Tune Up: Industry Connect
Registrations are now open for QMusic’s free professional development series INDUSTRY CONNECT, set to begin in April, in partnership with venues and councils in Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Cairns.
Support Act Launch Hotline
Last September, the music industry’s top minds met for the Mental Health Summit at BIGSOUND to discuss options to proactively address the rampant mental health issues within our community.
Less than 12 months later, Support Act have announced the launch of their Wellbeing Helpline specifically tailored to assist with the unique mental health problems that research has found to impact music industry workers.
The free and confidential helpline will be staffed by professional counsellors, offering expert advice in all areas related to the music industry and mental health.
The growing mental health crisis within the music community has become a pressing issue, with musicians more the five times more likely to suffer from depression and ten times more likely to present symptoms of anxiety.
Low or unstable income combined with other factors including a high-stress working environment, lack of fiscal and emotional safety nets and long stretches of time spent away from friends and family have contributed to the rise of mental illness within the industry.
“The launch of this service is in direct response to requests from our colleagues working in music to help improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Based on our consultations and research, we believe that a specialised service specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by artists and music workers will be of enormous benefit to all people working in our industry.”
Clive Miller
CEO, Support Act
Two industry leaders have partnered up to support the helpline, with The Tony Foundation and Levi's® providing valuable seed funding and expertise for the project.
Emily Alert, Executive Officer at The Tony Foundation, praised the quick turnaround for the much-needed service.
“We are thrilled to see this idea brought to fruition in less than 12 months. We have gone from initial conversations at the BIGSOUND Mental Health Summit last September around how to best support wellbeing in the music industry, to the helpline being made available this week.
Levi's® marketing manager Nicky Rowsell commented on the potential life-saving aspect of the helpline.
“This is a critical first step in a longer journey that Levi’s is heavily invested in; to really give back to the music (and wider) creative community in a meaningful way that we hope will make a real difference. If this work can help to save lives, then I think we all need to make it a priority to protect the future of the music industry itself.”
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline will be accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from Monday 18 June by calling 1800 959 500 within Australia.
BIG SKY GIRLS Album
The young voices of regional Queensland are about to be unleashed with the release of the very first BIG SKY GIRLS album.
Hookups
Hookups are an opportunity to interact and network with fellow artists and industry from across your city, mingle with your peers and enjoy some food on us! PLUS we're giving you the chance to win a mentoring session with Gold Coast producer Paces. All you need to do is RSVP and attend Industry Connect Hookups at the Gold Coast, Sunny Coast, Ipswich or Brisbane.
Small Business Week Grants Program
Apply now for up to $5K funding support to host an event that creates an educational and/or collaborative community experience as part of Queensland Small Business Week. Applications close 3 March.
EQUALIZE
Looking to hone your studio skills? EQUALIZE is designed for female and non-binary APRA AMCOS members who are keen to further build their technical skills and industry knowledge to become a producer for screen, electronic/pop or recording full bands. Apply before 26 Feb!
Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition
Calling ALL songwriters! Songwriters worldwide are invited to enter the 2019 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition to go into the running for a career-changing A$50,000 first place cash prize, courtesy of APRA AMCOS, Alberts and BMG.