The Valley's new scene

Fri 16th Jul, 2010 in Local News

Big players in the Fortitude Valley music scene are becoming increasingly frustrated with the new crowds and are ready to pack it up and head out in search of alternative spaces for the “old scene” to go.

The Age reports that the Valley has shifted from a thriving community of trendy alternative acts to a rowdy throng of dance clubbers. Jamie Trevaskis, The Troubadour’s owner, would rather move into a small suburban space than continue to bring music to the Valley.

He says, “The large music venues struggle. It’ll be a matter of time we’ll all be gone from the Valley. We paved the way for the area to be what it is and the mega clubs all came in and turned it into their own entity. It’s unfortunate that the one place where music can thrive is now threatened by its growth – but such is the nature of the beast.”

The Valley’s new bars disagree, claiming that this fusion of live bands and DJs is the future of music. Peter Eldon, owner of X&Y, says, “This represents the development of what people want from live music these days – they’re used to festivals that offer bang for their buck. Venues need to diversify.”

The strict noise restrictions in suburban areas prevent new venues from springing up in up and coming neighborhoods. Though these reports suggest that the future of live music is shaky, at least in the Valley, Ben Salter of The Gin Club says not to worry: “If you can create a fair deal for the bands, then they’ll come. Bands just want to play.”