From music-lovers to bands, artists to venues, not-for-profit organisations and professional businesses – our industry is driven and sustained by a wealth of knowledge, talent and passion. And behind the scenes of it all comes Music Victoria, who’ve acted as the roots from which our music-rich culture has grown, and are the backbone that continues to support it.
Music Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation who exists to support the growth, participation and development of the Victorian contemporary music industry. In 2017 alone they ran 26 professional development workshops, provided grants to 23 venues, worked with 20 promoters and band bookers in their Live Music Professionals program – and that’s only scratching the surface of the work they do at both a state and international level.
It’s a no-brainer to give back to the organisation that has our backs so ferociously, and, until Thursday March 29 you can show your support by signing up to become a member. Not only are you helping to keep our industry thriving, but there’s also a heap of benefits including a mountain of prizes that you might just win, simply by signing up. These include tickets to gigs at a host of Victoria’s favourite venues, and prize packs and vouchers from the likes of Girls Rock, Polyester and Northside Records, Triple R, and MESS.
One lucky band will also score a huge prize pack including mentorship with music aficionado Mikey Cahill, a Mountain Goat party pack, rehearsal time at Wick Studios, a live multi-camera video shoot of a gig, the opportunity to record a song at The Alamo Studios, and 50 duplicated cassettes from Dex Audio.
What’s in it for me?
- Discounts on merch production from Love Police, Implant Media, Too Far Gone, and Zenith Vinyl Plant.
- Retail discounts from Factory Sound, Northside Records, Polyester Records, Nuraphone Headphones, and more.
- Travel discounts including luggage upgrades, van and car hire, domestic flights, and more.
- Discounts on advertising with Beat Magazine.
- Rehearsal studio discounts at Bakehouse Studios and Wick Studios.
- Discounts on health services including hearing assessments, custom earplugs, and wellness, meditation, and fitness centres.
- Discounted tickets to Music Cities Convention, BIGSOUND, and I Manage My Music.
- Food and drink discounts at The Corner Hotel, Fat Chance Hotel, Northcote Social Club, Spotted Mallard, and The Bridge Hotel Castlemaine.
For a full list of goodies, head to Music Victoria’s website.
Membership Options
Membership for individuals is $33, or $22 for concession and includes all the standard membership benefits. Bands can sign up for $66 with the added benefit of free access to professional development workshops, performance and interview opportunities, plus music they’ve released in the last 12 months will be added to the Music Victoria Spotify playlist while the band is listed on MV’s website. Various other options are available for not-for-profit organisations, small businesses and venues, too.
Beat asked some key members of Music Victoria why they’re involved, and why you should get on board too.
“Live Nation Australia is an extremely proud partner of Music Victoria in supporting all efforts to celebrate, promote and develop the incredible music community here in our wonderful state of Victoria.”
– Roger Field, CEO of Live Nation Australasia.
“As an artist run label, Music Victoria plays a role in making sure the musicians we work with at Milk! Records are given a voice at a state level. For too long artists have been left out of the conversation. The work Music Victoria does goes a long way towards remedying that. It’s no surprise that we have such a thriving music economy in Victoria.”
– Jen Cloher, Label Manager at Milk! Records.
“Music Victoria provided us with invaluable support last year when Howler was threatened by building permits that would have impacted our operation as a live music venue. We feel confident going into the future that the resources Music Victoria have available will ensure the continued success of the venue.”
– Vanessa Bassili, Venue booker at Howler.
“As a new member I’m looking forward to checking out all the amazing perks. It’s ‘Broke Days, Party Nights’ over here so any opportunity to save cash for any muso is a total win. It’s so rad to see Music Victoria supporting artists and live music on so many levels so we can keep the arts community alive and thriving.”
– Ecca Vandal, Artist.
