Mount Gambier's Music Scene Faces Challenges as Costs Rise

The live music scene in Mount Gambier is under pressure as rising costs and dwindling performance opportunities threaten the vibrancy of the local arts community. Liam Brown, a musician from the city, has witnessed a notable decrease in gigs, a trend that has sparked frustration among artists and venue owners alike.

James Stephenson, who manages the historic Old Mount Gambier Gaol—a former prison turned event venue—has been at the forefront of the local music scene for over 15 years. Despite hosting well-known acts like Hilltop Hoods and Jimmy Barnes, he admits that the logistics of organizing these shows have become increasingly daunting. “Everything's just gone up two, three, four or five times [in cost],” he stated, highlighting the financial burden that includes expenses for security, staging, and other essential services.

As Stephenson faces criticism for not securing more gigs, he has taken to social media to express the challenges he and his team encounter in attracting performances. While he appreciates the positive feedback from the community, the backlash from disappointed locals underscores the urgency of the situation.

According to MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe, the struggles facing Mount Gambier are indicative of a broader issue affecting regional venues across Australia. The combination of rising costs, shrinking alcohol sales, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a vibrant live music culture. “It’s a very different thing to what it used to be like two or three decades ago,” Schloithe noted.

Local rock band Gernz, featuring Brown and his friends, echoes these sentiments. While they have enjoyed sharing stages with established bands, they, too, have seen a reduction in their performance opportunities. “It’s harder for the venues to put on these events—it’s very expensive,” Brown remarked, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for both emerging and established artists.

In an effort to combat these challenges, stakeholders will gather in Mount Gambier for a national regional music summit in October. This event aims to bring attention to initiatives designed to revitalize the local music scene and enhance the touring corridor between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Among those working to bolster local performances is Kylie Ind, who organizes live shows at the Woolstore Brewery. She acknowledges the complexities of scaling up to festival-level events while trying to keep them affordable for attendees and fair for performers. “Going up a step into festivals, obviously the costs grow astronomically,” she said.

As efforts continue to breathe life into Mount Gambier’s music scene, many believe that fostering a robust local culture is crucial not only for artists and venues but for the community as a whole. Brown aptly summarized the sentiment: “If people don’t have something to go to… that’s when they start getting themselves into trouble.”

Source: www.abc.net.au