Live Music Generates A$4.83 Billion in Revenue for Australia

Titled The Bass Line: Charting the Economic Contribution of Australia’s Music Industry, the study was conducted by McAtamney & Associates and marks the first comprehensive economic analysis of the Australian music industry.

The report found that live music performances generated A$105 million in export revenue, while an estimated 12 million people attended contemporary live music events or festivals across the country in 2023 — the highest number recorded in 15 years.

Ticket sales from Australian and international acts contributed approximately A$2.25 billion, encompassing concerts, festivals, club gigs, classical music performances and opera. Live music venues collectively earned A$1.8 billion in revenue, with A$1.31 billion coming from food and beverage sales and the remaining A$490 million from venue fees and merchandise commissions.

Other key industry segments also showed strong figures: booking agents, managers, and technical crews earned a combined A$310 million, and Australian artists received A$425 million in net income from live performances.

In total, the direct economic impact of live music accounted for about 30% of the sector’s revenue, or A$1.44 billion.

Commenting on the findings, Music Australia director Millie Millgate said: “Australians know instinctively – and research confirms – that music brings us together, supports our wellbeing and enriches our lives. While the social and cultural value of music is understood, this report is the first comprehensive, end-to-end and segmented analysis of its economic contribution.”

Millgate added that The Bass Line will become an annual publication, offering “a valuable tool for those working across all parts of the music industry” and providing a “baseline repeatable measurement of music’s impact and value.”