\u2026While fuel crisis delays Out2Lunch<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the most anticipated festivals of the year, DJ Fisher\u2019s Out2Lunch, has had to be pushed back from May to 2027. Promoter TEG Live blamed \u201csevere pressures on fuel supplies and consumer sentiment right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the last few years, when Out2Lunch was held on the Gold Coast, it drew 30,000 and was enough of a spectacle to generate $50 million to the local economy.<\/p>\n
But this year it went national, which would have put its attendance right up there with other Aussie EDM blockbusters such as Stereophonic, Right Said Fred and Dom Dolla, which ranged between 170,000 to 200,000.<\/p>\n
TEG Live maintains \u201cthe critical period \u2026 will be most acute during the next 6-8 weeks.\u201d Meanwhile, Live Performance Australia has asked politicians to consider helping the industry financially until circumstances change.<\/p>\n
Biz applauds strengthening of copyright<\/strong><\/p>\nCreator groups welcomed the April 1 passage of the Copyright Amendment Bill, saying, \u201cAustralia\u2019s world-leading copyright licensing framework remains modern, balanced and fit for purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
These included AMPAL, APRA AMCOS, ARIA PPCA, Australian Publishers Association, Australian Society of Authors, Australian Writers\u2019 Guild, AWG Authorship Collecting Society, Copyright Agency, National Association for the Visual Arts and Screenrights.<\/p>\n
The Bill delivers two important reforms. First, it introduces the country\u2019s first \u201corphan works\u201d scheme. It provides certainty with materials where copyright owners cannot be identified or located, benefiting researchers, educators, cultural institutions and the broader community.<\/p>\n
Secondly, there was the clarification that existing exceptions for the use of copyright material in classrooms apply equally in online settings.<\/p>\n
Support Act secures funding for First Nations music industry<\/strong><\/p>\nSupport Act has secured funding for a national review into the experiences of Indigenous music workers and is seeking an independent First Nations-led research partner to carry out the work. Backed by Sound NSW\u2019s Contemporary Music Development Grants, the review, titled \u2018Raising Our Voices\u2019, will examine cultural safety, systematic inequities, racism and cultural harm across the contemporary music industry.<\/p>\n
The project is led by Pertame, Arrernte and Mirning women and Support Act First Nations Program Manager Catherine Satour.<\/p>\n
She has support from a First Nations Steering Committee which includes Kaleena Smith (Wiradjuri\/Yorta Yorta) from Music NSW, Travis De Vries (Gamilaroi) from Awesome Blak, Matty Mills (Gamilaroi) from SBS\/NITV and NOVA FM, Genise Williams (Western Arrarnta) from Clapsticks Productions, Kelly Hellmrich (Mineng Noongar) from Bad Apples, Jared Wall (Noongar) from Boox Kid, Letisha Ackland (Kokatha, Wirangu and Mirning) from Balya Productions, Nancy Bates from Deadly Management, Leah Flanagan (Alyawarre) or Nathaniel Andrew (Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, South Sea Islander) from NATSIMO, Julia Robinson from ARIA and PPCA, and Mayella Dewis-Koroi (Boigu, Mer, and St Pauls Islands and Wuthathi), an artist and producer.<\/p>\n
Hilltop Hoods charity auction raises $95K<\/strong><\/p>\nAn online charity auction by Hilltop Hoods of signed merchandise, memorabilia, rarities and other one-of-a-kind items raised $95,000 for South Australian charity Lion Hearts Learning.<\/p>\n
It supports children and families impacted by cancer, and children with low immunity following health challenges.<\/p>\n
Wild Thing signs Italy\u2019s Hand of Juno<\/strong><\/p>\nMelbourne-based Wild Thing Music Group\u2019s latest management signing is Italy\u2019s alt\/industrial metal act Hand of Juno, also signed to Berlin\u2019s Out Of Line Music. The band is going to be extremely busy playing the European festival circuit over the northern summer.<\/p>\n
Wild Thing director Eli Chamravi said, \u201cHand Of Juno are an extremely exciting band, who have a massive future ahead of them. Their sound is bold, modern, and genuinely unique. Beyond the music itself, Melissa, Helly, Francesca, and Marco each bring something special to the table, and together they have all the ingredients to become a truly global force.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wild Thing Music Group\u2019s management roster also features Australian acts The Omnific and Future Static, Tel Aviv\u2019s Walkways and London\u2019s DeVere. The company also runs progressive\/alternative rock and metal record label Wild Thing Records.<\/p>\n
Mick Harvey gets French honour<\/strong><\/p>\nAustralian musician Mick Harvey was awarded one of France\u2019s highest cultural honours. He was named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his role in translating and recording the music of French songwriter and icon Serge Gainsbourg over 30 years.<\/p>\n
Pillar Talent Agency launches<\/strong><\/p>\nPromoter Lucky Group has launched a new agency, Pillar Talent, bringing in New World Artists booking agent Liam Saunders to run it as well as overseeing the Lucky Agency.<\/p>\n
The agency will feed off Lucky Group\u2019s touring and management divisions. Its roster at launch was rapper 360, comedian Frenchy, DJs CYRIL and Ben Gerrans, and emerging acts such as Darcie Haven, Mid Drift and harrykirby.<\/p>\n
Digital radio stations supporting local music<\/strong><\/p>\nRadio website Radioinfo reported that two new digital radio stations have clicked on to support artists from Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n
GLOW RADIO started last month to give voice to under-represented artists such as women artists aged 35+, gender-diverse and First Nations talent.<\/p>\n
A second station is coming at the end of April from 2BB Creative Pty Ltd, which will have \u201ca commercially disciplined format across smart devices to allow for growth beyond traditional geographic limitations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Headsend signed to EMI \/ Universal<\/strong><\/p>\nByron Bay power trio Headsend, who opened for AC\/DC and Tool, signed with EMI \/ Universal Music Australia in partnership with American Recordings \/ Republic Records in the US. They are released in the UK through Polydor.<\/p>\n
Headsend comprise professional surfer brothers Rasmus and Kyuss King, joined by drummer Bon Sori, who was recommended to the band by their grandmother.<\/p>\n
They are signed with TAP Music for global management and WME for live bookings. Mark Holland, EMI Music Australia Managing Director, called them \u201cone of the most exciting live acts\u201d in Australia.<\/p>\n
They released their debut EP Angel Glands on March 27, and after Aussie tours until May, head to the UK to showcase at the Great Escape on May 15.<\/p>\n
GYRO Group sets up in Brazil<\/strong><\/p>\nBrisbane-based GYRO Group is expanding into the Latin American market, setting up a physical office in S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil to service the region. It was done via a deal with leading local operator Music Stream, whose CEO Samuel Fernandes will run the office.<\/p>\n
GYRO operates white-label distribution platform DistroDirect and DIY platform G.Y.R.O. \u2013 Get Your Record Out. Latin America was the world\u2019s fastest-growing region in 2025, up 17.1% year-on-year. Brazil expanded 14.1% and is now the #8 biggest music market in the world.<\/p>\n
Summersault doco gets screening<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the docos getting a show at the 73rd Sydney Film Festival (June 3\u201314) is The Best Summer, about the Summersault Festival. In the summer of 1995\/1996, it had a bill with the powerhouses of 90s alt-rock including the Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth and Foo Fighters.<\/p>\n
Director Tamra Davis recovered the tapes from her garage while fleeing from the Malibu fires.<\/p>\n
Spotify paid $330M to Aussie right holders<\/strong><\/p>\nSpotify reckons it paid out AU$330 million to Australian music rightsholders in 2025, up 7% year-on-year. More than 370 Aussie artists earned $100,000 from the platform \u2013 double the number of acts from 2017.<\/p>\n
In January, Spotify said it globally paid out over US$11 billion to the music industry in 2025.<\/p>\n
Spotify also claims Australian music consumers streamed Australian artists 223 million more times on Spotify in 2025 than in 2024. Australian artists were also discovered for the first time by global listeners 2.7 billion times last year.<\/p>\n
As part of its presence in this market, Spotify invested $200,000 in a multi-year partnership with youth organisation The Push, and has a three-year sponsorship deal with November\u2019s ARIA awards.<\/p>\n
Love Song study on Gen Z includes Aussie input<\/strong><\/p>\nPromoter Live Nation\u2019s latest Love Song study on music fans\u2019 behaviour reports, \u201c84% of Gen Z are increasingly selective about where they focus their attention, seeking deeper, more meaningful real-world connections than any other generation.\u201d<\/p>\n
In its largest study of Gen Z to date, Love Song surveyed 5,692 Australians, including 1,411 Gen Zers, providing deep dives for local brands.<\/p>\n
Over half of Gen Z rely on curated spaces \u2013 such as playlists, creators or events \u2013 to navigate culture. 86% seek experiences that make them feel part of something bigger than themselves.<\/p>\n
The report relays: \u201cLive music, in particular, has emerged as today\u2019s social hub, so about 89% would consider attending concerts solo to connect with others or forging friendships online through shared music fandom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kristy Rosser, Senior Vice President and Head of Media & Sponsorship at Live Nation Australia and New Zealand says, \u201cAt its core, Love Song shows that music \u2018fandom\u2019 is central to Gen Z\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey actively seek out live experiences to create their own cultural moments and be fully present, with 86% of Gen Z saying they feel most themselves, away from everyday pressures.\u201d<\/p>\n
This engagement extends far beyond the live event itself, \u201creflecting a shift from one-off interactions to an always-on fan journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nearly all Gen Z (96%) say pre- and post-event moments are just as important as the event itself \u2013 from artist-themed parties (73%) to in-person fan meet-ups (74%), and offering exclusive VIP or behind-the-scenes access.<\/p>\n
Among other takeaways:<\/p>\n
\n- Self-expression is a key driver of participation, with 86% saying fashion aligned to the artist plays a central role.<\/li>\n
- Physical touchpoints, from merchandise (81%) to ticket stubs and wristbands (87%), are increasingly valued as tangible extensions of the event, with fans preserving these in physical scrapbooks to relive and share their experiences long after the show ends.<\/li>\n
- While Gen Z may be the first fully connected generation, 76% are returning to vinyl and other \u201cold-school\u201d technologies for a sense of stability, saying it \u201cfeels more real\u201d than today\u2019s digital experiences.<\/li>\n
- \u201cGen Z\u2019s engagement with live experiences isn\u2019t confined to a single moment \u2013 it\u2019s an ongoing lifecycle,\u201d said Rosser. \u201cPhysical merchandise has never been more important, and participatory elements such as posters and autographs are making a strong comeback. They\u2019re blending the best of past and present to shape their own culture.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To access the study, visit connectbylivenation.com.au.<\/p>\n
Vassy\u2019s dance show busts more moves<\/strong><\/p>\nDarwin-raised global DJ and producer Vassy (3 billion global streams and counting) has expanded the reach of her Vox radio show highlighting Australian EDM on its latest season.<\/p>\n
Co-hosted with DJ Bust-R, it now syndicates to 16+ stations nationwide and streams on Apple Podcasts, Pandora and iHeartRadio.<\/p>\n
The 16+ include Massive Dance, Dance Hits, iHeartRadio, KIIS 1065, ARN, Nova Nation, Starter FM, VIBE NATION, TUNE 1 RADIO, Joy 94.9, CADA, Darwin FM, Switch and RADIO METRO 105.7.<\/p>\n
NFSA adds music tracks to history<\/strong><\/p>\nThe National Film & Sound Archive announced the 2026 Sounds of Australia, a capsule collection of sound recordings over ten years old \u201cwith cultural, historical and aesthetic significance and relevance, which inform or reflect life in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
The music tracks included Missy Higgins\u2019 \u201cScar\u201d, Marcia Hines\u2019 \u201cYou\u201d, Joe Dolce\u2019s \u201cShaddap You Face\u201d and pioneering world music collaboration Tabaran by Not Drowning, Waving and the musicians of Rabaul featuring Telek.<\/p>\n
Other records were Rosie Batty\u2019s 2015 Australian of the Year speech following her advocacy after the murder of her son Luke, the Federal Court\u2019s Native Title Determination at Noonkanbah Station, and the jingle from the Reading Writing Hotline.<\/p>\n
The Democracy Manifest \/ Succulent Chinese Meal viral video from 1991 took place in a Brisbane Chinese restaurant. When Jack Karlson was arrested, he \u201cperformed\u201d a speech, part theatre, part mock-outrage: \u201cGentleman! This is democracy manifest!\u201d and \u201cWhat is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Vale<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Ron Tremaine leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Adelaide music, having shaped the city\u2019s scene from the 1950s through venues such as The Princeton Club, Old Lion and Komotion, the pop magazine Young Modern, and his work managing artists such as Bev Harrell.<\/li>\n
- Ken Payne was a pioneering figure in Melbourne\u2019s gay club scene, founding Mandate as its first gay disco, along with Precinct 3182 and 3 Faces. For a time he was also co-publisher of queer lifestyle magazine City Rhythm.<\/li>\n
- Ian \u201cBeazo\u201d Beazley dedicated much of his life to putting Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on the national touring map through his General Booking Agency, while nurturing young bands and DJs at venues such as Jack On King, Mawson Hotel, Cardiff Workers Club and The Venue at the Bel-Air Hotel.<\/li>\n
- Guitarist and songwriter Bernie Lynch, best known for forming Eurogliders in Perth alongside singer Grace Knight, leaves behind a rich musical legacy. The band found enormous success in the 1980s with singles such as \u201cHeaven (Must Be There)\u201d and \u201cWe Will Together\u201d and Top 5 albums This Island and Absolutely. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2024, Bernie fought hard and returned to touring before passing away. Those who knew him remembered above all else his extraordinary kindness \u2013 to fans and fellow musicians alike.<\/li>\n
- Rhoda Roberts, a Widjabul Wieybal woman of the Bundjalung nation, was a towering figure in First Nations arts and culture. An award-winning producer, director, writer, broadcaster, performer and festival founder, she brought black culture to mainstream Australia with grace and determination. She is also credited with coining the term Welcome to Country \u2013 a contribution that will resonate for generations. She was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016.<\/li>\n
- Classically trained pianist Eric Scott began his radio career in the mid-1950s and went on to become one of the most important figures in Australian country music. Through Hadley Records, a recording studio he built, and his presidency of the Australian Country Music Foundation and Hall of Fame, he gave the genre a lasting home. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2019.<\/li>\n
- Jim Blackfoot, California-born member of the Blackfoot tribe, was a warmly respected presence in the Australian music industry as a studio owner and live sound engineer. His studio, Blackfoot Sound in St Peters, Sydney, became a trusted space for many artists. Mental As Anything remembered him as an \u201celder brother\u201d who was \u201cbrilliant at his job, a calm, kind, sturdy presence and made it look easy when he extricated us from more than one jam.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Ronnie Te Rongopai Ransfield, born in New Zealand and later based on the Gold Coast, was a pioneer of the M\u0101ori Showband era in Australia, touring extensively with his band The Sheratons from the 1960s onward.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source mixdownmag.com.au \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In-store gigs for Record Store Day Record Store Day 2026 unveiled a slew of in-store gigs, topped by Hermitude doing no fewer than eight NSW appearances in 24 hours, to coincide with the release of their album EIGHT. Joining Hermitude at Bondi Records is Egoism behind their RSD release Trust Me, who are also at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2391325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2391324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Australian-music-industry-news-Record-Store-Day-signings-more.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2391324"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2391326,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391324\/revisions\/2391326"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2391325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2391324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2391324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2391324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}