One of the Central Coast's most important live music venues has been thrown into uncertainty after Drifters Wharf in Gosford was abruptly closed over the ANZAC Day long weekend. Patrons who arrived for bookings and events were met with locked doors and a notice stating the venue had been shut due to a dispute with the landlord. The notice alleged non-payment of rent and breaches of the lease agreement, while also warning that entry to the premises without permission would be considered...

Australia’s music industry is heading into a new kind of fight, and this time, it’s not about streaming payouts or radio play. It’s about AI. Earlier this month, AI company Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei met with the Australian Government in Canberra, signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting local AI research, skills, and investment. But behind the photo ops, the real tension is about who owns the content that powers AI systems. Amodei acknowledged that rights holders have...

The collapse of Bluesfest isn’t just one festival’s problem. It could have ripple effects across the entire Australian live music scene. The Easter long weekend came and went, but without the promised Bluesfest. Organisers deciding just three weeks prior to cancel the festival, whilst also announcing that the company had entered liquidation. Reports suggest creditors are still chasing significant unpaid funds, and there’s growing uncertainty around whether punters will receive refunds. If...