Traditionally Aussie punters have enjoyed the endlessly evolving experience of live music in our favourite pubs, clubs and arenas but since the advent of online booking platform Parlour, hosting a gig in your backyard has become the sweeter alternative.
A year after its inception Matt Walters and his Parlour team plan on taking the next big step, launching an automated app for the booking platform. The new app allows potential hosts and musos to organise their own gigs independent of the management team at Parlour HQ.
Artists and music lovers alike have been warming to Parlour since its debut, drawn to the unique intimacy and relaxed environment that cornerstone the ‘house-gig’ experience.
Our folk and roots musos have taken to Parlour in the biggest way, Melbourne locals Tinpan Orange have even started booking their national tour through the platform, with a quirky backyard show in every state.
The best part is that all artists are guaranteed a minimum of $300 for a Parlour performance. A pretty sweet deal considering the recent cuts to the arts budget, and the low annual wage most Aussie musicians face.
From their art Musicians in Australia make just $7200 on average per annum but with the expansion of Parlour, there’s set to be a rise in this figure over the next few years.
Parlour artists take 78% of ticket sales and are currently paid a minimum of $300 per show, and there is no maximum, with artists receiving an average fee of $550 for a 45-60 minute set. A recent show at a church in the small regional Victorian town of Birregurra saw a band leave with $2,500, and in future Parlour aspire to create more opportunities like this for musicians to make a fair wage.
Founder Matt Walters was himself an accomplished singer songwriter, catalysing the launch of the platform in 2015.
In a previous interview Walters elaborated that “from being signed to a major label, to touring with some incredible international artists, I’ve certainly experienced all the ups and downs the music business has to offer. But for some time now, I’ve felt a change coming on. Of course, with the traditional music model well and truly behind us, there is more emphasis than ever on playing live”.
Recently we talked to past hosts and artists about the nitty gritty of running a Parlour show – How to get the ball rolling, what Parlour means for the future of Aussie music and the best way to make the next gig in your lounge unforgettable.
Matt Walters is the founder of Parlour. Originally a prolific Melbourne songwriter Matt noticed a gap in the Australian industry and sought a different way to put on gigs, and get to pay artists well to do it.
Glenn Luck is Matt’s partner in crime, helping him take Parlour from small shows in their back yard to ten gigs a week and recent launches interstate.
Bridie hosted a recent Parlour gig, inviting 50 of her friends and family into her new private music venue/living room.
Jess Ribeiro performed an enchanting acoustic set at Bridie’s house. Jess also performed at the first Parlour Gig ever, in Matt’s back yard, and has seen the idea grow into a national movement.
Getting it off the ground
Bridie: “As soon as I went to my first Parlour gig I knew I wanted to host one myself. Some musician friends of mine used to host the most wonderful salon-type parties in their home where their muso mates would perform to a small group of friends. It always felt like the most incredible privilege to be part of something so special,creative and intimate.”
Glenn: “The first Parlour gig was actually in Matt’s backyard with a bunch of his friends. But it’s pretty fun going to strangers homes and meeting new people, the music brings it all together and takes out any awkwardness.”
Matt: “Right at the beginning, when it was just an idea, I decided to pitch the concept to a few people. For some, it was nice natural extension from services like Airbnb. For others, it was just plain crazy. One notable investor told me that nobody would ever want to put gigs on in their home. At the time, it frightened me right to the core! I’m glad we proved him wrong.”
It’s all about the feeling
Photo: Jess Ribiero at Verdun Grove, Reservoir
Glenn: “Everyone is always so respectful of the musicians and attentive to the music. Having that sort of atmosphere, it’s hard not to invest in it yourself. Hosts go above and beyond to make their gigs memorable and artists always manage to bring their audience in.”
Jess: “When we kind of pulled up I was a bit nervous but then as soon as I came in I was like ‘oh. Hey guys I’m home”. There’s a party already here and you’ve got all of your friends and like instantly I feel kind of comfortable, its just like being at someone’s party.”
Bridie: “I think there has been such a lovely energy tonight and just being able to see other people hear Jess and enjoy it so much and you introduced your music as well, a lot of people hadn’t heard you before and I think it was so clear everyone really loved it.”
Matt: “I love the way the music sounds in people’s houses – often there’s no PAs, so it’s brutally honest and often really beautiful.”
Setting up your new venue
Bridie: “I’m a dab hand at hosting parties and installing party lights so I haven’t asked for assistance with planning the show. I’ve had a floor layout visualised for a while and I’ll be setting up some pretty lights and decorations to hopefully create a relaxed and welcoming environment to listen to live music.”
Matt: “No two gigs are ever the same. There are some hosts that go to great lengths – make cocktails, light candles, cook delicious food – and we love that. Then there are hosts that say BYO drinks, bring a plate and maybe just set up a few lamps and that can be magic too.”
Glenn: “I guess it depends on the type of music you’re having. Fairy-lights and tea candles seem to be a staple for folk artists. But you can go as minimal or complex with set-up as you like. As long as there’s room for the musician to play and the crowd to watch, you’re good to go. There’s no right or wrong way.”
Using the new app
Matt: “Up until now, everything has been manual (gigs put together with email). The level of admin for a small team has been quite intense. Having the process automated has already been a godsend.”
Bridie: “Matt set up a link that I could direct my invited friends to, removing the awkward step of asking pals for money and chasing up people who hadn’t paid. Matt has sent me regular updates on bookings and encouragement – apparently I’ve done really well with my ticket sales.”
Matt: “The platform allows users to simply log in, have great local music recommended to them based on some information we collect – they can also search for artists. They can then easily book in local artists and sell tickets to their Parlour gig.”
Creating a new space in the industry
Photo: Oh Pep! In Northcote
Matt: “Right from the beginning we’ve been dedicated to disrupting the current live music model. By removing all the standard overheads associated with playing established venues, we could pay artists properly. We’ve set the platform up to pay artists a minimum of $300 – there is no maximum fee. Emerging artists have walked away with up to $3500 for one gig.”
Glenn: “We’ve met some great people, some great musicians and have a solid base of music fans who love what we’re doing. Although there’s still a ways to go, we’ve managed to make some great contacts and position ourselves in a pretty unique niche.”
Bridie: “I’m a bit over the sticky carpet pub experience so enjoying music in the comfort of my own home, with friends to share the experience is very appealing.”
Glenn: “Exactly. Punters can go see live music, take their own drinks and hang out with their friends in a safe environment. No idiots, no bouncers, no excessive drink prices.”
Jess: “Yea I think that makes me feel more comfortable too. More comfortable, because how can I pretend that I’m… like I’m not on a stage, I’m in your living room, and there is something really beautiful about that.”
The Parlour Web App is available now, jump over to their website www.parlourgigs.com and check it out for yourself.
