In recent years, the affordability belt has moved from Fitzroy through to Northcote and Thornbury, and is now through Preston and Reservoir. Will musicians, and music venues, follow that affordability belt?
As a Thornbury resident I love diversity in the suburb and hope that any gentrification of the streets doesn’t lead to a loss of artists having access to great spaces and venues – there are so many great places in the northern suburbs that continue to support live music so I don’t see that the gentrification necessarily has to mean a loss of live music.
Do you think there’s a danger that people can take the music scene for granted in Darebin, and elsewhere in Melbourne, especially given the difficulty for musicians to make a living from music and the pressure of rising rental and venue operation costs?
I think it’s always going to be hard for musicians to make a living to some degree as you always have to rely on an audience showing up – it’s the name of the game! But one of the best things about Darebin is that it is known for its music scene and with so many venues all the way down High St, there is a real culture of going out to support live music.
In that context, what could be done to improve the opportunities for live music in Darebin?
The most important thing is for Darebin to continue to hold public events such as the Darebin Music Feast and ensure that venues continue to be accessible to musicians, as well as accessible audiences by supporting good public transport initiatives and safe public spaces.
