In a previous article, Music Talkers brought you the story of the fear being felt by Melbourne in Australia, that it would lose its cultural identity as the music and live entertainment capital of Australia because of COVID.  Venues were struggling due to being forced to keep their doors closed, while continuing to pay high rent and overhead costs. With lockdowns in Melbourne escalating to stage 4 in early August, that was a fear that only grew, as the city was placed under the strictest rules in the country.

Melbourne residents have been required to adhere to a nightly curfew commencing at 8pm and ending at 5am. No one is permitted to leave their residence except for work, school, or essential services, and even then, everyone must wear a mask when doing so and no one is allowed to travel beyond a 5km radius of their home. Even visiting family or friends has been banned. Exercise outdoors for up to one hour per day is the only recreational time Melburnians have been allowed.

With regulations tightening this severely, it seemed the fate would be well and truly sealed for Melbourne’s live music and entertainment. But the resilience and resourcefulness of this industry was yet to be seen and felt. And with the world embracing technology to limp along through this devastating pandemic, Melbourne’s arts and culture scene has leapt on board to keep itself afloat.

For the first time ever, the Melbourne International Film Festival has gone digital and seen record attendees, virtually of course. The National Gallery has stepped up online engagement, seeing interactions in the millions. And of course, Melbourne’s beloved music industry, has followed suit, with live events being streamed directly into people’s homes.

Artists continue to perform virtually at Melbourne’s favourite venues. Zoom parties have become common, with the likes of Nick Cave recording special performances to lend their support. Television has grabbed onto these notions and we are now seeing far more live-music oriented shows. 

The Isol-Aid Festival has been created with the support of the State Government to keep Melbourne’s thriving music culture going. And with everyone on board, it is clear that nobody is giving up, and all are doing what they can to save this proud industry. It just goes to show that Melbourne did not earn its crown as the music and cultural capital of Australia lightly. Music and culture are within the hearts and souls of Melburnians, and no pandemic is going to change that. 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.