A message from WAM CEO, Mike Harris
Hi everyone,
I thought it timely to check in with all our members and followers and keep you up to date on what WAM has been up o these past few weeks.
It has been a busy time for all of us here – and in saying that I do recognise that for many of you this has been a time of significant stress and anxiety, so we do not make light of the fact we are fortunate to remain in work – doing what we can to help our local music industry.
We were excited to see today’s State Government announcement regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions from Monday June 6. The increase of gathering limits to 100 and revised square metre rule opens the door for the resumption of live music events and venue trading. Whilst the eased restrictions will provide some relief, our industry is still in need of targeted support and action.
The requirement for seating at live music venues does not reflect or represent the places where most music is played, making compliance with this restriction logistically and financially challenging for many. We call on the state government to rescind this requirement for live music venues as soon as practicable.
The following captures some the what WAM has been doing to support the industry through the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on our society and particularly on music.
SOTA FESTIVAL GOES VIRTUAL THIS WA DAY!
SOTASTREAM BRINGING YOU LIVE-STREAMED WA MUSIC THIS MONDAY
The annual WA Day celebration is back in 2020 like you’ve never seen it before! With many events on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, SOTA Festival is going online in 2020 with a socially-distant edition – SOTAstream!
Brought to you by WAM and WA Day, SOTAstream features a dizzying line-up of local talent streamed live from music mecca Freo.Social to your screen. Featuring the live sounds of Abbe May, Carla Geneve, Drapht, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Methyl Ethyl, Psychedelic P*rn Crumpets and San Cisco.
SOTAStream will be streaming LIVE on the Monday 1 June public holiday from 2pm – 8pm WST. You can tune in on Facebook at the WAM and SOTAstream pages, or the RTRFM 92.1 and Perth Now websites …
NEWS & EVENTS
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SOUND CHECK WEBINAR FOR GRANT WRITING
Next Wednesday’s Sound Check webinar has us diving into grant writing and preparation! Our expert panel will be sharing their tips for success, and what you need to know. Register HERE to join.
‘FREO LIVE’ LIVE-STREAMED GIG SERIES LAUNCHED
Fremantle comes alive with music as new live-streamed gig series kicks off this weekend! Check out the local line-ups, featured Freo venues, and all the information HERE.
SOUNDS OF THE KIMBERLEY | TUNE IN TO ABC RADIO SYDNEY
Tomorrow morning at 9am WST, tune in to ABC Radio Sydney to catch our Regional Officer, Nigel, chatting through each incredible song on Sounds of The Kimberley as we hear the album in full. LISTEN LIVE. RE-STREAM.
OPP BOX MORE OPPORTUNITIES
GIRLS ROCK! WA WEB HANGOUT SERIES KICKS OFF!
We’re excited to kick off our Girls Rock! WA Web Hangout Series, happening online every Sunday afternoon. Open to female, trans and non-binary people ages 12-20, join us this week as we chat guitars with Kerry Fletcher. REGISTER. MEMBERSHIP
BECOME A MEMBER FOR FREE!
YMCA HQ FREE REHEARSAL SPACE!
YMCA HQ have launched Sweet Oblivion Jams – a rehearsal, demo recording and live streaming space that’s free if you’re under 25, and discounted if you’re an emerging act. Check out the info and how to book HERE.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT! TRENT-JEAN
WAM Member Trent-Jean has gone live with his video project #WhyWontYouDanceWithMe, starring 20 global dancers in support of the message that no matter where or who we are – we are never truly alone. Watch HERE!
VALE, RICHARD LANE
The music community was greatly saddened by the recent passing of WA music icon and WAM Hall of Fame member, Richard Lane.
To pay tribute to Richard, a live streamed tribute gig was held at Mojos Bar featuring The Painkillers and special guests. The show can be re-streamed from the Mojos Facebook page.
One of Richard’s great achievements was the establishment of Penny Lane’s Music Workshop. Penny Lane’s is a community institution, where people of all ages can learn to express themselves through music. The COVID-19 restrictions had greatly affected the school’s viability, but with the added blow of Richard’s passing, the school now needs help to pay the bills, and evolve to honour Richard’s legacy and to begin the next chapter.
To that end, Richard’s family and close friends have established a GoFundMe page and would appreciate your support.
Our reflections and celebration of Richard’s vast contributions to music can be read here.
