The politics of music
By Anthony Benbow
PERTH — On June 12, the Court Hotel in Northbridge hosted a forum on the Politics of Music. The evening, part of the monthly Politics in the Pub series, featured speakers from different sectors of the music industry, including Peter Woodward from the Musicians Union (WA), Kath Letch from public radio station RTR FM, former Bushwacker and now representative of the WA Music Association Dobe Newton, and local artists Lyn Hazelton and Kerry Fletcher from the all-women band Hammer and Tongues.
Speakers had different approaches to the topic, and the resulting discussion was lively and diverse, with several local musicians among those taking part.
Many of the adverse effects that the "music business" has on actual music were highlighted, in both radio broadcasting and live performance. The desire of many record companies and radio stations for maximum profit means that they usually aim for a "lowest common denominator" rather than a variety of different styles of music. This has led to widespread stereotyping of performance and performers, particularly targeted against women in the industry.
It is also reflected in the monopolisation of venues by a few promoters. Bands are forced to compromise their music to "pull a crowd" or face the threat of no further gigs. The improvement of the pitiful conditions that live musicians endure is the focus of the Musicians Union's "Justice for Musicians" campaign, which aims to establish minimum rates of pay and create a proper award for the music industry. Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the union on (09) 227 8172 or 227 8166.
Opinions differed widely in discussion, but it was generally agreed that the current system has resulted in a format which determines taste rather than reflecting it. Music is capable of being a valuable and inspiring part of social change, but the music industry has reduced it to little more than a banal soundtrack to consumer society.