South Australia has long been known for its thriving live music industry, which has faced ongoing challenges since COVID-19. But help is on the way- seven Adelaide venues have formed an Independent Live Venues Alliance (ILVA).
The initiative stands as the first grassroots alliance dedicated solely to live music venues in Australia and is a collaboration amongst South Australia’s most notable independent live music venues, bringing together owner-operators of Adelaide CBD venues such as Jive, Grace Emily Hotel, and Broadcast Bar.
The alliance also includes inner-metro locations such as The Governor Hindmarsh and The Wheatsheaf Hotel, with the addition of Semaphore Workers Club and the picturesque Murray Delta Juke Joint on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Grassroots venues play an important role in nurturing emerging artists and industry professionals. These venues are the backbone of the live music framework, providing musicians, sound engineers, lighting technicians and other essential staff a platform and livelihood.
However, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown these venues into a whirlwind of rising costs, worker shortages, dwindling audience numbers, and shifting drinking culture, which has seen the permanent shuttering of many iconic Australian live music venues, with some still under the threat of permanent closure. But, ILVA is on a mission to change this.
The seasoned owner-operators of the venues in the alliance, some with over twenty years in the industry, are equipped with expertise and devotion to chart a course through what is expected to be some very challenging years ahead.
While this alliance might be the first of its kind in Australia, it draws inspiration from successful international counterparts like the UK’s Music Venue Trust. Much like its global peers, ILVA aims to foster collaborative tactics and awareness initiatives that contribute to a prosperous and enduring original live music environment in South Australia.
“As Independent grassroots venues we’re facing the toughest period in our collective memory. The stakes are high – if one of us falls, it hurts us all. I am proud to be part of this nation-leading alliance and work with some of the best in the business to build a stronger and more equitable music scene,” Owner and Publican of The Wheaty Jade Flavell says on behalf of ILVA.
The initiative has received funding from the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office, which will support the launch of ‘Everyday Festival’– a grassroots live music festival spanning 14 gigs across the 7 member venues over a 4-day period.
Taking place from October 19th to 22nd, the festival will celebrate the ‘everyday’ of live music venues, which form the home, heart and soul of South Australia’s live music industry.
The Everyday Festival offers an eclectic mix of free and ticketed events, with highlights including American punk-rock sensation Strung Out, who will perform at The Gov on October 19th, accompanied by Adelaide’s very own St Jude’s.
Local talent will also get their share of the spotlight, with EP and single launches from Colourblind, MANE, Kings & Associates, and Stormy Lou at venues including Jive, The Wheaty, and The Grace Emily.
For more info about the ILVA, visit www.ilva.com.au. To learn more about the Everyday Festival, click here.
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