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                    Key Music Plan programs and partnerships

                    Young woman singing
                    Find out about City of Melbourne's support of local music.

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                    ‘Looking Out, Looking In’ - City of Melbourne Spotify playlist series

                    'Looking Out, Looking In' is a brand new series of City of Melbourne playlists by selected curators to represent the world class, diverse, effervescent and growing music scene in Melbourne.world class, diverse, effervescent and growing music scene in Melbourne.

                    In Volume 1, Jerry Poon (JPS) of The Operatives takes a journey into the worlds of hip hop, house, techno, RnB, soul, jazz, beats and bass music in the first episode of this series. 100 per cent made in Melbourne.

                    In Volume 2, Melbourne's eclectic soundscape stretches to all the corners of the world. This playlist explores R&B, Soul and instrumental Funk and New Jack Swing and is best consumed in good company. Courtesy of Zimbabwean born and Melbourne based singer-songwriter, Thando.

                    Volume 3 showcases Metal in Melbourne, a vast sonic landscape that is ever changing and shifting. The playlist features grindcore, black metal, doom, noise, and every in-between sub-genre of metal.

                    Curated by Karina Utomo from High Tension; it’s sure to stimulate the palate of even the most discerning of metal fans.

                    Volume 4, take a trip through Melbourne with the latest edition, Unified. This playlist unties listeners with an eclectic and diverse mix of tunes to highlight how music is instrumental to the culture and atmosphere of Melbourne. Curated by Chris Gill, Emily Ulman, Laura Christofidis (Lori), Billy Davis, Sian Van Der Muelen (Miss Blanks) and Chiara Kickdrum. 

                    Volume 5 is a collection of ambient and mindful tracks from local artists. Relax and let the music guide you to listen mindfully, discover, think, feel and appreciate being in the moment. Curated by Rings Around Saturn and Emelyne Khor.

                    Volume 6 is dedicated to NAIDOC WEEK 2020 'Always was always will be', curated by Kee'ahn, Soju Gang and DJ PGZ. Music plays an important role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures enabling the communication of knowledge and wisdom, to express experiences, thoughts, wants and fears.

                    In Volume 7, hear how the flame of Melbourne's crucial improvisation scene is currently blossoming internationally. Legendary Jazz Pianist and Composer Barney McAll joins Hiatus Kaiyote’s Clever Austin and PBS Selector Shio Otani deliver ‘Journey into Jazz’, a discovery of local jazz music in all its forms.

                    Tune in to find yourself some new local music.

                    Music in your business: If you use music in your business and at your event you will need a licence. Please visit APRA AMCOS for full details on the type of licence you require.

                    Creative Partnerships Australia – Knowledge Series – Mastering Arts Fundraising EOI

                    ​City of Melbourne partnered with Creative Partnerships Australia on their Knowledge Series program, as way to support Melbourne music organisations and individuals to master arts fundraising for their business. City of Melbourne covered the cost for eligible applicants to attend.  

                    The Knowledge Series was presented by leading Australian and international experts. The webinars covered essential fundraising topics contextualised and relevant to the unique Australian cultural landscape.

                    The Knowledge Series opened on 4 March and closed on 17 June 2021.

                    RMIT Ambisonic Pilot Program

                    ​We are collaborating with RMIT on a new program – Ambisonic. Four emerging composers will curate and commission four new compositions for 24.2 channel surround. The works will be presented in a series of performances once restrictions allow. Stay tuned for updates.

                    Melbourne Venues Day

                    Melbourne Venues Day is an annual forum hosted by City of Melbourne in partnership with Music Victoria Live music venue operators and businesses hosting live music in the city are encouraged to attend this three hour event to meet other venue managers in the city and hear industry updates, keynote presentations and panel discussions on key issues. 

                    We had to postpone the last Melbourne Venues Day due to COVID-19.  Stay tuned for updates.

                    Music Industry Mentoring Program (MIME)

                    ​City of Melbourne teamed up with Box Hill Institute to launch a unique and innovative mentoring program for startup music businesses and emerging industry professionals. 

                    Successful applicants received free, music-specific business training and mentor support for up to 12 months, and developed a personalised business plan. 

                    20 participants were selected to take part in the inaugural MIME program from July to September 2020. 

                    MIME 1.1
                    A second iteration of the MIME program commenced in January 2020. Five participants from Box Hill Institute received one-on-one mentoring with an industry expert to support them to develop their music business.

                    The Future of Music Meetups

                    ​City of Melbourne and Spirit Level Lab partnered up to present The Future of Music Meetups at ACMI-X and online via livestream. Participants met local and international music tech businesses, networked with industry and heard about the latest innovative ideas.

                    Lo-Fi Lounge

                    Presenting Lo-Fi Lounge sessions, the former Sunday Lounge Music Program which has been on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. The new events will be programmed across a collection of Saturdays at City of Melbourne Libraries/Community Hubs; Library at The Dock, Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre, and Boyd Community Hub.

                    Make Music Day

                    ​Find out more about the plans for this year and how you can get involved on the Make Music Day website.

                    Blak Sound 2019

                    ​City of Melbourne partnered with The Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and Spotify to present Blak Sound 2019. Blak Sound is a program designed to realise the vision of more First Peoples, building sustainable contemporary music careers in Victoria. The program and will focus on the release of recorded music, as part of an overall strategic approach to a career in contemporary music. Successful recipients for the 2019 program are Allara Briggs Pattison, Crystal Clyne (Lady Lash), Amy Dowd, William Elm and Pirritu - Brett Lee.

                    Supporting music start-ups through MAP Velocity

                    ​City of Melbourne partnered with Melbourne University’s MAP Velocity Program to support a new music start-up to pressure test their start-ups over a 15 week program. Tour Tracks commenced their mentoring in July 2019.

                    Melbourne Music Walk

                    Explore Melbourne music city by visiting our historical venues, rock routes, sticky carpets, music laneways, record stores and more.

                    Music education in Melbourne

                    ​Melbourne is a globally recognised music city, and music education is a key element of the industry eco-system. We have a range of education and training facilities to choose from. If you are keen to study music in Melbourne, but not sure which course is right for you, watch our latest video to see all that our city has to offer.

                    Music in your business

                    ​Businesses playing background music in their retail stores, including radio, are required to obtain a licence under the Copyright Act. A OneMusic licence gives you the permission you need to play music in your business, while supporting the people that make the music you love.

                    More information

                    Email business@melbourne.vic.gov.au if you need further information on our Music Plan and related programs.

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