Kiama's live music scene receives a $45k boost from Australian Government

Kiama’s live music scene has received a $45,000 boost thanks to a Federal Government grant awarded to Fillmore’s Garage.

Fillmore’s Garage owner, Morgan Lewis, has a vision for a thriving arts scene in the town, where local musicians can cut their teeth alongside some of the best in the business.

He said the funds would go towards equipment and artist fees, both key to providing the space for young musicians to flourish.

“The idea that bands will germinate in an underground bunker somewhere and emerge ready to sell out stadiums – that isn’t how it works,” he said.

“It’s through trial and error, playing local grassroots venues, watching other bands evolve and getting inspired.”

Morgan said the industry needed all the support it could get, as pokies established a stranglehold on venues and others struggled to recover after the pandemic.

It’s not just about the music, but the human connection.

“Numbers are tight and venues are trying to get that balance between putting on a show, making money and paying artists what they deserve to be paid,” he said.

“We need punters rolling through the door, and to get that we need consistent performances, and this grant gives us that financial security to program regular performances.

“We want to see a thriving local music scene; we want people to have a place to connect outside of sport.

“Sport is important, it brings people together, but if it’s not your bag and you grow up in a regional community, you need somewhere to go.”

Morgan said the grants would provide 12 months of music programming at Fillmore’s and would allow the venue to offer a financial guarantee for touring artists, giving them more confidence to travel to Kiama.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the Albanese Labor Government’s National Cultural Policy ‘Revive’ recognised the importance of the live music sector and provided support for the music industry.

“Live Music Australia aims to support the development, growth, and innovation of Australian contemporary live music,” Ms Phillips said.

“It is directed at increasing performance opportunities for original contemporary music by Australian artists and at venues like Fillmore’s, which will stimulate a vibrant and sustainable music industry ecosystem.”

Morgan said that to build a thriving local music scene there must be a mix of established artists and new talent.

Regular programming provides that mix – as well as the opportunity for artists to collaborate.

“I’ve always enjoyed finding new music and introducing people to new music,” he said.

“If you develop a brand people trust you can connect the dots between new artists and new audiences.

“That’s the dream – to have that space for musicians to knock about and create without pressure, to go to when they’re not working, to take that polished edge off and create something that’s special.

“Hopefully when they sail off into the sunset and fill stadiums they might come back and do a gig at Fillmore’s.”

Beyond those big ambitions, Morgan said he wants to bring more joy into Kiama and give young people a reason to stick around.

He said life without live music would “not be life at all”.

“Bring back the fun; bring back live music; bring back meeting in a pub or cafe and having a dance with a stranger,” he said.

“Bring back meeting and talking over a few drinks and a meal while you let go of your week with some inspiring live music.

“This is what the government recognises in the Revive policy and the ‘Vibrancy’ reforms – bring the fun back!”