A parliamentary inquiry investigating the challenges of the live music industry has revealed that some Perth venues are booking bands based more on their fans’ drinking habits, rather than the quality of their music.
Fremantle’s Mojo’s Bar programming manager Emma Adams told the inquiry that due to declining audience numbers, the focus had shifted to alcohol consumption as a primary concern to sustain operations.
“I’ll be choosing an artist based on what I believe their audience is going to drink in the bar,” she said, as per Perth Now.
The inquiry, which involves the City of Fremantle, the state government, and local musicians, has highlighted that increased operating costs are also a significant issue for venues, further compounding the problem.