Have a postponed show or festival? #KeepYourTicket. In the midst of the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak across the globe, our music industry has been heavily impacted. Domestic and international tours have been canned, festivals postponed or cancelled, and venues closing their doors for the time being.
It’s been a serious devastation to the industry, with our artists amongst the worst affected. One really simple way you can do your part is #KeepYourTicket.
Artists, venues, and publications alike are calling for punters to #KeepYourTicket to any postponed events. You can save artists, venues, booking agents, and TMs money and stress by opting to hold onto your ticket, rather than requesting a refund.
It takes the pressure off the artist, prevents re-marketing campaigns, and it keeps that ticket money inside the industry. So, if you’re in a position to do so, #KeepYourTicket.
The initiative comes following temporary closures of Brisbane’s The Zoo and Crowbar in Brisbane and Sydney, Sydney’s Enmore Theatre and Hordern Pavilion, as well as Melbourne’s Forum and Palais.
Festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Under The Southern Stars have been postponed. Meanwhile Groovin’ The Moo, Vivid Festival, and Red Hot Summer have each been cancelled.
Sounds Australia announced a livestream event to help support Aussie artists affected by SXSW’s cancellation. But it’s also had to cancel, as Victoria declared a state of emergency.
Alex Lahey and Kira Puru have both lead the charge in trying to keep the industry afloat. Lahey penned an open letter to the government calling for a plan and better support for the arts. Puru has challenged Aussie radio stations to play more Australian music.
Other ways you can help
Buy local artists’ merch
Buy a shirt, vinyl, CD, tote bag from your favourite Aussie artist, or a few items if you can spare the cash.
Live shows are generally the main income source for our musicians and the rescheduling/cancellation of such events will be a huge blow to their pockets. If you can, please show your support by purchasing vinyl, CDs, merch..it’s the very least we can do
— Bridget Hustwaite (@BHustwaite) March 13, 2020
Support artists through Bandcamp tomorrow
Music distribution platform, Bandcamp announced yesterday that they’d be forgoing their revenue cut tomorrow, Friday, 20th March. Bandcamp allows fans to “pay what you want” for digital streams. Artists get a significantly better share from Bandcamp than other streaming services.
Donate to Support Act
A fundraiser is being run via Facebook to raise money for Support Act. Support Act supports artists and music industry professionals by offering relief in times of crisis. You can donate here.
