Battle for the Melbourne Music Capital Title (1990s to the Present)

Abstract

This chapter explores the tension between liquor licensing and regulation and gentrification; urban development fueled by economic returns, against the branding of Melbourne as the music capital of Australia, and of the world. With case studies north (such as The Tote in Collingwood) and south (demise of the St. Kilda music heartland) of the Yarra River, it examines its urban sociability linked to population growth, the rising cost of living, traffic congestion and the sustainability of communications. It dissects Melbourne music industry’s global significance, the impact of its geographical isolation and gig competition. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a positive alignment between its music legacy, a healthy music city and a global city that also is moving beyond homogenization.