We listened: Big changes to our Music Makers Club and Industry Access nights; Gallery Bar Unlocked!
A few weeks ago, we took a step back to look closely at how our community engages with our events. When we asked our students, songwriters, and producers what they needed right now, the answer was clear: more low-stakes opportunities to test new music, build confidence, get feedback, and connect.
Interestingly, our student feedback mirrors a national reality. Recent research from Music Australia reveals a massive "Pride-Play Gap": 71% of Australians take pride in local talent, yet most struggle to actively discover or stream domestic artists due to "discovery blocks." Add to that the loss of a third of grassroots venues post-pandemic and rising cost-of-living pressures, and it’s clearer than ever why emerging artists and young audiences (18-24) face heavy hurdles to building local community.
We want to break down those hurdles. High-pressure showcases have their place, but real artistic development happens in comfortable, supportive spaces where you can trial unreleased songs, meet collaborators, and access industry leaders for free.
So for October 21st and December 2nd, we are merging Music Makers Club and Industry Access into one unified, monthly community night at the Oxford Art Factory; “Gallery Bar Unlocked”!
Vinyl 45 @ Music Makers Club #91 | Shot by Jack Morgan
The New Running Order
Part 1: ALL AGES (4:00pm – 8:00pm)
4:00pm - 6:00pm | Low-Stakes Open Mic
A supportive, beginner-friendly space for our Cert IV performers, electronic producers, and songwriters to trial new material, get constructive feedback, and share unreleased tracks.6:15pm - 7:45pm | Industry Access Q&A (Leah Harris, Spotify Australia)
Sit down with Leah Harris (Artist & Label Partnerships Lead at Spotify Australia) to ask questions, understand playlisting and digital strategy, and build your industry network.
🚨 Important Venue Transition & Licensing Notice (8:00pm Strict Curfew)
To make it possible for minors to attend our earlier sessions, we are working closely with Oxford Art Factory licensee Mark Gerber, local council, and police.
8:00pm Sharp: All under-18 attendees must clear the premises.
8:00pm – 8:15pm: The venue requires a reset window before adult doors reopen and alcohol service begins.
Part 2: 18+ ONLY (8:15pm – 11:00pm)
8:15pm: Doors & Bar Open (18+ Valid ID required).
8:30pm – 11:00pm | Student DJs & Gallery Bar Social Unwind and network while our student DJs take over the Gallery Bar for the rest of the night.
How to Join Us
Whether you want to trial a song in the open mic, sit in on the Spotify masterclass, or catch the evening DJ sets, there is a single RSVP link for the entire night.
Note: Our registration form asks for your Date of Birth so we can manage venue licensing, ensure safety, and prepare adequately for both All-Ages and 18+ segments.
Come trial your songs, meet your crew, and take advantage of the access. We can't wait to see you there!
In music, The OCA Crew