Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has responded to calls from the City’s music community after they asked for more support.

Local musicians recently took to social media asking Council for more back-up when it comes to supporting home-grown music.

Cr Tate responded by saying, “Live music has been part of our city’s DNA for more than 60 years”.

Yelo Mag survey reveals what Gold Coast musos want

When YELO editor Penny Brand did a quick survey on the city’s Facebook groups, she was overwhelmed with responses.

The consensus was clear: Gold Coast musicians want more live music venues which can support louder music. They also want venues which can host original local acts with a “captive audience”.

They also said musos were grossly underpaid and that the city is full of cover/tribute bands.

Cr Tate, who has been Mayor since 2012, often prioritises keeping rates low, delivering value-for-money services, and reducing council debt.

But where does the Gold Coast live music scene fit into that?

Cr Tate, who loves sushi and The Beatles, told Yelo Mag Council has not given up on the music industry.

He is investing in venues, parklands, outdoor stages and support services, making it “core business of this Council”. 

“The 2021 Live Music Action Plan underscores how serious we are about this industry,” Cr Tate says.

“The plan was written by stakeholders, with a (music advisory) committee guiding its development.”

Southport music office forms part of Cr Tate’s ‘evolution’

Cr Tate says Council’s latest “evolution” is the establishment of a Music Office in Southport, which opens soon.

“Broadly speaking, we are reviewing current programs and undertaking stakeholder engagement in relation to how we can support venues.

“Council has undertaken a long-term project whereby establishing the third, Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP), in Australia.”

The SEP is based on Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley model and aims to separate noise management from the Office of Liquor and Gaming. Instead, it would be managed by Council.

“Three live music venues have signed licenses with the City and a campaign is being developed to encourage more applications. This is the first project in this space which has taken many years to complete. Other proposals will be considered as the need and demand from stakeholders arise.”

Songhub program has been a major success, he says

Cr Tate says other ventures such as Songhubs (song writing programs) with APRA/AMCO, have been a major success. The most recent program was curated by Gold Coast-born and LA-based producer M-Phazes (pictured).

As a result of the 2023 program, Bella Amor, Logan and Beckah Amani showcased their music at BIGSOUND.

Cr Tate was glowing about Gold Coast musician Yorke’s song “Cashew“, which has just hit seven million views on TikTok.

And 21-year-old Logan, was quoted by Rolling Stone Magazine as “Australia’s new Prince of Pop“.

You can check out Logan’s video shot around the Coast here: https://www.youtube.com/.

Cr Tate says other outcomes of the plan include an Internal Music Steering Committee. It formed to escalate music engagement and supports the promotion of in-venue programs.

Such programs include Southport’s Block Party, hosted by three licensed venues within the SEP core, scheduled for November.

Bursaries for Gold Coast artists and businesses

The mayor says Council continues to support musicians with mentoring programs, and bursaries for musicians and music businesses.

Funding support for the Gold Coast Music Network will continue to drive sector development and deliver the Gold Coast Music Awards, he says.

“This is exciting news for the Gold Coast and proof that we’re cementing our reputation as a world-class entertainment city,” he says.

Other Council live music news projects include:

1. Bursaries for the Australian Women in Music conference
2. A Professional Placement program which includes music organisations, events and venues
3. New venue development plans to grow artists and audiences
4. Music merchandise funding to support long-term commercial outcomes
5. Funding festivals to support local musicians and local venues e.g. Blues on Broadbeach

It will be “Beatlemania” when Sir Paul McCartney visits the Gold Coast on November 4 for his Australian tour’s last stop at Heritage Bank Stadium.

For more information on Gold Coast Council’s future plans for live music visit: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/.

See what Gold Coast music lovers want to see from their city here: City’s music community speaks out.

Don’t forget to send us all your Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast live music news, reviews, and gigs here!

Main picture: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate walks with his fellow councillors.