Melbourne the world’s live music capital 

Melbourne the world’s live music capital 

By Kathryn Lewis 

Melbourne has been named the live music capital with the highest live music venue to resident ratio in the world.

The title comes with the release of The Melbourne Live Music Census 2017, which looked into the state of live music across Victoria.

“This census cements Melbourne’s status as a leading global music city,” Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said.

“The City of Melbourne looks forward to continuing to foster our music culture and our music economy, while working hand in hand with the music industry to uncover the next generation of iconic Melbourne musicians.”

The city boasts 553 venues, or one venue per 9503 residents, compared with London’s 245 and New York’s 453.

Live music attendance is up 12 per cent from 2012, with 17.5 million punters showing up to live music throughout 2017.

The booming industry can host the equivalent audience of an AFL Grand Final every Saturday night with more than 110,000 attendees heading to gigs and concerts right across the city.

The music industry is also contributing hugely to Melbourne’s employment with more than 18,000 part-time jobs created by gigs recorded in 2017.

In 2016, the Victorian Government implemented a $22 million Music Works Initiative providing funding and support to businesses and projects aiming to develop the state’s music industry.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said the initiative was producing real results.

“Music is part of our DNA in Victoria. Over the past two years we’ve been rolling out a range of programs that are strengthening our music scene at all levels, our live music venues, industry organisations and musicians are thriving,” he said.

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

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