Drive

This past weekend, Newtown’s infamous King Street was crawling with gig goers and local live music… Now, who said the Sydney music scene was “dead”? … 

King Street Crawl is a free live music festival and event that celebrates Newtown’s unique music, culture and community, featuring over 150 live music acts across 25 different venues. 

Attending such a big live music event, truly captures the unique melting pot of Sydney music was a fantastic experience!

Monday Drive Host, Anthea Tselios, had the opportunity to speak with Ross Tipper, founder of the independent record label Evening Records, who works with local live music gigs, including the King Street Crawl, on how important these events are for local artists and the community.

“The state of the local Sydney music scene is thriving”, said Tipper, “Sydney’s [music scene] is holding on its own.”

“There’s (live) music on all the time, if you choose to look for it.”

An element of the King Street Crawl is that artists take chances on themselves to get their music out there and play to a crowd; however, this is failing to be reciprocated by audiences.

​​​​“Without people showing up for the local gigs and Aussie artist, we don’t have Aussie artists in this country.” said a King Street Crawler 

“The culture is here if you think about it.”

People aren’t taking a chance on new and emerging artists because of the cost of living crisis. The lack of financial security prevents money being spent outside of the comfort of their listening, therefore, whatever money they have to see a live show, would likely be spent on mainstream music.

The King Street Crawl creates a bridge of energy and excitement with the advertisement of free gigs at venues. To gain a new momentum of discovery to artists and venues.

2SER’s Anthea, Emily and Eva, took to the streets of Newtown to check out some of Sydney’s best local artists at the King Street Crawl last Sunday…