AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS ARCHIVE – JULY 2021

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Gympie cancelled

This year’s Gympie Music Muster has been cancelled.

“It is with great disappointment and sorrow that we have to inform you of our 40th Birthday celebration cancellation,” organisers said in a statement.

“This decision has not been made lightly as our team has been working tirelessly and were ready to deliver a first-class festival, that you all know and love.  Many of our Muster family – ticket holders, artists, contractors, volunteers and vendors come from far and wide and we feel it is only fair that we notify all as soon as possible.

“Our CoVid19 plan was in place, however the risks involved in continuing with the festival this year are escalating daily.  In the interest of the Gympie Music Muster’s long-term sustainability and our brand we have had to make the hard decision for all involved.”

The 40th celebration Muster was shaping up to be “the best Muster ever”.  Ticket sales were exceeding expectations with a third of patrons coming from interstate.

“Patrons, sponsors and vendors funds are not ours until such time as we are able to deliver our event,” organisers said. “Financially, the event relies on unrestricted travel to and within Queensland for patrons, artists and suppliers.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation and the current situation and the uncertain future poses an unacceptable financial risk.  Unless the event can be delivered with a full program and with unrestricted interstate attendance, we cannot deliver value for our patrons and guarantee payment to our suppliers.

“In the event of a late cancellation or any sudden lock down, we simply could not refund tickets and pay suppliers which would be financially catastrophic for the future of the event.”

Organisers are now looking forward to regrouping for the 2022 Gympie Music Muster when they are hoping the majority of Australians will have been vaccinated and travel restrictions relaxed.

All current ticket holders will be offered the opportunity to transfer tickets to next year’s festival to be held Thursday August 25 to Sunday August 28 or may get a refund.

“By transferring your tickets, you are demonstrating your ongoing support for our iconic music and camping festival and guarantee that you are already set for the 2022 Muster at the 2021 price,” organisers said in their statement.

Further contact will be made next week with ticket holders.

“Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes go to our Muster Mates and family – thank you for your on-going loyalty and support.”

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FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

Mildura festival back on

The Mildura Country Music Festival – renamed slightly as the Mildura-Wentworth Country Music Festival – returns in 2021 (Covid19 allowing) after a year or so in the wilderness.

It will run in the same timeframe as the original successful event, Friday September 24 to and incuding Saturday October 2.

The festival is being organised by Music Entertainment owner David Storer following the withdrawal of Queensland-based promoter Chandler-Shaw Events.

They were to run the event last year following the withdrawal of long-time organiser John Arnold who ran his last festival in 2019 but the coronavirus pandemic caused its cancellation along with many others.

David Storer said he was "thrilled" to be selected by Mildura Council to run the festival which he will do for the next three years.

Festival performances will be split across both sides of the border... Mildura is in Victoria, Wentworth is 34 kilimetres away in NSW.

Artists announced for 2021 include Lance Birrell, Owen Blundell, Adam Brand (pictured), Rob Breese, Don Costa, Paul Costa, Sandie Dodd, Dwayne Elix, Bec Hance (pictured), Graeme Hugo, Neil McArthur, John O'Dea, Luke O'Shea, Parle Bros, Dave Prior, Justin Standley, Gina Timms, Rodney Vincent and Gretta Ziller.

Adam Brand is the Festival Ambassador for 2021.

There has been no announcement yet as to whether there will be a future for the Australian Independent Country Music Awards which used to run as a part of the Mildura festival.

Weblink – www.mildurawentworthmusicfestival.com.

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TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021

Natalie elected ARIA Chair

The peak Australian music body, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), has announced the election of Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music & Events, as ARIA Chair for a two-year term, effective immediately.

This follows the recent resignation of long time chair Denis Handlin.

Natalie (pictured), who has been a member of the ARIA Board since February 2019, joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1998 in the ABC Music business team and held various roles including Business Manager. She was appointed to her current role in 2012.

Natalie has worked across many genres within ABC Music mainly specialising in Australian music and championing niche genres. She also works with well-known ABC music brands including triple j. She currently holds the position as Vice Chair of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), was appointed to the Board of the Country Music Association (CMA America) in January 2021 and is Chair of the CMA Australian Task Force.

“It is an absolute honour to be elected as ARIA’s new Chair," Natalie said. "At this time of change and challenge for the Australian music industry, I’m determined to give my all to continuing ARIA’s mission of championing our fantastic artists and industry. I’m thoroughly excited to get to work with the Board, Annabelle and the ARIA team.”

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Natalie as the new Chair of ARIA. During her time on the Board, she has demonstrated an incredible knowledge of the scope and diversity of the Australian music landscape. We are thoroughly looking forward to the next two years and continuing our mission to communicate the true economic and cultural value of our amazing recording industry.”

The members of the ARIA Board are: George Ash, President Universal Music Australia & New Zealand; Libby Blakey, Business Affairs Director, Warner Music Australia; Sebastian Chase, Founder, MGM Distribution; Karen Don, Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, Universal Music Australia; Sophie McArthur, Vice President, Partner Development and Streaming Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand; Gordon Pitt, Vice-President, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand; Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australia; and David Vodicka, Managing Director, Rubber Group of Companies.

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