With Australian stages continuing to gather dust as the COVID-19 pandemic leaves the live industry in a state of uncertainty, Mushroom Group’s Michael Gudinski and the Victorian Government have partnered to announce The State of Music, a new weekly live music series.
Announced as part of the Victorian Government’s Victoria Together initiative, the new six-episode series follows on from the success of last weekend’s Music From the Home Front televised isolation festival.
Designed to help “keep our vibrant music scene buzzing in this challenging time”, The State of Music will be live-streamed weekly, and will feature exclusive artist interviews and live performances from household names and emerging acts.
Curated, professionally filmed and recorded by Mushroom, the performances will be broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, and the newly-created Victoria Together website each Sunday at 7:30pm AEST, beginning on May 3rd. Each episode will be hosted by special guests, and will allow viewers the chance to engage in a Q&A with performing artists via a moderated livestream.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews with Mushroom’s Chairman and Founder Michael Gudinski (Photo: Supplied)
“Victorians have done the right thing by staying at home, and we’re thanking them by bringing them the best of Victoria’s creative talents to their living rooms,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said of the new series.
“We’re proudly the cultural capital of Australia and we’ll do everything we can to support our creative industries through this pandemic, so they’re in the best position to support the many thousands of jobs that rely on this sector.”
“After the success of Music From The Home Front I’m thrilled to be a part of Premier Daniel Andrews’ and the Victorian Government’s vision to deliver Australian music into people’s lounge rooms each week,” added Mushroom’s Chairman and Founder, Michael Gudinski.
“Melbourne is one of the great music cities in the world and the leading music city in Australia. While we are currently unable to experience music in Victoria’s celebrated live venues this great initiative will play a part in ensuring our musicians and those that work in the music industry have a future.”
The first episode of The State of Music will broadcast at 7:30pm AEST on Sunday, May 3rd and will feature appearances from Birds of Tokyo, Diesel, G Flip, and James Reyne. Meanwhile, Gudinski himself will appear in the broadcast, which will be hosted by beloved broadcaster Rosie Beaton.
The State of Music
Episode One
Hosted by Rosie Beaton
Birds of Tokyo
Diesel
G Flip
James Reyne
Michael Gudinski
Sunday, May 3rd, 7:30pm AEST
More info: Victoria Together
