Strength in Sound

Music brings people together. Whether it’s your favourite festival, venue, radio station or record label, there are many communities in Australian music where lasting connections are established between artists and fans. These communities span cultures and generations to create a sense of identity and belonging while highlighting the value of music to broader society.

Live music venues play an intrinsic role in fostering the country’s local music scene. Venues across the country present essential spaces for emerging and established artists to perform for peers and growing fan-bases. Volunteer-run community radio stations such as PBS FM also play a key role in supporting new voices through broadcasts and live events which reflect our thriving and diverse music community.

In Melbourne, The Boîte has supported artists from diverse communities since 1976, presenting unique music experiences by artists from all over the world. More recently, record label Music in Exile was created to assist artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to perform and record music for new audiences.

Music festivals are a rite-of-passage for generations of fans who continue to reflect on their shared experiences many years later. Victoria’s largest Indigenous music event, Share the Spirit, has provided both cultural and economic opportunities for artists and community to gather in a family friendly environment. Meanwhile, national festivals including Big Day Out bring together local and international acts every summer, performing to loyal audiences.

Online communities such as Sound as Ever – Australian Indie 90-99 have emerged as places for fans and artists to share memories and collectibles. Developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, this community has branched out into publishing and record releases, and inspired unexpected reunion shows by artists popular in the 1990s.