Following reports that Australian commercial radio stations are not doing enough to support local content, a Sydney artist is taking matters into his own hands.
Javier Trueba has set up a national cooperative of singers and instrumentalists - The Hip Stars Band - which offers party organisers and music lovers the opportunity to see the group perform live at monthly showcases around the country.
Featuring artists who have performed on The Voice and The X Factor, the group offers discounted rates if they allow an original song or two on their live wedding or party playlist.
"There is an abundance of super talented songwriters and musicians that cross over into the wedding and corporate sector playing covers and wowing audiences," Trueba said.
"This issue of the radio quota is the elephant in room when it comes to the lack of commercially successful original artists in Australia.
"The Hip Stars Band is giving these artists a platform to make them accessible to the public, while at the same time making them available for weddings, parties, and anything."
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Members of The Hip Stars Band will also be able to showcase their original music with dedicated artist pages launching next week, which is timely, given that some FM commercial radio stations are reportedly playing less than 15% local music.
"The music industry has evolved and changed because of the digital age," Trueba continues.
"The internet brings with it a bigger pool of musicians and artists to a much different landscape than before. We have given our Hip Stars singers and musicians a platform from which to showcase their original material. We will give music lovers the opportunity to discover this talent, and musicians the tools to help build their fan base.
"The Hip Stars Band has been nearly a year in the making, but early feedback is showing it’s what the industry has been looking for. It is important to bridge the gap between original artists and service industry musicians, acknowledging the talents of unsigned original artists who also play covers passionately.
"Without original artists, there would be no covers, therefore it is essential that we honour these musicians who understand the importance of the service industry by providing them with work opportunities."
The Hip Stars Band's next showcase will take place at Spring Street Social in Sydney on 1 May; check out the band's official Facebook page for more details.
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