Today is SLAM

Shitty pub gigs are a way of life for the Australian musician – they’re the lifeblood of music culture in this country. February 23^rd is National Slam Day – SLAM in this instance being an acronym, Save Australian Live Music, rather than a tortured attempt to seem “dope” or “fresh” – is at the forefront of the celebration and promotion of small music venues. Think about it – seeing some huge band at the Forum might be a good night out; but the best gigs are always in cramped rooms with suspiciously sticky carpets, down at your local.

Live music at small venues is under threat from a plethora of insidious influences – as ever, The Man is doing his best to keep a motherfucker down. Victorian liquor licensing and draconian governmental measures pose a very real threat to the viability of small venues – meaning when you’re out on the turps on a Friday night, there won’t be the Next Big Thing inexpertly but passionately flailing around on stage – it’ll be Flo Rida and Nicki Minaj. Fuck that shit.

It’s not all beer and bad levels, though – the numbers are there, too. Live music in Australia provides an estimated $1.2 billion dollars to the national economy every year, and supports about 15,000 jobs. It’s serious stuff, any way you slice it – and it’s the responsibility of anyone who calls themselves a live music fan to get arced up and throw some weight behind National Slam Day.

Around 100 venues are getting involved in this very worthy cause, so head to the SLAM Facebook page to show your support and have a look at the SLAM Gig Guide to see what’s up. Make no mistake – this stuff matters, so do your bit and show your support for local live music.

SLAM Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SLAMrally

SLAM Gig Guide: http://www.slamrally.org/slam-day-gig-guide/

More info: http://www.slamrally.org/

Tagged SLAM