Is the Death of Music Festivals in Australia Also Contributing to the Death of Australian Music?

Meredith Music Festival, 2024.

Australia’s music festival landscape is shifting—major festivals are folding, and artists are losing key opportunities to reach audiences. But does this signal a crisis for Australian music, or could it be an opportunity for new, sustainable ways of connecting with fans?

The Festival Crisis: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem?

• Over the past few years, Australia has seen a wave of festival cancellations.

• Rising costs, weather challenges, and shifting audience behaviours have impacted large-scale events.

• This isn’t just bad news for festival-goers—it has serious consequences for Australian artists.

What We’re Losing With Fewer Festivals

1. Fewer Opportunities for Emerging Artists – Festivals provided exposure and validation for new acts.

2. Loss of Industry Infrastructure – Fewer festivals mean fewer jobs for crews, venues, and managers.

3. Less Cultural Exchange & Discovery – Festivals were spaces for fans to discover diverse new music.

4. Declining Fan Engagement with Local Artists – With fewer festivals, global lineups dominate attention.

The Flip Side: Could This Be a Turning Point for Australian Music?

1. Rise of Smaller, More Intimate Events – Boutique festivals and DIY gigs are thriving.

2. A Shift Toward Sustainable Touring – Artists are focusing on long-term audience-building.

3. Greater Independence for Artists – Digital platforms allow artists to connect directly with fans.

4. More Industry Support for Homegrown Talent – The shift is sparking conversations around funding and local-first event models.

Final Thoughts

The decline of major festivals is a challenge, but it’s not the end of Australian music. Instead, it’s an opportunity to rethink how artists connect with audiences and build careers in a shifting landscape.

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