As COVID Continues To Decimate Live Music, Aus Legend Says Local Acts Need Radio's Help

Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski says radio stations around the country aren't doing enough to support local acts throughout the COVID pandemic. 

Speaking to The Music this week to promote the Music From The Home Front triple vinyl out this Friday, the Mushroom Group Executive Chairman reiterated his stance that international touring will not commence again in Australia until mid-next year, meaning now is the time to shine the light on local artists and bands.

"Radio at the moment really isn't supporting Australian music," Gudinski, who was named the 2019 Power 50’s most influential figure in Australian music, told The Music.

"If you look at this week's ARIA top 50 singles, there'll be two or three maximum Australian songs."

On last week's ARIA Singles chart, Byron Bay artist Tones & I's Dance Monkey was the only local track to feature in the top 30. In fact, Dance Monkey is the only Australian single to have topped the chart in 2020 and did so for three weeks in January. 

Since then international artists have dominated the list, including The Weeknd's Blinding Lights (ten week streak) and DaBaby's Rockstar (six week streak), while Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's WAP is looking to top the chart for a third straight week this Saturday.

"Triple J's in its own world, Double J should be on a better [bandwidth]," Gudinski continued.

"When you can get radio, it really tops it off.

"It's very, very frustrating that there's not more Australian music on the radio."