Sydney has a reputation for being one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. The diverse nightlife in the city has helped to build that reputation, with dozens of clubs, live music venues, and bars for residents to enjoy.
Unfortunately, Sydney’s reputation for world-class nightlife has been tarnished in recent years by the introduction of lockout laws for entertainment venues. These laws set restrictions on the operating hours of pubs and nightclubs in some parts of Sydney. Music industry bodies suggest that the laws have had a significant financial effect on the live music industry.
But what does it really change for musicians and artists? This article will take a look at what effect the laws have had on the live music scene and offer some ideas on how artists can adapt to this change.
What did Sydney’s lockout laws actually change?
In February of 2014, the NSW government imposed a set of precinct laws on the Sydney CBD entertainment district. The laws included the following changes:
1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at hotels, licensed karaoke bars, registered clubs and nightclubs. Small bars (less than 60 people), some restaurants and tourist accommodation was exempt.
Bans for troublemakers
A prohibition on takeaway alcohol sales after 10pm
A freeze on the approval of liquor licenses
A tightening of the rules for responsible service of alcohol
The laws were enacted in response to the high level of alcohol-fuelled violence in Kings Cross and Oxford Street. The government claims that violence has declined by 42% since the laws were enforced.
On the flip side, music industry analysts claim that the lockout laws have negatively impacted the live music industry. The Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) suggests that there has been a 40% drop in live music revenue and a 19% drop in patrons at nightclubs since the changes.
What does it mean for musicians?
The drop in live music revenue has led to some popular live music venues closing down, including the Landsdowne Hotel in Chippendale and the Imperial Hotel. Other venues have reduced the number of live acts they have each month.
Venues for electronic music have also been hit particularly hard by the lockout. These venues have traditionally had very long operating hours, with DJs playing into the early hours of the morning. Popular electronic music venues including Hugo’s, Soho, Tank Room and the Piano Room have closed down in the past few years.
Some artists are finding it more difficult to land gigs, which in turn limits their exposure and merchandise sales. When they do land a gig, the crowds are often smaller than usual because of the lockout laws. Other artists have noticed that venues can no longer afford to pay them as well, making it difficult to sustain their career.
How can artists adapt to these changes?
The changes to the lockout laws have made it harder for musicians to make a living and gain exposure for their music. But it’s not all doom and gloom!
The primary way that artists can combat these changes is to use the Internet more. It is a fantastic avenue for artists to promote live shows, sell their music and communicate with fans. Some of the way that artists can use the Internet to compensate for the negative impact of the lockout laws include:
Promoting music and live shows via social media
Selling music using online platforms like iTunes and Spotify
Making use of crowd funding to raise money for performances and recordings
Reaching new markets overseas
Organising small-scale performances outside of traditional venues
Offering limited edition merchandise and album sales to online customers
Uploading free samples of your music online to reach new audiences
Making use of video sharing websites like Vimeo and YouTube to promote your musical act
Using the Internet to engage with fans and build a large following
Artists can also be more creative about where they play shows. Many artists now play small shows at unconventional venues in the CBD including private residences, businesses, and warehouses. All-ages shows are becoming more common and some musicians have even turned to playing in cafe shops or busking.
So while the lockout laws have been a substantial blow for the industry, there are some options for artists seeking to continue their career and increase their exposure. While it is certainly a tougher environment for musicians, there are new ways for artists to have successful careers.