LOCAL LIFE
ethic. Being in the West means you have to work harder, or you won’ t break through.”
Despite the challenges, she believes the local scene is growing.
“ It’ s really popped off compared to before,” she said.
Demand is also shifting. Surveys show more Western Sydney residents prefer entertainment closer to home, rather than travelling into the CBD.
Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who chairs a NSW parliamentary committee on arts funding, says local investment is critical.
“ Western Sydney has begun to outstrip Sydney’ s CBD in night-time spending, as people increasingly go out closer to home,” she said.
“ That’ s why it’ s crucial the government increases funding and support for local musicians, including young, culturally diverse and First Nations artists.”
Venues such as pubs, clubs and RSLs remain essential in connecting musicians with audiences.
Hills District drummer Lachie Pollard says emerging bands often struggle to secure gigs without guaranteeing large crowds.
“ In Sydney, original bands are often expected to bring 200 people or more just to get a booking,” he said.
Coupe notes this expectation doesn’ t always reflect reality.
“ A band might have 10,000 followers on Spotify, but only 50 turn up to a live gig,” he said.
Riverstone Memorial Club general manager Glenn Hunter says venues will support local talent if audiences respond.
Polynesian Artist Rissa
“ If patrons enjoy the band, we’ ll bring them back regularly,” he said.
A lifelong music fan, Hunter remembers the pub rock boom of the 1970s and 80s.
“ We’ d rather they bring a crowd, because that helps build return business,” he said.
Local acts such as Seattle Sound and The Frocks have drawn strong crowds, sometimes attracting up to 250 people on weekend nights.
Ultimately, while the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant.
As Coupe says,“ It’ s an endlessly changing world in music. Young artists just have to keep adapting.”
But for many Western Sydney musicians, passion remains their greatest strength and their greatest hope.
FINANCE
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 129 // MARCH 2026 9