The Music Industry: Emerging Musicians in an 'Anti-Arts' Climate
by Reanna Eke, April 3 2025.A major hurdle for our local musicians is generating enough revenue to support music as a career. Following the farewell of so many loved Australian landmarks and icons like ‘Splendour in the Grass’, ‘Bluesfest’ and the permanent closing of ‘The Zoo’ in late October, Meanjin music scene took a serious hit in 2024. The music scene is already a difficult industry stand out in. --With the impending metamorphosis of artificial intelligence threatening the creative industries and the constant pay-to-win architecture of production, marketing, rehearsals and performances, revenue opportunities for musicians are diminishing by the day. And the loss of these platforms to poor funding, gentrification, and the cost-of-living crisis makes you wonder what is really worth it anymore?
Consider these factors: a) There are only a handful of local labels that support smaller bands, not with income but marketing, promotion and finding gigs with the expectation of artists making themselves go ‘viral’ on social media. b) Many artists rely on streaming services like Spotify, as a sole platform for exposure and a few decimals of a cent for an income. Despite it all, Meanjin’s music scene is rich, diverse, and blooming; adapting to its environment like humans are made to. Artists will always find a way to make art.