Dear members and subscribers,
It was music to Victoria’s ears when Premier Dan Andrews this week announced ‘’Live Music is back’’.
So what exactly does this mean? It’s a gradual opening, and they are small steps, but if the numbers stay down, we are hopeful that more and more musicians will be able to return to rehearse, record, live stream, and perform - initially to small outdoor audiences, and then increasing to larger outdoor events and indoor shows.
Music Victoria has been consulting with various government departments on the easing of restrictions, and will continue to advocate for the sector in the lead up to the Premier’s next announcement regarding the lifting of restrictions on November 8. We have been also liaising with the Environmental Protection Agency and councils on working closely with the venues and musicians to establish good practice guidelines and messaging to encourage co-operation and minimalise adverse amenity.
Clearly live music is part of the State Government’s plan for the state’s recovery, but it’s important to remember that we have a responsibility to ensure we consider residents and the rest of the community – so consult your council and neighbours, don’t play too late, and put away the Marshall stack and downsize your equipment for the initial outdoor shows performing to small crowds.
Here’s a summary of the new rules:
- Live seated outdoor shows can take place in hospitality venues such as pubs, bars and restaurants in metro Melbourne (50) and regional Victoria (70). Band members must be included in the venue cap.
- Venues don’t have to serve food with the live music
- If you have an existing liquor license and are planning on hosting outdoor events, you need to apply through your council first, and then apply for a Temporary Limited Licence through the VCGLR
- Musicians need to stand 2 metres apart on stage
- Performers need to be 5 metres from the audience
- Band members (except singers and woodwind and brass instrumentalists) must wear a face mask while they perform
- Nightclubs can open for seated service of food or beverages only
- You can live-stream from a venue but only essential people can be on site – ie band members, filming crew and a venue representative with the keys to the building
- You can rehearse and record at studios, but must adhere to 1 per 4 square metre distancing requirements (so smaller bands in the smaller rooms) - ensure you have a COVIDSafe plan
- Set building can take place, but you need to comply with construction guidelines
- You can attend an outdoor music lesson, class or practice with up to ten people
Keep an eye out on Music Victoria and Creative Victoria websites for further updates as they come to hand. Additional official guidance can be found here and here.
As well as Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan finishing up on November 13 (his replacement will be announced in the next few weeks once recruiting is complete), the inaugural VMDO General Manager Bonnie Dalton has resigned to take up a new role as Creative Victoria’s Senior Manager of Contemporary Music. We thank her for her contribution and wish her well in her new role. VMDO Music Business Manager Katie Stewart will step up as acting VMDO General Manager from Monday October 26, until December 31. See full statement here.
In other news, we have also launched a brand new website, are hiring an Accountant, and we are heading into the last week of voting in the Music Victoria Awards so don't forget to place your votes before 5pm 6 November! There's more on those further down the page.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Love from the team at Music Victoria
