WA Music Week is returning later this year, and this time it’ll be held in Fremantle. Running from Friday, August 7th to Sunday, August 16th, the ten-day program combines live gigs across the city’s venues, a two-day industry conference, and a headline showcase that puts emerging local artists directly in front of interstate bookers, agents, and industry representatives.
Delivered by West Australian Music and backed by $500,000 over four years from the Cook Labor Government’s Contemporary Music Fund, the event holds the distinction of being the second largest music showcase and conference in Australia.
What’s on across the week
The program opens with a run of live music events across Fremantle, drawing on the full range of genres from WA’s music scene. On Wednesday, August 14th and Thursday, August 15th, WAMCon (one of Australia’s largest music industry conferences) brings together speakers and panellists from around the country for networking sessions and skills development.
The week closes on Saturday, August 15th, with the WAM Showcase across multiple Fremantle venues, where 23 emerging WA artists perform for home crowds and, more to the point, for the industry professionals who can take their careers somewhere.
WAM CEO Owen Whittle said Fremantle’s standing as a music city made it the right location. “Fremantle has long been one of the most recognisable and iconic music cities in Australia and we are excited to bring our WA Music Week major events to the city,” he said. “Through WA Music Week we look forward to not only developing and showcasing our local musical talent, but to ensure that Fremantle venues are put on the map and receive the national industry attention that they rightfully deserve.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk added, “The Cook Government’s investment in WAM over four years is helping ensure WA Music Week continues to grow, creating more opportunities for local artists and strengthening the State’s music sector.”
“From emerging artists to established acts, this event creates real opportunities for local musicians to connect with industry leaders and take their careers to the next level,” she said.
How to get involved
Expressions of interest are open now on several fronts:
- Artists and bands can apply for a spot in the WAM Showcase or the Artist Development Program
- Venues and promoters can apply to host official WA Music Week events with WAM support
- Regionally based artists and industry professionals can apply for dedicated travel support and access to the Regional Gathering program.
