Touring across Australia is now considerably easier for bands and solo artists thanks to a new landmark deal struck between national body The Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN) and Virgin Australia.
Both bodies have decided to make an exclusive deal with the music industry that includes a 32kg baggage allowance (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individual artists. One may also purchase an additional 32kg for only $15 extra.
The new initiative aims to address the ongoing problems musicians face financially when travelling with music equipment.
The announcement was first made by Virgin Australia’s group executive Robert Tanner at the official opening of Brisbane’s Big Sound conference. Tanner explained that the airline working with the music industry is a natural fit.
“Ours is a brand that has a long and historic association with music,” Mr Tanner says. “It has been a pleasure to work with the industry to develop a solution that will deliver real tangible benefits to Australian artists on a daily basis.”
Q Music Executive Officer and AMIN Director Denise Foley says this agreement will have a major impact on the ability of Australian artists to tour more often and more cost effectively.
“Dealing with high and inconsistent excess baggage charges has been a burning issue across the music industry for many years,” Ms Foley says. “And Virgin Australia should be congratulated for having the willingness to not only listen to the industry’s concerns, but actually putting in place a system that addresses the problem. The impact of this new deal for artists will be significant and ongoing.”
Ms Foley explains: “That approach will encourage artists and industry to become more actively involved in the many not-for-profit music organisations doing amazing work within our sector across the country.”
The following key music organisations also contributed to the development of this new deal: Association of Artist Managers (AAM); Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR); The Australasian Performing Right Association : The Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA:AMCOS ); Live Performance Australia (LPA); Music Council of Australia (MCA); and Symphony Australia – alongside AMIN’s member organisations Queensland Music Network; Contemporary Music Services Tasmania (CMST); Music NSW; Music NT; Music Victoria and The Western Australian Music Industry Association (WAM).
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