AGP Executive Report

AI Copyright Push: Australian music industry groups have united to demand action against mass-scale AI training, calling it the “largest theft of intellectual property” and urging government intervention. Local Venue Boost: Geelong’s new independent and emerging-artist hub Church has unveiled its opening gig slate, starting with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers (Aug 14) and more across August and September. Trademark Clash: Eminem has lost an Australian trademark battle against beach brand Swim Shady, with “Shady” coverage for clothing/footwear and related categories set to drop from Aug 1 (appeal deadline July 22). Streaming/Audio: Spotify has added the full Harry Potter audiobook series, available to Premium subscribers in Australia and other markets. Community & Culture: Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel is reopening as Smith St Hotel, aiming to preserve the live-music identity while restarting as a neighbourhood venue. Festival Watch: Sandbox has launched a new brand identity for its growth into a multi-city, multi-day festival.

AI Copyright Push: Australian music industry groups have drafted an open letter to government urging stronger copyright protections after reports of Australian creators’ work being used to train large AI models without consent or payment, with organisations including APRA AMCOS, ARIA, AMPAL, The Copyright Agency, Australian Music Centre, Screenrights and others backing the call. Streaming Cost Shock: Tidal has announced an August price hike for subscribers, including AU$15.99 for Australian users from their first billing date on/after Aug 3, citing support for artists and rightsholders. Eurovision Expansion: Canada is confirmed to join Eurovision for the first time in 2027, with CBC/Radio-Canada becoming a full EBU member and the contest set for Bulgaria in May. Tour Disruption: P-pop supergroup BINI has postponed the European leg of its “Signals” world tour, apologising and saying ticket buyers will be refunded while rescheduling is underway. New Music Drop: Ice Nine Kills released “Play Dead,” a single made for Dead By Daylight’s 10th anniversary.

AI Copyright Push: Australia’s biggest music and creative groups, led by APRA AMCOS, have launched an open letter urging the Federal Government to uphold copyright rules as claims grow that tech firms used Australian and Aotearoa works to train AI without consent or payment. Live Performance Shock: WAITRESS has cancelled its Sydney season, with refunds underway, as the wider theatre and touring sector faces mounting cost pressure and more high-profile cutbacks. Industry Unity: The same AI copyright fight is being framed as a “copyright crime” issue by artists including Anna Funder, with big tech accused of “scraping” livelihoods. Touring Value Debate: Lily Allen has defended the short format of her West End Girl shows after complaints about ticket prices and limited crowd interaction. New Music Spotlight: kwn’s album review highlights and all pride aside as a confident, emotionally sharp dive into modern love. Global Music Business: Virgin Music Group has unveiled a new global and regional leadership team following Downtown’s integration. Australian Screen-to-Stage: Opera Australia announces the world premiere of First Nations opera The Drover’s Wife this August. Christmas in July: LiSTNR brings back Santa Radio for a winter festive run. Big Tech Meets Pop Culture: Netflix is using AI to recreate Gene Wilder’s voice for Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, reigniting debate over AI use in entertainment.

AI Copyright Push: Australian musicians and authors are heading to Canberra to urge the Albanese government to resist moves that would weaken copyright, warning AI firms are scraping creative work and costing creators millions in royalties. Health Update (Pop): Cody Simpson says he “can’t walk or talk” after a dislocated knee during rehearsals for a new music video, on top of months of vocal cord injury and surgery delays—meaning his album and live shows are postponed. Tour/Live Biz: AC/DC is adding free “PWR/UP” pop-up fan events to every stop on its 2026 North American tour, with exclusive merch and historic touring displays. Big Milestone (US): Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life” has been certified Diamond in the US (11x Platinum), cementing its long-running global hit status. Industry/Recognition: Iron Maiden frontman Steve Harris says the band isn’t bothered by its Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Australian touring news: Eric Hutchinson is finally back for his first-ever headline run in Australia in 16 years, landing in Brisbane (Nov 19), Melbourne (Nov 20) and Sydney (Nov 21). Album spotlight: Sam Perry (Prophetic Justice Ministry) drops Key to World Peace, an atmospheric mix of DIY folk, synth/drum-machine tension and a Lana Del Rey cover with a Kiwi lilt. Live music + new releases: Jackie Marshall brings The Last Of The Human Troubadours to Queensland this July with Black Square Quartet and guitarist Chris Pickering. Local folk scene: North and Elsewhere (Hazel and Roanna Law) launch debut album Safe Harbour at Black Box Theatre in Nambour on July 12, with support from Sam Hodgkins. Theatre shake-up: Natalie Bassingthwaighte says Waitress has been axed mid-run, ending the national tour early and leaving the industry “dying” without urgent support. Heavy music: Dance Gavin Dance announce Australia dates for November, with The Fall of Troy and Galleons. Industry funding debate: Victorian musicians call $4.5m contemporary music budget “band-aid” as venue and streaming barriers remain. Tech + music: Tidal says it will label AI-generated music and ban royalties from AI song streams. Health update: Cody Simpson says vocal cord surgery and a dislocated knee have left him unable to walk or talk for now.

Live Music & Touring: Gang of Youths confirms a Sydney Opera House homecoming with two shows on 8 and 10 August 2026, with presale via gangofyouths.com from 9am AEST Wednesday 1 July and general sale from 9am Friday 3 July. Indigenous Arts: The National Indigenous Art Fair returns to The Cutaway in Barangaroo for NAIDOC Week, running 3–5 July with 30+ Indigenous art centres and 100+ artists, plus live music, fashion, dance, workshops and talks (no commission or stall fees). Theatre Industry Pressure: Australia’s touring musical pipeline takes another hit as Waitress ends its Melbourne run early and Beetlejuice cancels its Australian tour dates, with producers pointing to rising costs and softer ticket sales—sparking renewed calls for urgent federal tax reform. New Music/Scene: Dark electronic project Buzz Kull announces an Athens show at Death Disco (27 August 2026) as part of Deep Hate - Europe 2026. Global Pop Moment: Harry Styles briefly collapsed on stage at Wembley after choking on water during a heatwave, quickly reassuring fans and continuing the show. Music Tech/Production: Lorde’s Ultrasound tour continues to spotlight arena sound design, with L-Acoustics L-ISA used to create big dynamic contrasts between “tidal wave” highs and intimate vocal moments.

Australian live music shake-up: Broadway hit Waitress has been cut short in Australia, with the Sydney season cancelled and the tour wrapping in Melbourne by July 19, blamed on cost-of-living pressure and economic uncertainty. Local rock spotlight: Gang of Youths has announced two Sydney Opera House shows for August, signalling a new album era after a long gap since their last home-soil appearances. Pop star update: Delta Goodrem says she’s ready for her next challenge after Eurovision, joining Strictly Come Dancing for the UK’s 2026 series. Kids music with culture at the centre: Miss Nicky Says releases Do You Know Your Pepeha?, a new waiata teaching tamariki pepeha via YouTube and major streaming platforms. Tour news (NZ): Grunge icons Mudhoney announce an October Australian run of club shows plus a Brisbane Zed 51 Festival headline slot. Industry conversation: A new episode of The Connector argues arts and music are vital to city life—and pushes for better access to music education and therapy for children.

Live Theatre Shock (Australia): Crossroads Live Australia has cancelled the Sydney season of Waitress the Musical (scheduled to start Aug 1 at the Lyric), with the final show now set for Melbourne on July 19, blaming cost-of-living pressures and softer box office. Tour Etiquette Backlash (Global, with Aussie relevance): Noah Kahan urged fans to use venue bathrooms after viral clips of concertgoers wearing nappies to avoid leaving their spot. Onstage Health Scare (Global): Harry Styles briefly collapsed after choking on water during As It Was at Wembley, then returned to finish the show the next night. Music Tech/Scene (Australia-linked): AT1 Modular’s new CBD2399 delay is spotlighted in a circuit-bent gear Q&A, with a note that one team member moved to Australia. Community Music Fundraiser (Regional): A charity concert in Auckland on Aug 1 aims to raise funds for rural Fiji early education via “Singing Legends: Live in Charity Concert.”

ARIA Chart Buzz: Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love debuts at No. 1 in Australia, with multiple tracks landing strongly on the singles chart. Rock Legacy: A new Bon Scott mural has been unveiled in Melbourne’s AC/DC Lane ahead of what would’ve been his 80th birthday. Touring & Health: Fans raised concerns after Harry Styles appeared to choke and collapse onstage during Wembley’s Together, Together run amid record heat. Industry Spotlight: Mark Holden reissues his 70s catalogue on streaming after thyroid cancer surgery changed his voice, and he’s set to release new solo material. Live & Culture: Brisbane City Rollers bring old-school queer roller derby back with Rivalry No Mercy, while BigCi’s Environmental Awards 2026 open for artists (including music) to create works inspired by the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. International Arts: Australia’s Skylighter Fireworks and Portugal’s Macedos Pirotecnia wowed at DIFF 2026 with “Vision” performances.

ARIA Charts: Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love debuts at No. 1 on Australia’s albums chart, with multiple tracks also landing strongly on the singles rankings. Global Stage Moment: Alison Wonderland has been selected to present the official FIFA World Cup match ball ahead of Australia’s final Group D match, adding another big international spotlight for the Aussie electronic star. Touring & Live Music: Anthony Callea announces The Connection Tour with dates across Oct–Nov, including Perth (9 Oct) and a string of major regional and metro stops. Rock Heritage in Public Art: A new Bon Scott mural has been unveiled in Melbourne’s AC/DC Lane ahead of what would’ve been his 80th birthday, keeping the band’s local legacy front and centre. Extreme Music Live: Napalm Death return to Greece for the Campaign For Musical Destruction tour, with Australia’s Brat among the support acts. Community & Culture: Sydney Opera House hosts Mungangga Garlagula, a cross-cultural campfire-style collaboration blending didgeridoo, violin/piano and analogue synths.

Madonna x Kylie Minogue: Madonna reunited with Kylie Minogue for a new Graham Norton TV special ahead of Confessions II, while Madonna dodged direct questions about Kylie appearing on the album. Local Talent Spotlight: Australian Idol winner Kesha Nevé released debut single “Better This Way,” marking her move from TV fame into her own songwriting. Touring & Legacy: Shirley Manson (Garbage) talked longevity, health setbacks and the band’s return to big stages, with an Edinburgh homecoming on the horizon. Industry & Rights: NSW’s police watchdog has ordered an investigation into allegations of heavy-handed drug raids at Sydney gay bars on Oxford Street. Australian Music Education: NAISDA celebrated its 50th year with 25 First Nations students graduating, highlighting training, performance and leadership pathways. Pop Culture Crossover: Delta Goodrem says she’s “so honoured” to join Strictly Come Dancing in 2026, eager to learn from the dancers and coaches.

AI & Music Rights: Australian musicians are pushing back against big AI “song scrape” practices, warning that artists’ rights can’t be overridden by new tech deals. Mainstream Pop/TV Crossover: Delta Goodrem says she’s “so honoured” to join Strictly Come Dancing and is excited to “give it a go,” comparing the challenge to Eurovision. Live Music & Touring: Harry Styles’ Together, Together tour setlist coverage continues as Wembley dates roll on, while R&B star Bryson Tiller announces a 61-date Neo Trapsoul global run including Australia. Local Industry/Performance: Queensland Ballet and HOTA are teaming up for Elegantly Wasted, a contemporary ballet built around INXS songs. New Releases: Sonny Fodera’s album review highlights piano-house crossover ambitions, and Royel Otis’ live review praises a sun-soaked indie set. Australian Talent Breakthrough: 13-year-old Caleb Varughese becomes the youngest Roland & DW Drum roster signing, and K-pop group UNIS lands in Sydney for their first Australian show. Events: Pair’d Margaret River Region reveals its 2026 program with major international chefs and Kruder & Dorfmeister’s rare Australian appearance.

AI Music Backlash: Australian artists including Paul Dempsey and Bernard Fanning say their original songs were found in AI training datasets, arguing it undermines contracts and fair negotiation. Music Industry Tech Costs: Musicians claim theatre tech like KeyComp is replacing live players in major productions, with rising costs also linked to cancellations such as Beetlejuice’s national tour. Live Music & Festivals: Pair’d Margaret River Region returns for a third year (19–22 Nov) with new events and talent, and tickets go on sale 1 July. New Releases: BIG NOTER announces debut album Songs in the Key of Wrestling (18 Sep) plus single “F.M.D.” Pop Culture Crossover: Disney’s live-action Moana hits Sydney’s blue carpet with Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Lagaʻaia ahead of release next month. Local Stage Spotlight: Campfire storytelling project Mungangga Garlagula brings didgeridoo and narrative to the Sydney Opera House.

Australian Music Spotlight: Daryl Braithwaite has announced he’s stepping away from live performances after nearly 60 years on stage, citing it’s become physically harder to sing comfortably and that performing no longer brings the same joy. Touring & Live: Parkway Drive has locked in an “Killing Horizons” 2026 Australian tour, with plans to play “Killing With a Smile” and “Horizons” in full on the run. New Music: Kita Alexander’s sophomore album RAGE is getting attention for treating “rage” as a gentle, reflective catalyst for growth rather than pure explosion. Industry & Rights: A fresh wave of debate continues around AI music scraping and licensing, with artists and songwriters pushing for stronger respect for creators’ rights. Community Radio: Curtin FM’s 50th anniversary Radiothon has raised a record $176,000 to keep the WA station running. International Angle: Luminate reports U.S. streaming is getting more global, with English-language share slipping while Spanish-language music hits new highs.

RÜFÜS DU SOL’s MSG run: The Australian electronic trio is set to make history with four consecutive sold-out Madison Square Garden shows, becoming the first electronic act to do so and the top ticket-seller for the venue in its category. Album spotlight: Lenka has released her seventh studio album, Good Days, and talks about still “writing the same one” after decades of songwriting. Industry tech partnership: BIGSOUND and CAST are reviving their Ideas & Innovation Hub with a dedicated Technology Stream, adding Emmy-winning technologist Lucas Cantor Santiago as a first speaker. Local live news: James has announced a major Australia and NZ return for October, performing Laid in full plus a career-spanning set, with Razorlight joining. Community music moment: Shannon Noll will headline a new Alice Springs street party during the Alice Springs Masters Games. Vinyl for fans: The Music launches a limited PNAU vinyl campaign—100 hand-poured red/blue blast editions of Ahhcade exclusive to readers.

Australian Music Industry Spotlight: Daryl Braithwaite has announced he’s stepping back from live performances after 58 years, citing it’s become physically challenging to sing comfortably. BigSound Industry Update: BIGSOUND is gearing up for its 25th anniversary (1–4 Sept, Brisbane) with a new Ideas & Innovation Hub and a Technology Stream focused on how tech is reshaping music. New Releases (Local): HAAi will release her album DIGITiSE on 9 Oct via Mute, with collaborators including Echonomist, Skybreak and a children’s choir from Medellín. Local Artist Success: Gordi’s tour-only Nylon EP is now streaming after sold-out copies and a surprise chart debut. Tour News (Local): Parkway Drive has announced an Australian run for Killing Horizons (Aug), playing two albums in full across five cities. International With Aussie Links: Cate Blanchett launched a free “Human Consent Registry” in the EU Parliament to let people control whether AI can use their likeness.