AGP Executive Report

Regional Festival Deal: Spilt Milk has locked in Geelong (Kardinia Park) as its Victorian home until at least 2030, moving on from Ballarat after a tough period for Australian festivals. Touring Updates: Ed Kuepper has rescheduled his national tour after a badly broken ankle, with tickets still valid and some dates axed/shifted. Big-Stage News: Squeeze will return to Australia in April 2027 for a run of shows celebrating new album Trixies. New Music & Releases: Delta Goodrem has announced 2027 UK/Europe “Pure” World Tour dates. Live Music Industry: Live Nation has revealed the lineup for Ones To Watch Melbourne. Legal/AI & Music: Kate Ceberano hit back at an AI-generated Sam Neill tribute post, reigniting the debate over AI impersonation. DJ Culture: Your Shot’s beginner DJ competition is back in the US, with training and festival opening-slot prizes. Courtroom Drama: Rebel Wilson has been cleared in her defamation case over The Deb claims.

Kylie Minogue x Snow Patrol: The Aussie pop icon and Gary Lightbody’s band have released the official video for “These Alarms,” filmed around their sold-out Crystal Palace Park show and built on a track written with Kylie in mind. Live Music Industry: TEG has parted ways with high-profile promoter Christo Van Egmond after his blockbuster AC/DC tour, following Ticketek’s record-breaking on-sale numbers. Venue Fight: Sydney queer nightlife venue Divine Playhouse has had its lease terminated under an 1842 “offensive trade” law, with organisers preparing a peaceful “sing-in” rally. Tour Announcements: Delta Goodrem confirms a 2027 UK and Europe tour; Squeeze announces 2027 New Zealand dates; indie duo Old Mervs reveals major AUS/NZ “Carparks” tour dates with tickets on sale 27 July. Charts/Global Pop: Tame Impala’s “Dracula” remix with Jennie holds at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Music & Culture: Adelaide Film Festival drops early 2026 titles including Scott Hicks’ “Shine” 30th anniversary screening. Emergency Alerts: AusAlert national test set for 27 July, with compatible phones set to sound a loud siren.

Tour Updates: Harry Styles’ Together, Together tour hit a snag in Brazil, with his São Paulo (MorumBIS) show cancelled hours before kick-off due to “tour illness”; refunds go to original buyers and ticket-holders get limited priority access to the Friday show. Spice Girls Spotlight: Melanie C shared behind-the-scenes wedding moments after marrying Aussie model Chris Dingwall in the Lake District, including a Victoria Beckham-designed dress and Spice Girls attendance (with Victoria notably absent). J-Pop Industry Buzz: her0ism talks J-Pop’s global momentum after leading co-writing at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN’s SONG BRIDGE camp, pointing to more overseas interest but still few breakout individuals. Charts: Olivia Rodrigo returns to No.1 on Australia’s albums chart with You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love, pushing The Rolling Stones to No.2. AI & Copyright: Australia’s biggest media bosses urge AI firms to license content and pay for the “public good” of news and culture used to train systems. Live Theatre: John Waters joins the Australian cast of Fiddler on the Roof at Theatre Royal Sydney from July 31.

Country Festival Launch: Kane Brown and Kacey Musgraves will headline the new LONGHAUL country festival, landing in Melbourne (Jan 22, 2027), Sydney (Jan 23) and Brisbane (Jan 24), with tickets via Afterpay presale from July 24. Touring Album Push: Budjerah announces an Australian album tour for October/November supporting his debut album Gentleman (out July 24), with pre-sales open now and general tickets from July 23. Music Video Drop: Snow Patrol and Kylie Minogue release the video for their collab “These Alarms,” filmed at Snow Patrol’s sold-out Crystal Palace Park show. Live Music Tech (MSO): Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings an immersive VR “Concerts of the Future” Fringe show to Edinburgh, letting participants “perform” with the orchestra using gesture controllers. Venue Fight: Sydney queer nightclub Divine Playhouse vows to fight after its lease was terminated under an “offensive trade” law, calling a snap protest for July 25. Industry Business: Nine plans cuts to its publishing division as it shifts to a digital-first future. New Album News: Tinashe announces her eighth studio album Popstar (Sept 25) and releases “Crash Out.” Festival Lineup (Heavy): Froth & Fury Fest returns to Adelaide in 2027 with Clutch, Alpha Wolf and more in the first lineup wave.

Spice Girls news: Mel C has confirmed she married Aussie model Chris Dingwall in a private Lake District ceremony on July 18, after a legal ceremony in Sydney, with Victoria Beckham designing and gifting her “something borrowed” dress despite being absent due to World Cup commitments. Live music & tours: Robbie Williams has announced UK and Ireland dates for next summer, including Lytham Festival (July 3) and Thomond Park in Limerick (July 6), with Australian and NZ stadium shows already on sale for November. Concert cancellations: Noah Kahan issued an on-stage apology after severe weather forced him to cancel his New York Citi Field show, promising fans he’d do anything to make it up. Metal touring: Cabal has announced a co-headline UK/Europe run with Employed To Serve for November–December, with Cold Culture supporting. Streaming & AI controversy: Spotify’s “About the Song” feature is again under fire after artists including Lorde criticised inaccurate AI-generated descriptions. Sydney nightlife shake-up: LGBTQ venue Divine Playhouse has had its lease terminated under an old NSW “offensive trade” law, with legal action not ruled out.

Melbourne Cup Carnival: FISHER is set to headline the 2026 Melbourne Cup closing party at Flemington’s The Elms Live Stage on TAB Champions Stakes Day, Nov 7, bringing his festival-style dance set back to the racecourse after last year’s big impact. Australian music loss: L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has died aged 59 after an aggressive brain cancer battle, with the band calling her a “beloved bandmate” and noting she was due to join the group’s farewell tour. New Aussie releases: Larissa Lambert’s “Tunnel Vision” is this week’s Music Power Pick ahead of her debut album Yearning (Sept 18), while The Velvet Club are touring nationally in August after releasing debut album Are You Falling In Love? Community radio: Trust.FM launches Canberra’s underground community station to connect DIY scenes across genres. International pop with an Aussie link: The FIFA World Cup final halftime show featured global stars plus Australian singer Emmanuel Kelly. Live music & culture: Bloom brings Bloom Sings Eva Cassidy to Townsville’s Civic Theatre for a one-night-only show.

Chart Watch: Olivia Rodrigo rebounds to No. 1 in Australia with You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, while The Rolling Stones debut at No. 2 with Foreign Tongues and Ella Langley stays at the top on the singles chart. New Music Radar: Overmono drops the final single ahead of Pure Devotion (Aug 7), and GЯEG releases EP Kas Frekans via Club Romantico. AI & Streaming: Spotify says it’s removed 75 million AI spam tracks, even as it pushes more AI features—plus reports of “AI slop” still slipping into playlists. Local Industry/Policy: Australia moves to tighten AI rules for automated government decisions and strengthen privacy, with a focus on protecting people and creators. Live Music News: Spilt Milk Festival confirms it’s back for 2026, while Noah Kahan’s Citi Field show is cancelled in New York due to severe weather. Australian Music Community: Zimbabwean gospel artist Minstrel Taffie (now based in Australia) lands an international awards nomination for Buruka. Pop Culture Crossover: Spice Girl Mel C marries Australian model Chris Dingwall in the Lake District, with bandmates attending.

Live Music Pressure: Musos are warning new payday super rules could “ruin” live music, with one Newcastle clarinet player saying the 12% super within seven days for hired musicians will add costs and paperwork so heavy venues may switch to streaming. AI & Copyright: Australia’s new AI framework and office plans are pushing stronger protections for creators, including musicians, plus rules for data centres on power and water use. Spice Girls News: Mel C has married Australian model Chris Dingwall in an intimate Lake District ceremony, with bandmates attending and Victoria Beckham reportedly absent due to World Cup commitments. International Gig Disruption: Bad Bunny’s Milan concert was cut short after a severe hailstorm injured fans and forced a mass evacuation. Tour Updates: Noah Kahan cancelled his NYC show at Citi Field at the last minute due to inclement weather, offering refunds. Community Arts: NSW State Library’s 200th birthday will roll out a six-week festival of performances, talks and live music across September and October. DJ Spotlight: FISHER closed Tomorrowland 2026 Mainstage with Avicii’s “Levels,” marking his fifth Mainstage appearance. Neighbourhood Noise: A new survey finds noise is Australia’s top neighbourhood gripe, with most people citing “quiet hours” after 10pm.

AI & Copyright Guardrails: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a national AI framework that would force data centres to match the power they use with the power they generate, require water efficiency, and give creators (including musicians) control over how their work is priced and valued when used to train AI. Local Music Momentum: Adelaide indie four-piece Swapmeet have released debut album Mount Zero (17 July) after a breakout run at SXSW, with the band’s momentum building fast. Charts Watch: Olivia Rodrigo is back at No.1 in Australia with You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, while The Temper Trap returns with Sungazer and Delta Goodrem’s Strictly-era profile keeps buzzing. Festival News: Spilt Milk has confirmed it’s returning for 2026, teasing the campaign after last year’s sold-out run. Artist Spotlight: Country singer Brad Cox credits rural life in central Queensland for shaping his songwriting and sound.

AI & Copyright Clampdown: Australia’s PM says a national AI framework will force data centres to match power use and protect intellectual property, with the government backing stronger copyright rules so overseas tech firms can’t train on Aussie music, books and art without artist control. Radio/Streaming Business: Kyle Sandilands is launching “Kyle Sandilands Live,” an ad-free, online subscription “radio” service after settling with ARN, with early sign-ups paying $99 for a year. World Cup Music Moment: BTS will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show (around 3:55pm ET, ~11 minutes), alongside major pop names, with Australia viewers directed to official broadcasters/streams. Local Live & Theatre: No Square Theatre stages “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” as a jukebox musical with Kylie and Cyndi hits, while Wyong’s Art House hosts “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” (July 31–Aug 9). Community Music Funding Pressure: Victoria’s Pride Events and Festivals Fund reopens with $400k in grants, but jazz festivals are being cancelled elsewhere as new super rules make payouts harder to manage. Songwriting Spotlight: Jim Vallance shares the simple test for a great chorus/title—if a friend can name it after hearing it, you’ve communicated. Industry People: Believe, TuneCore, Play MPE/DIMA, UTA and Warner Chappell all announce key hires/promotions.

Metal & Stadium Memories: Evanescence’s Amy Lee says opening for Metallica was “so fun,” praising their “gracious” attitude and even letting her place her grand piano onstage during the 2025 Australia/NZ run. New Music Release: Japanese alt-metal coldrain announce album OPTIMIZE = OPTDEMISE (25 Sept 2026) and drop single “EX-HUMANITY.” Australian Creative Spotlight: Composer Liza Lim reflects on her Grawemeyer-winning work A Sutured World, and why she rejects the idea that art “saves the world.” Film & Culture Export: Vee Shi’s hybrid nonfiction feature Time and Tide lands with Paris sales outfit Inwave Films after winning at the Sydney Film Festival. Pop Star News: Mel C is reportedly marrying Australian model Chris Dingwall this weekend, with Spice Girls reunion plans tied to the group’s Wannabe anniversary. AI Policy Watch (Australia): PM Anthony Albanese pushes an “Australian Standards for A.I.” framework, including rules for data centres’ power use and water efficiency.

AI Credit Backlash: Australian DJ Josh Fawaz has added AI credits to his chart-topping Madonna cover “Like a Prayer” after widespread condemnation and an ABC investigation, following Spotify’s push for clearer AI labelling. Streaming Platform Pressure: Spotify is also under fire for its “About the Song” AI feature after Lorde called out incorrect on-platform claims about her live performances. Live Theatre Shock: Natalie Bassingthwaighte says goodbye to Waitress after the musical’s Australian run was axed early, leaving her to pivot away from theatre. Local Country Spotlight: Billboard profiles Queensland country artist Brad Cox’s “good life” on his land and his steady climb through ARIA charts. Community & Festivals: CubaDupa 2026 in Wellington reported big participation and now has artist expressions open for 2027, while Wildlands has revealed drum & bass supergroup WORSHIP as its first 2026 act. Design Industry Push: Clemenger BBDO and the Design Institute of Australia launch “Write DESIGNER” to get designers counted in the 2026 Census.

Indigenous Music Spotlight: Gunditjmara artist Boorook has released the full-band reimagining of his long-held tribute “Till We Die,” produced by Shane Howard (Goanna), honouring Elder Banjo Clarke. New Releases: Tinashe has teased her next era with “Crash Out,” the follow-up to “Too Easy,” ahead of her album Popstar (Sept 25). Touring/Live: Thelma Plum is set for her first-ever acoustic tour across Australia, performing duo shows built around her recent ARIA-winning work. Industry/Publishing: Warner Chappappell Music promoted David Goldsen to EVP, A&R, citing his role in developing talent across North America and Australia. AI & Copyright Policy (Australia): Multiple reports track Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s push for an Office of AI and new rules aimed at protecting creatives’ copyright, alongside tougher data-centre power/water guardrails. Music + Media: Spotify expands parent-managed accounts for kids and continues rolling out features to manage AI-generated music detection. Global Music Culture: Madonna’s Confessions II debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while Philip Glass continues to get spotlighted for his film and stage influence.

AI & Copyright Crackdown: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled “Australian Standards for AI” plus an Office of AI, promising stronger copyright protections for creators (including musicians) and new rules for large AI data centres. Data Centre Guardrails: The government will require operators to cover the cost of new power generation and limit water use, but the rules won’t apply to projects already under construction. Local Industry Pushback: WA musicians say their songs are being stolen for AI training, while industry groups back protections but warn against overregulation. Spotify AI Moderation: Spotify says it’s removing “spammy” and low-effort AI tracks from recommendations and is rolling out AI credits and artist verification. Artist Funding & Access: Perth violin prodigy Ellie Malonzo, 16, launched a tax-deductible fundraiser to study at London’s Guildhall. Live Music & Scene Pressure: Sydney queer venue Divine Playhouse shut after protests and a landlord breach notice. Tour News: Louis Tomlinson added Philippine dates and will return to Australia later in 2026; Paleface Swiss announced a huge 2027 Australian return. Music Workers’ Rights: A crackdown on unpaid superannuation for performers has hit the Newcastle Hunter Jazz Festival, spotlighting long-running gaps for musicians.

AI & Copyright: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will set up an Office of AI and draft new laws to protect writers, musicians, artists and journalists, calling unauthorised AI training using Australian books, music, art or news “theft” and promising “the strongest possible protection.” Spotify Safety Controls: Spotify is expanding parent-managed accounts to the free tier in the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany and the Netherlands, with explicit content blocked by default and kids’ listening kept separate from parents’ Wrapped. Indie Music Deal: Too Lost has partnered with and acquired Brisbane indie distributor/artist services firm GYRO.Group, aiming to scale independent music distribution and services across Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific. New Aussie Releases: Adelaide band Swapmeet share “Bonny” ahead of debut album Mount Zero’s rollout, while Jordan Rakei announces October 30 album A Safe Place To Be Wild with single “Enemies.” Live & Touring: Queens of the Stone Age announce new single “Easy Street” and an Australia/NZ tour, and Delta Goodrem confirms 2027 Australian dates for her Pure World Tour.

AI Copyright Crackdown: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will strengthen copyright laws so AI firms can’t use Australian books, music, art or news to train systems without artists’ control, compensation and credit. AI + Power Rules: In the same push, Albanese outlines “world-first” standards for AI data centres, including requirements to underwrite new energy generation and create an AI office. Tour Announcements: Delta Goodrem confirms her Pure World Tour hits Australia in 2027 (eight cities). Queens of the Stone Age drop new single “Easy Street” and announce a big Australia/NZ run with Primus and Tropical Fuck Storm. New Music: Julia Jacklin shares “I Wish” ahead of The Gem (25 Sept), featuring The Maes siblings Elsie and Maggie Rigby; Alex Lahey recruits Slowly Slowly for a reworked “Let’s Go Out.” Industry Pay Boost: QMusic increases artist support for BIGSOUND 2026, adding travel funding and new ways for fans to tip artists during sets. Live + Local: Triple J’s One Night Stand lands in Griffith on 5 Sept with DMA’S, Genesis Owusu, Ninajirachi, MAY-A and Beddy Rays. Appointments: NTIA names Paul McLeay CEO, backing advocacy for Australia’s night-time economy and live music. Health Update: L7 bassist Jennifer Finch sidelined from the band’s farewell tour after an aggressive brain cancer diagnosis.