to watch a band; they’re where music is born, and communities come to life.’
Celebrated live music photographer Jack Fenby, who owes his start in the music industry to Jive, adds, ‘If we were to lose Jive or any other music venue, it would be devastating at multiple levels. It’s not just one person that’s affected. When a venue closes, then that’s one less place for employment for a photographer like myself, an audio & visual technician, production & gear hire, the hospitality crew behind the bar, local suppliers and beverages.’
‘These venues are more than just walls with beer taps. Losing them means a degradation to our community, art and culture. Nobody likes a city without a soul’, says Jack.
Recognising the significance of these venues, the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office has stepped in to support the Everyday Festival financially. Arts Minister and Small & Family Business Minister of South Australia, Andrea Michaels, acknowledges the essential role these venues play in the community and culture.
‘South Australia is home to iconic live music venues, and the Everyday Festival is an opportunity to appreciate what they do every day, which is to celebrate and showcase our incredible local musicians. The Malinauskas Government continues to support our live music venues to get back on their feet after the impacts of the pandemic, and I encourage people to join in the fun over the weekend, show them some love and enjoy some great live music’, says Michaels.
Everyday Festival promises an exciting lineup featuring American punk-rock band Strung Out supported by Adelaide’s St Jude’s at The Gov tonight. Additionally, the festival will host EP and single launches for local talents such as Colourblind, MANE, Kings & Associates, and Stormy Lou at venues like Jive, The Wheaty, and The Grace Emily throughout the weekend.
Everyday Festival
When: Thursday, October 19th to Sunday, October 22nd.
For the full lineup and ticketing info, click here.
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