With the return of live music to Australia comes new opportunities for starting or re-energising a live music venue.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebranding an existing venue, there are a lot of important decisions to make, and the process can be daunting, especially for first-time business owners. Here’s a helpful guide with eleven vital considerations for prospective live music venue operators.
Location
When promoted properly, a live music venue can be located just about anywhere but it’s still important to think about things such as street exposure, walk-by traffic, parking and proximity to public transport. It’s also helpful to familiarise yourself with the area in terms of other venues and what’s happening in the local community.Capacity and size
Make sure your venue is appropriately sized to safely and legally accommodate the number of punters you’re likely to have in attendance on any night. The size of the venue will depend on your needs and the type of events you plan to hold.Branding
Make your venue stand out with eye-catching branding that gets the attention of your target audience. Select a name and establish a public image that reflects the spirit of the venue and what it has to offer. Consult a PR agency or graphic designer to create a logo and signage to help your brand stand out.Finance & Funding
Opening a new venue will cost you money – there’s simply no way around it. There are various ways to go about funding your new venue, from relying on savings, involving a partner or investor, or borrowing. If you want to preserve your capital and don't want to take on investors, then finance might be the right option. Look into business loan interest rates to see what's possible.Theme, ambience and styling
The vibe and aesthetic of your venue will dictate the type of clientele and musical artists it attracts. Tailor your venue’s style to your target audience to create a suitable atmosphere that will appeal to their tastes.Food and beverage service
You’ll need adequate kitchen and bar facilities for the safe storage, preparation and provision of food and beverages. Your staff will also need to be trained and certified for food and beverage service.Acoustics and sound
Poor sound can ruin a venue’s reputation – punters won’t pay, and bands won’t want to play in a venue with bad sound quality. Do some research and invest in a professional grade PA system and audio equipment. An audio engineer or sound and ligh-ng technician can advise on the most appropriate equipment for your venue.Technical requirements
Running even a small-size live gig takes a lot of power and your electrical system must be capable of handling the band’s technical requirements. Additionally, create a technical specification for your venue so bands know what to expect.Access
You are legally obliged to make your venue accessible for people with disabilities and provide adequate facilities to accommodate their needs, such as wheelchair ramps, elevated viewing platforms and accessible toilets that comply with Australian standards.Permits and licensing
Do your research on which permits and licenses are required to operate your venue legally, including liquor licenses, entertainment venue permits, food service certification and public broadcast licenses for playing copyrighted music. Also be aware of local noise ordinances that may affect how late and loud music can be played.Play fair with artists
Always deal fairly and respectfully with the bands and artists that play your venue, and make sure everyone gets paid properly at the end of the night.Regardless of what type of venue takes your fancy - be it a dive bar, metal club, cabaret house, jazz café or whatever - its success balances on customer satisfaction and adequate financing. One of the main reasons businesses fail is under-capitalisation; sufficient capital is essential to meet your financial obligations, maintain day-to-day operations and endure any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Secure a capital reserve with a reputable lender that understands your business and works with you to ensure your music venue is the talk of the town for years to come.
