AGENTS AND MANAGERS
Both New South Wales and Queensland have laws that ensure that musicians and entertainers are supported in their business dealings with employment agents and managers in the entertainment industry.
(for more information click here)
LIVE MUSIC PRESENTATION
How you present the entertainment obviously has implications for the success (or otherwise) of the event. Whilst each venue must present its entertainment depending on the layout of the premises, the more effort you can make in this area the more comfortable and professional the entertainers can be.
(for more information click here)
P.A. SYSTEMS AND SOUND
Having an in-house P.A. system in at least some capacity is something every venue should consider as an important ingredient to running a successful gig, and a pub or club should have a P.A. system as a matter of course.
Having staff trained on operation gives the venue control over sound levels, reducing the risk of unintended disturbances when setting up, as well as with keeping sound levels at a level appropriate to the venue whilst the performance is underway.
(for more information click here)
LIVE MUSIC PROMOTION
The promotion of live entertainment is most important if you want the entertainment to be a success, the venue to attract new patrons, as well as let everyone know what you are doing. Promotion is really everyones responsibility - Artists, venue, and venue bookers and agents should all be in a routine of utilising print and electronic media ( especially Myspace, Facebook, and free gig guides in the local papers) as well as posters, blackboards outside the venue and registering with the Vroom online venue database if you are in NSW.
NOISE ISSUES, RESIDENTS, VENUES AND MUSICIANS
Some of the biggest difficulties live music venues experience are with issues related to local amenity and noise emissions. Certain states such as New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia have “order of occupancy” considerations in complaints processes, that give context to complaints and support both residents and venues. Musicians and sound mixing staff need to be aware of the audio “footprint” from their music, and letting the neighbours know days and times of any entertainment will help everyone get along well. Patrons need to be good neighbours when leaving venues late at night.
(for more information click here)
LIVE MUSIC IN RESTAURANTS AND THE BISTRO
Whilst many fine dining Restaurants may not have need or space for live music, having the ability is important for weddings and functions. Food from other countries can be enhanced with authentic live music, and a classical guitar or piano can be an important point of difference with the competition. Restaurants have great potential in downtimes before and after the dinner rush for live music as well as a tapas or cocktail menu.
(for more information click here)
DEALING WITH REGULATIONS
An extremely useful resource are the Business Licensing Information Services (BLIS) which are available for approaching licensing in each State and Territory, as well as our livemusicrevolution.com.au regulations pages.
These pages are fantastic for not only potential new venues investigating just whats required to get things up and running with regards to building compliance and liquor licensing, but also for existing premises as well who may be looking at making changes to the way they host entertainment and trading conditions in their business.
(for more information click here)
UNDER 18′S AND LIVE MUSIC IN LICENSED PREMISES
Most states have the capacity for liquor licensed venues to host entertainment for minors in some capacity, with South Australia and New South Wales having special provisions allowing minors to perform in licensed premises provided a parent or guardian is present. In South Australia a minor must be over 16 to be able to perform in licensed premises.
Minors on licensed premises is an area where all parties need to be well aware of their rights and responsibilities. It is courteous to keep venue management informed of what you are doing at all times.
(for more information click here)
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Sure, some music works best when its quite loud, but just how loud is too loud, and how loud will damage the hearing of those in the venue when exposed to excessive volume over a period of time? Even if the sound amelioration of the venue is more than capable of reducing external levels to a level inaudible by any neighbours or people outside, it may be sensible to know just how loud you can go.
All States and Territories have legislation in place for Occupational Health and Safety, with Western Australia and Queensland having Codes of Practice in place that are specifically dedicated to Occupational Health and Safety issues for noise. In 2001 the Australian Entertainment Industry Association (now Live Performance Australia) and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance published the comprehensive Safety Guidelines for the Entertainment Industry.
(for more information click here)
MUSICIANS REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS
There are two organisations in Australia that represent musicians; The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Musicians’ Section and the Musicians Union of Australia. Benefits musicians get from being a member of an industrial organisation include accessing legal advice on contracts and engagements, claims officers that chase up gig fees if you haven’t been paid, representation in collective bargaining on workplace conditions, as well as lobbying and informing Government policy.
(for more information click here)
SOURCING MUSICIANS AND BANDS
Depending on the type of entertainment and genre of music you want, as well as your entertainment budget, there are various ways and places you can investigate to find the entertainment for your venue. Word of mouth is a good start, and asking around or having a look at the way other successful venues that are similar to yours may be valuable. Engaging an agency may be an easy option, or taking the time to choose your own entertainment can be rewarding and an important point of difference from the competition.
(for more information click here)
THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY NETWORK
Most states in Australia have an organisation that represents the contemporary music industry by funding touring programs, organising events, developing regional programs and providing advice and information.
Together, they make up the Australian Music Industry Network.
(for more information click here)
