South Australia’s thriving entertainment sector continues to grow, with the state’s latest live music census revealing another bump in gigs over the past year.

The census has been conducted by Music SA every May for the past four years, a month chosen so state’s various festivals don’t skew the results.

In 2018, there were 1,227 gigs across 201 licensed venues in metropolitan Adelaide, compared to 1,108 gigs across 211 licensed venues last year.

Compared to the first census in 2015, the latest figures show an almost 27% increase in gigs and a 28% increase in venues hosting live music in the metropolitan area.

Music SA expanded the census to include the entire state this year, with regional areas offering up 296 gigs across 108 venues.

“Clearly we have the gigs and venues, but what we need to work on now as an industry is growing the audiences,” Music SA General Manager Lisa Bishop said.

“Music SA is working hard to develop relationships with the likes of Brand South Australia, the SA Tourism Commission, Adelaide Airport, community radio and councils across the state to promote playlists and performances by local musicians.

“We want to see South Australians place greater value on the amazing talent in their own backyard.”

The State Government is also throwing their support behind live music, working alongside the music industry and councils to develop regulatory reform that would further assist in the scene’s growth.

You can check out the 2018 live music census here.



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