AGP Executive Report

Sydney Live: Seymour Centre’s new Seymour Sounds series brings 12 free nu-jazz, soul and R&B shows to Chippendale across November and December. Copyright Fight: Music publishers say AI firms are pressuring Australia to weaken copyright rules, alleging Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave songs have already been used to train AI without payment. Industry Moves: Too Lost plans to acquire Melbourne-based distributor Xelon Entertainment, following its recent purchase of Brisbane’s GYRO.Group. Royalties & Audience: APRA AMCOS reported record revenue of $857.4 million, while coverage points to falling streaming share and Australians turning away from local music even as overseas interest grows. Touring & Festivals: Pitch Music & Arts has unveiled its 10th-anniversary lineup, while Powderfinger’s reunion tour has added dates amid fan complaints about ticket prices. Tash Sultana and The Rubens will also play free Apple Music Month shows in Sydney.

Powderfinger Reunion: The Brisbane band says its 15-month reunion plan stayed secret through a fake name and private chats. Fans have criticised ticket prices, while more 2027 dates are being added after strong demand. Royalties & AI: APRA AMCOS reported record revenue of $857.4 million, even as Australian music’s streaming share fell. Industry groups say Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave tracks were used to train AI without payment, adding to calls for stronger copyright protection. 2027 Live Calendar: Bon Jovi and Kings of Leon have confirmed Australian stadium shows, while Waterparks, Swae Lee and Bachelor Girl announced national tours. Pitch Music & Arts also revealed its 10th-anniversary lineup for the Grampians. Local Stages: Tash Sultana and The Rubens will play free Aus Music Month shows at Apple Sydney in November; Woodford Folk Festival has named DZ Deathrays, Peter Garrett and The Dreggs among its acts.

AI Copyright: ICMP says AI systems have used Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave songs without permission or payment, urging Australia not to weaken copyright protections for tech companies. Touring: Bon Jovi will bring its Forever Tour to Melbourne on March 4 and Sydney on March 11, 2027. Kings of Leon have also announced an Australia and New Zealand return, with Ocean Alley supporting. Industry: APRA AMCOS reported record revenue of $857.4 million, even as streaming’s share of Australian music income falls. Universal Music Publishing Group has promoted Maree Hamblion to EVP of A&R and Creative for Australia and New Zealand. Ticket Prices: Powderfinger’s reunion tour has drawn fan backlash over “obscene” ticket costs, renewing debate about affordability for local audiences.

AI and Copyright: Music publishers say Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave’s work has been used to train AI without consent or payment, warning that tech companies are pressuring Australian policymakers to weaken copyright protections. Touring: Kings of Leon will return in February and March 2027, with Ocean Alley joining shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne as well as New Zealand dates. Western Sydney Spotlight: ONEFOUR will rework their drill catalogue with the Penrith Chamber Orchestra for two Sydney Festival performances at The Joan on January 22 and 23. Festivals: Woodford Folk Festival’s 2026-27 lineup includes DZ Deathrays, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, The Dreggs and Playlunch; Sydney’s new Aloha Festival has booked Wolfmother, Ball Park Music and Yothu Yindi. Industry: UMPG has promoted Sydney-based Maree Hamblion to EVP of A&R and creative for Australia and New Zealand. Mount Gambier will host more than 200 music professionals for a regional industry summit from October 28 to 30.

Music Rights: Australian musicians are campaigning against politicians and big tech to protect songwriters’ work, putting control of music back in focus. Touring: Powderfinger has expanded its 2027 reunion tour after strong demand. Kasabian and Zach Bryan have also announced Australian dates, while Haywire returns in November for shows across the country, including dates with Rise Against and Dropkick Murphys. Festivals: WOMADelaide’s 2027 lineup features Underworld and Angine de Poitrine, with Christine Anu among the added acts. Sydney Festival is promising free events and 10,000 tickets at $49. Artist News: Tina Arena will play a month-long Crown Live residency in Melbourne next August, her only shows of 2027. SBS has also begun its search for Australia’s Eurovision 2027 artist, while Dom Dolla has launched Good Fortune Records.

Melbourne Residency: Tina Arena will play Crown Live throughout August 2027, her only shows next year, with changing setlists spanning her career. Her new documentary, Unravel Me, also premieres on Australian TV. Tour News: Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe has booked five Australian cities for March 2027. Powderfinger is adding dates to its reunion tour after strong demand, while Kasabian and Zach Bryan have also announced Australian shows for 2027. Local Music: Doomadgee’s DMC Boys are aiming for a wider audience after opening for King Stingray, with the band’s success inspiring young musicians in their community. Industry Challenges: Gordi is urging support for Australian music as artists and organisations seek donations amid venue closures and tighter finances. Musicians are also pressing politicians and tech companies to better protect their songs. Recognition: Adelaide has named a laneway after hip-hop trailblazers Hilltop Hoods, and WOMADelaide has added Underworld and Christine Anu to its 2027 lineup.

Industry Funding: Gordi is backing AusArt Day, where 65 musicians and music organisations will seek donations as streaming income falls, festivals struggle and more than a quarter of Australia’s live venues have closed since the pandemic. Western Sydney: Parramatta Lanes is putting local and international acts centre stage, with 400 artists across four nights and organisers expecting 400,000 people. Artist Returns: Fremantle band San Cisco is back after a two-year touring hiatus, while Gabriella Cilmi has released her first album in 13 years, reconnecting with the sound that launched her career. Touring: Powderfinger has added dates to its 2027 reunion tour after strong ticket demand. Music Rights: Australian musicians are pressing politicians and tech companies to protect songs, as debate grows over copyright and AI. New Music Recognition: Ninajirachi, Boy Soda and Keli Holiday are among the finalists for the 2026 NSW Music Prize.

Song Rights: Australian musicians are challenging political use of their songs and the Albanese government’s AI copyright plan, with ARIA and PPCA also pushing back. Live & Touring: Powderfinger is adding dates to its 2027 reunion tour after strong demand, while A$AP Rocky returns to Australia and New Zealand this December, his first visit in eight years. Festivals: WOMADelaide has revealed its 2027 lineup, including Underworld and Angine de Poitrine; Wagga’s Fusion festival brought local communities together through music and dance. New Music: Outback rockers the Desert Stars have recorded 12 tracks for their third album, and Troye Sivan has claimed the top spot on the ARIA chart with “She’s the Best.”

Touring: Powderfinger will add dates to its 2027 reunion tour after overwhelming demand. Peaches has also announced a 2027 Australian tour, while Damien Rice’s 25th-anniversary tour for O begins in Australia next February. Charts & Releases: Troye Sivan’s She’s the Best has debuted at the top of the ARIA chart. The Avalanches are back with new album No Bad Memories, their first in five years. Festivals & Awards: WOMADelaide’s first 2027 lineup includes Underworld and Christine Anu, while Ninajirachi, Boy Soda and Keli Holiday are among the NSW Music Prize finalists. Industry: ARIA, PPCA and global music companies are pushing back against claims about the government’s proposed AI copyright approach.

Chart Watch: Perth-raised Troye Sivan makes a strong ARIA debut with She’s The Best, while Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving holds the top spot. Tour Demand: Powderfinger are planning more 2027 reunion dates after overwhelming demand; Zach Bryan has also announced Australian stadium shows for next year. Local Talent: Ninajirachi, Boy Soda, Keli Holiday and other NSW artists are shortlisted for the state’s music prizes, worth $160,000 across three categories. Festival News: WOMADelaide’s first 2027 lineup features Underworld and Christine Anu, while Twilight at Taronga marks its 30th season with Pete Murray, King Stingray and Jessica Mauboy. Industry Debate: Major music companies have criticised the Albanese government’s proposed AI copyright plan. New Music: The Avalanches return with No Bad Memories, a 31-track album featuring Karen O, Jamie xx and other guests. Coming to Australia: Peaches will tour Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in January 2027.

Powderfinger Reunion: Overwhelming demand has pushed the band to add shows to its 2027 Australian tour, already set for 18 dates across six cities. WOMADelaide 2027: Underworld, Christine Anu and Angine de Poitrine join a lineup celebrating the festival’s 35th year in Adelaide. Eurovision Search: SBS has opened the search for Australia’s 2027 Eurovision artist, while the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia is also set to air on SBS. Big Tours Ahead: Zach Bryan will play six Australian stadium shows in December 2027, with Vance Joy among the support acts; Kasabian have also locked in Australian dates for early 2027, while A$AP Rocky returns in December 2026. Industry Pressure: Festival organisers warn payday superannuation rules could add to the strain on live music events. Adelaide Honour: Hilltop Hoods have been immortalised with a laneway named after the hip-hop trio in their hometown.

Adelaide Honour: Hilltop Hoods Lane was unveiled in the trio’s hometown, with murals celebrating the group’s rise from Hindley Street gigs to national hip-hop icons. Festival News: WOMADelaide has added Underworld, Christine Anu and Fatoumata Diawara to its 35th-anniversary lineup, set for Adelaide’s Botanic Park in March 2027. New Music Platform: Dom Dolla has launched Good Fortune Records, with its first release, a Torren Foot and rhys from the sticks collaboration, due October 16. Touring: Zach Bryan will bring his 2027 stadium tour to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane; Kasabian have also locked in Australian shows for 2027. Powderfinger’s reunion tour continues to grow, with more dates added after strong ticket demand. Nightlife: South Australia plans another review of Adelaide’s 3am lockout rules, which restrict late-night venues from admitting patrons between 3.01am and 7am.

Artist News: Australian musician Stephen Jones, a former member of electronic group Severed Heads, has died aged 75 after an alleged attack outside his Sydney studio. Live Music: Powderfinger have extended their 2027 reunion tour after strong ticket demand, adding shows to their first Australian run in 16 years. A$AP Rocky will return for Australia and New Zealand dates in December 2026. Festivals: WOMADelaide has unveiled its 2027 lineup for its 35th anniversary; Golden Plains has booked Geese, Underworld and Peter Garrett, while Amyl and the Sniffers will headline Bondi’s Golden Hour. Industry: Labor is backing a new initiative for Australian artists, while ARIA and PPCA have pushed back against a parliamentary committee’s claims on AI and copyright. New ventures: Dom Dolla has launched Good Fortune Records. Charts: Glenn Shorrock’s long-shelved live album has cracked the ARIA Top 10, and V.Spy V.Spy have also scored a Top 10 debut.

Powderfinger: The reunion tour is expanding after presale tickets drew queues of thousands, with extra dates added in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth ahead of the band’s first national tour in 17 years. Tour News: A$AP Rocky returns to Australia and New Zealand in December for five arena shows, his first visit in eight years. Regional Music: QLD Music Trails has unveiled its 2027 Outback lineup, with Troy Cassar-Daley, Pete Murray and Kingswood among the acts; this year’s trail drew more than 7,650 people, up 95%. Emerging Artists: Victoria’s new SUPAGLOO series will give rising Australian acts arena slots, with tickets under $50 and its first shows in December and April. Industry Honours: Composer Cezary Skubiszewski will receive the Screen Music Awards’ distinguished services honour for more than 30 years of work, including Two Hands and Red Dog. On Air: SBS will broadcast the inaugural Eurovision Asia contest from Bangkok on November 14, with Courtney Act commentating. Chart Watch: Tame Impala and Jennie’s “Dracula” has climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking 20 weeks in the top 10.

Tour News: A$AP Rocky has announced his first Australian and New Zealand dates in eight years. Amyl and the Sniffers will headline Bondi Beach’s Golden Hour and play a wider Australian summer tour, while Nickelback is set to return in 2027 with Don Broco in support. Festivals & Industry: Pitch Music & Arts will mark its 10th anniversary in 2027, and Frontier Touring is launching a festival to showcase emerging Australian acts. The Push has also named mentees for placements with Live Nation, Frontier and TEG. Australian Artists: Powderfinger’s 18-date 2027 reunion tour includes Cairns as its only regional stop. Troye Sivan has released new album She’s the Best, while ARIA and PPCA have challenged parliamentary claims about AI and copyright. Recognition: Composer Cezary Skubiszewski will be honoured at the 2026 Screen Music Awards.

Australian Tours: A$AP Rocky brings his first Australian and New Zealand tour in eight years to Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Brisbane and Perth this December. Powderfinger will reunite for 18 shows across six Australian cities in 2027, while Amyl and the Sniffers headline their biggest home show yet at Bondi Beach, as part of a four-date run. Nickelback also returns in October 2027 for seven shows after an eight-year absence. Festivals: Pitch Music & Arts returns to Gariwerd from March 5–9 for its 10th edition, and Frontier Touring is launching a festival to showcase emerging Australian acts. Tumbafest marks 30 years with an Australian-heavy lineup. Industry & Rights: ARIA and PPCA have challenged parliamentary claims that copyright law must change for AI, arguing current rules allow licensing deals. Festival organisers warn proposed payday super rules could add pressure to live music. Recognition: Composer Cezary Skubiszewski will receive the Distinguished Services to the Australian Screen honour at the Screen Music Awards in Brisbane on October 28.