I’ve spent close to ten years in and around Melbourne’s music scene, behind a radio mic, writing about artists, booking stages, managing careers. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best things in this industry happen during real-time conversations. Sure, social media helps get your name out there, but nothing beats having an in-person chat with your local Melbourne music community. The artist journey can be a lonely one. Whether you’re looking for that next bandmate or to collaborate with other singer-songwriters, Under The Radar is what you’ve been waiting for.
That’s the spirit behind Under The Radar, and it’s why the night keeps growing. What started as an idea to give back to Melbourne’s music community in a collaborative way has become a series. The first two events proved there was a real hunger for Melbourne music artists and industry to connect. What Under The Radar offers is a room full of artists and creatives who really want to be in the same space to connect. At the last event, we had radio announcers, managers, labels and even a movie director in the crowd featuring local independent music artists. Now we’re back for the third edition, landing Friday 28 August at Polly Bar in Fitzroy, and this time it’s bigger than the last one because the people who came last time helped design this next instalment.
After the March event, I sent a survey to everyone who came. I genuinely wanted to know what landed, what didn’t, and what you’d want for the next Under The Radar event at Polly Bar, Fitzroy. Your responses were honest, specific, and useful in a way that surprised even me.
Under The Radar hosted on August 28 was built around that feedback. The bigger format, first drink on arrival, the interactive listening session, the workshop, and the live set will all shape the evening and reflect what past attendees told us they wanted more of.
What is Under The Radar?
Under The Radar is the next evolution of creative networking, though I’ll be honest, ‘networking’ feels like the wrong word entirely. Networking suggests name tags and small talk. This is something warmer, completely organic and facilitated in a safe space.
Think of Under The Radar as a room full of artists, songwriters, and industry creatives who want to share what they’re working on. It’s a unique forum to share stories that have already sparked the kind of collaborations that only happen when the right people end up in the same room at the same time.
If you came to the first two events, you already know. If you’re new to Melbourne’s music scene, an emerging artist figuring out your next move, or just someone who lives and breathes indie music, this night was built with you in mind.
What does Under The Radar look like, as the next evolution of creative networking?
The format is simple, and it moves. Across three hours, you will experience:
First, an interactive listening session hosted by the team at Liberate Community, featuring music from artists in the room. This is exactly what it sounds like; you will be able to invite others to hear your tracks live, hear their support and build your community.
Then, a punchy workshop I’m delivering myself, ‘Service Your Sound’. As an artist manager and publicist, I’ve seen firsthand how many talented artists release music while missing crucial steps that lead to your success. We’ll dig into what it actually takes to get your music heard, the practical, unglamorous, essential stuff that sits between a finished track and a real audience.
To close the night, a live set from Ivofonic because no gathering of music people is complete without music itself.
This isn’t about collecting business cards. Under The Radar is all about building your community. Those who’ll text you to connect beyond Under The Radar, show up to your launch, and remind you why you started making music in the first place.
Who’s Behind Under The Radar?
Under The Radar is presented by Fine-Tuned PR, in collaboration with three organisations who share the same belief: that independent music deserves a stronger, more connected community.
Together with Liberate Community, Donkeyman Records and TAGG – The Alternative Gig Guide, we have one aim: to bring the local Melbourne music scene together with collaborative success as the only goal. Under The Radar is not delivered as a profitable event; the focus is to give back to the Melbourne music community in a meaningful way, through connection.
How to Purchase a Ticket?
Tickets are live now via Eventbrite. Pre-sale is $20 plus booking fee until July 30, with general admission at $25 plus booking fee from July 31. Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, which feels like the right way to start a Friday night. Use promo code FINETUNEDPR at checkout for a $5 discount on pre-sale tickets. Please note: Tickets will not be sold at the door, only online ahead of the event here on Eventbrite.
Under-18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and ID will be checked at the door.
The details:
- When: Friday 28 August 2026, 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Where: Polly Bar (upstairs), 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
- Tickets: Eventbrite — Pre-Sale $20 + booking fee / GA $25 + booking fee
Let’s amplify each other’s voices and build a stronger, more connected indie music community. See you upstairs at Polly Bar for Under The Radar.
