Musician Morgan Lewis is ready to crank up the tunes at Fillmore’s Garage in Kiama after receiving a $45,000 Live Music Australia grant.

The grant will assist Fillmore’s with purchasing equipment as well as production costs and artist fees to support original Australian live music.

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,” Mrs 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.”

Mr Lewis 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.

“We have worked very hard for over three years now programming some of the country’s finest artists at Fillmore's and through that we have gained a great reputation as we care for the artists and respect their craft,” he said.

“We feel they are more than often underpaid for their skills. Our audience also believes that and are very happy to buy tickets knowing it goes to the artists.

“This grant will just help bridge the gap and allow more confidence for the artists.

Mrs Phillips was thrilled to be able to support live music.

“From a young age I played and performed music locally,” she said.

“I can truly see the immense benefits of live music. Not only is music good for the soul and the mind but live music helps connect our community. It’s also great for tourism and local jobs.”

Mr Lewis grew up in Kiama and has played gigs since he was 12 years old and said music had always been a huge part of his life.

“Connecting new audiences with new artists is something I have always enjoyed,” he said.

“This project will help attract more quality musicians to the area further building our community in Fillmore's.

“We can now have artists that perhaps the community has not heard of before, but will purchase a ticket as they know the music will be of a great quality and something they will enjoy.”

Some of the funding will also be used to upgrade equipment and Mr Lewis said it was important to provide artists with a good space, as well as quality equipment.

“Supporting live music at all levels is required so we can have a much more robust Australian music industry,” he said.

“Offering local artists a place to of their own on Fillmore's stage is all part of the big picture dream.

“We want to do all we can to help create the next Nick Cave or INXS, but without giving new music the chance there will be no new songs.”

Mr Lewis has been involved in running the Kiama Jazz & Blues for the last five years.

“I think the festival is now more than ever fit for the future,” he explained.

“This year saw a massive spike in a much younger generation being involved and actually in many cases stealing the show on stage - it makes me very excited as for what the future will bring.”

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. 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!”

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with Kiama muso Morgan Lewis at Fillmore’s garage in Kiama.

ENDS

Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967