Full program for Regional & Remote Music Summit 2025 announced
You’re invited to participate in a program of conversations, cultural exchange, ideas, and performances – all focused on strengthening regional music ecosystems and communities.
Today, MusicNSW unveils the second wave of sessions taking place at the Regional & Remote Music Summit happening from 23 – 25 July in Byron Bay. From discussions on touring networks and music policy, venue sustainability and cultural tourism, the sessions are designed to equip industry professionals with insights, practical tools and inspired connections. See the full program here.
The Summit opens with Calling Country, led by Rhoda Roberts AO, paying respect to the Bundjalung peoples. Acclaimed musician and podcast host Ben Lee will reflect on the chaos and magic of life on the road, while NSW’s Minister for Music, John Graham, delivers a keynote on shaping a thriving music and night-time economy. Green Music Australia will also launch its new Sustainability Health Check Report for venues.
Beyond the talks, we’ll celebrate community spirit and experimentation in a late-night Little Bands showcase, curated by local legends, Mario Fraietta (Howl & Moan Records) and Stuart Grant. The Summit will wrap-up with live music from an eclectic mix of regional talent at Dashville Does The Bowlo. Whether you’re there to listen, learn, play, or connect, the Summit promises to spark new ways of thinking and forge meaningful collaborations across music, place, and purpose.
New sessions added:
Ben Lee on the Magic (& Madness) of Touring
Drawing on an extraordinary career that has (so far!) spanned 20 solo albums, one-off projects like the Bens (with Folds and Kweller), a Grammy-award winning comedy album, a psychedelic children’s musical and now his company Weirder Together, with his wife, actress Ione Skye, Ben Lee brings his signature storytelling and irreverent humour to a session on the magic (and sometimes madness) of taking your music on the road and why he believes regional Australia and scene-building should be part of every artist’s long-term strategy.
In Conversation: NSW Minister for Music & the Night-time Economy John Graham & Jane Slingo
Join the world’s first Minister for Music, The Hon. John Graham MLC, in a keynote conversation with Jane Slingo, Director Asia Pacific of VibeLab, on how to leverage policy to drive change, strengthen music communities in both cities and the regions, and unpack the NSW Government’s strategy to enable the conditions for sustainable sector growth across music and the night-time economy.
Little Bands
Inspired by the disposable, DIY ethos of the original Little Bands movement, this late-night showcase is curated by Stuart Grant of Primitive Calculators and Mario Fraietta of Howl & Moan Records. Expect short sets celebrating small-scale chaos and Northern Rivers community spirit!
Touring Networks & Cultural Exchange
Touring shouldn’t just happen in communities; it should be built with and by them. We’ll discuss how culture, exchange, and community partnerships can support resilient touring ecosystems with Rhoda Roberts AO, Wantok Musik’s David Bridie, Letisha Ackland from Balya Productions and MusicNT’s Executive Director, Mark Smith.
Music is the Destination
Exploring music as a driver of cultural tourism, local storytelling, and precinct activation with the minds behind Dark Mofo, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Queensland Music Festival & OK Motels.
Green Music Australia’s Venue Sustainability Health Check Report Launch
What does it take for live music venues to cut emissions, reduce costs, and lead on climate action? Based on hands-on work with nine venues across NSW, Green Music Australia‘s new report reveals the current state of sustainability and offers practical pathways forward.
Dashville Does The Bowlo
Stay on after the Summit officially ends to keep hanging with the Dashville crew and for tunes from Magpie Diaries, Mylee Grace, Johnston City, Joey Leigh Wagtail, Piper Butcher, Max Marvell, Dave Wells, Kingsley James and more. This is a ticketed event open to the public. Summit delegates receive free entry.
See the full program and list of speakers for more information & register to join us.