music
Splore no more: New Zealand’s shrinking festival scene hurts local artists as big acts roll in
Closure of independent festivals mean emerging artists will lose important launch pad, music insiders say
TL;DR
- Splore, a New Zealand music festival that operated for nearly three decades, has held its final event.
- Dozens of independent music festivals in New Zealand have been cancelled or shut down in the past two years.
- Industry insiders cite tough economic conditions, dwindling funding, and the rise of international promoters as major factors.
- The closure of independent festivals reduces crucial launchpads for emerging local artists.
- International promoters and large concert giants like Ticketek, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster are gaining a strong foothold in New Zealand.
- Concerns are growing that multinational companies are pushing smaller promoters out of the market and are not focused on furthering local music.
- The government's Event Boost Fund has been criticized for allegedly benefiting large international entities rather than local festivals.