Using community radio to kick start Melbourne’s live music scene

Creative Victoria and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) have joined forces to reignite Melbourne’s live music scene with the help of local community radio.

The CBAA announced today that eight Melbourne community radio stations will organise live music events under Creative Victoria’s initiative, On The Road Again. 

Developed by CBAA’s Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap), the initiative is designed to connect community radio’s dedicated and diverse audiences with new live music experiences in Melbourne. 

The Melbourne stations taking part show the city’s diversity with 3RRR, PBS FM, 3KND, SYN FM, 3CR, JOY, 3MBS and 3ZZZ all on the list.

Nick Brown, a member of Melbourne act Cable Ties, a booking agent and an active volunteer at both 3RRR and PBS FM has been appointed as Project Co-Ordinator. 

Using his experience, Nick hopes to have Melbourne community radio and its live music scene come together more closely than ever.

“I am delighted to be a part of On The Road again. As a musician, I know how challenging lockdowns, restrictions and cancellations have been over the last two and half years,” said Nick.

“These shows will create jobs not only for performers but crews and others behind the scenes in live music. Community radio does so much for live music in Melbourne already, but this initiative strengthens that relationship.”

Recordings from each On The Road Again live event will feature on community radio around Australia via CBAA’s Community Radio Network (CRN) and the recently launched Community Radio Plus App.

CBAA first partnered with Creative Victoria for On The Road Again early in 2021, with five events produced by community stations across regional Victoria. 

Featuring a range of local and established acts, these events provided opportunities for audiences and artists to broaden their reach to diverse and underrepresented communities and created paid opportunities for over 40 artists, venues, hotels, sound operators, designers and photographers.