Winarch Group Releases 2024 Live Music Census
The report found the cost of living, transport and the amount of live music venues are the biggest issues facing the industry.
Image by Jacques Philippe Gollnick
Winarch Group has released its second annual Live Music Census and found Aussie music fans are concerned about the price of concert tickets and believe the infrastructure of the country’s live music scene needs an overhaul.
1,001 live music fans aged 18-24 to 65+ were asked to take part in the survey, with their responses underlining the current state of Australia’s live music scene.
One of the biggest takeaways from the study is that punters don’t believe there are sufficient live music venues in their area. Only 6% ‘strongly agreed’ they have easy access to live music venues, while 37% ‘agreed’ with the statement. 24% ‘disagreed’ with the statement and 7% ‘strongly disagreed’, while the remaining 26% remained neutral with their response.
While music fans don’t believe there are enough adequate venues, the positive is punters are still super keen to attend live music, with 33% of those surveyed saying they are ‘very likely’ to attend a gig in the next six months. 31% said they were ‘somewhat likely’ to attend a show and 21% were ‘unsure’. Only 7% were ‘unlikely’ and 8% were ‘very unlikely’ of attending a live music concert, which is a total of 15%.
The frequency of people attending live music events is solid, with 32% saying they go to shows once every few years, 31% attending gigs 1-3 times a year, 15% 4-11 times a year, 11% 1-2 times a month, 6% 3-4 times a month and 4% once a week, with 1% attending more than a show a week.
In total, 68% of punters go to more than one gig a year, which is fantastic, but the survey also found the biggest issue stopping fans from attending more live music is the cost of tickets. A whopping 74% of respondents would go to more gigs if they were affordable.
The lack of venues is also an issue, with 50% of fans saying they would attend more live events if venues were closer. This is also a major issue for those living outside of major cities. 32% of people said they would go to more live shows if there were better transport options.
Other issues frustrating people include booking fees (41%) and inadequate transport (41%), although Adelaide folk are the least concerned, with just 29% (the lowest demographic) of people having problems with transport.
59% of fans are also annoyed with toilet queues at live events, however, there is a gender disparity, with 67% of females irritated by the lack of toilets and 50% of men feeling the same. Struggling to see at gigs and the lack of access to good seats are also concerns raised by the census.
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Although Aussie music fans have several issues when it comes to attending live music, the survey found punters really do love getting along to gigs. An overwhelming 54% of respondents ‘agree’ with the statement: “The memories I make at live music events will last a lifetime,” and a further 23% ‘strongly agree’, which totals a net of 77%.
As far as what type of live music events Aussies enjoy the most, it’s a mixed bunch. 60% are all about going to indoor ticketed concerts while 56% love a free event. 39% attend ticketed outdoor concerts, 33% love a one-day music festival, 26% attend theatre productions, 21% enjoy a good cover band and 14% are all about the multi-day festival.
The Winarch Group 2024 Live Music Census also delved into the genres of music Australians enjoy attending, with pop leading the way with 57%. This was followed by rock (54%), musical theatre (34%), country (31%), hip hop (25%), jazz/blues (23%), classical (23%), folk and traditional (21%), EDM/ dance (17%), and surprisingly punk/metal coming in last place with 13%.
Alarmingly, 22% of people have never seen an Australian artist or band perform live, meaning there is still work to do in promoting local music.
Speaking about the survey Winarch Group Founder, Paul Lambess, said: “Understanding the priorities, perceptions and preferences of Australians when it comes to live music is key to ensuring we have a thriving local industry. The Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census paints a picture of an Australia that knows what it wants – more purpose-built live music venues, fewer issues with accessibility and transport, and the opportunity to create more lifetime memories.
“We need more people acting on this positive intent and sentiment, and getting out there and seeing more shows across the capital cities and our arts-loving regions. The data in this second annual Winarch Group Australian Live Music Census will help inform venue owners, promoters, policymakers and key stakeholders, to ensure they’re prioritising what people want and need from this culture-defining industry.”
You can read the full survey results of the Winarch Group 2024 Live Music Census here.
