Music festivals are more than just a gathering of music lovers; they are intricate events that require careful planning and execution. In New South Wales, a program called Outset by MusicNSW is teaching the next generation how to run music festivals. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for regional musicians while also supporting the struggling Australian music festival industry.
One of the bands benefitting from this program is Temperate, a young band based in Coramba, northern New South Wales. The band members, like 21-year-old guitarist Scott Shrimpton, are part of the Outset youth committee organizing an upcoming all-ages live music event in Coffs Harbour. Scott emphasizes the importance of learning how to put together a successful live event, not just for their own band but for other musicians as well.
Under the guidance of industry experts, the Outset youth committee members, aged 15 to 25, are gaining hands-on experience in event planning. MusicNSW program manager Caitlin McGregor believes that equipping young people with these skills will empower them to organize their own DIY events and all-ages festivals in the future, ultimately reshaping the music festival landscape in NSW.
Sam Duff, a 17-year-old drummer from Port Macquarie, is another member of the Outset youth committee. Despite his experience on stage, Sam finds the behind-the-scenes work of organizing a music festival to be eye-opening. From selecting bands to designing posters and managing social media, Sam and his fellow committee members are getting a crash course in event management.
As the Outset program continues to grow and expand, it holds the promise of nurturing a new generation of music festival organizers and industry professionals. By providing young people with the skills and knowledge needed to plan and execute successful events, MusicNSW is not only supporting local musicians but also revitalizing the music festival scene in New South Wales.
Through programs like Outset, the future of music festivals looks bright, with a new wave of enthusiastic and skilled individuals poised to take the reins and bring fresh ideas to the industry. Aspiring musicians and event organizers alike can look forward to a vibrant and dynamic festival landscape, driven by the passion and creativity of the next generation.