Can Australian Music Survive in the Age of Spotify?
Europe’s live music sector is under increasing strain, with industry leaders warning that shifting political priorities are leaving venues, clubs and festivals behind.
Insights from Live DMA, the European network representing grassroots music organisations, point to a sector being steadily weakened by funding cuts and a lack of consistent policy support. As governments across Europe redirect public spending into areas like defence and security, investment in culture is no longer keeping pace, placing added pressure on an already fragile ecosystem.
For many independent venues and promoters, this is translating into reduced access to public funding and a growing expectation that the sector should sustain itself. At the same time, there is concern that political attitudes towards contemporary music are shifting, with some policymakers questioning the value and legitimacy of grassroots cultural spaces.
A longstanding issue remains the way culture is defined within funding structures. Traditional art forms continue to receive priority in many countries, while contemporary live music — particularly at the grassroots level — is often overlooked. This disconnect is forcing smaller operators to carry more of the financial burden, despite their critical role in nurturing emerging artists and supporting local communities.
There are also inconsistencies in how live music is recognised. In some regions, venues are still classified alongside entertainment or gaming spaces rather than as cultural institutions, limiting their ability to access support and recognition. However, there are positive examples where local leadership and policy engagement are beginning to shift this perception and strengthen relationships between the sector and government.
The broader message from Live DMA is clear: without stronger recognition of live music as an essential part of cultural infrastructure, and without more stable, long-term support, Europe’s grassroots music network risks further erosion at a time when it is still recovering and rebuilding.
