Red tape, council regs and logistics? That’s where ideas go to die - unless you know how to work with them to create wild, unexpected, one-of-a-kind shows.

Where would you like to see a gig happen in Newcastle? This is not a panel. It’s a room full of artists and promoters rolling up their sleeves and building two real event concepts from scratch - live, in person and with your ideas in the mix. You’ll have the opportunity to pitch in as well, as the group considers spaces and concepts and works through the nuts and bolts of turning a left-field idea into something that actually happens.

You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on what a gig can be, a handful of actionable ideas, and a clear sense of how to make them happen.

Who is this event for

Artists, promoters and organisations in Newcastle and the Hunter who want to think bigger about live events.

New Wave is a MusicNSW program built to give artists across NSW the practical tools and real-world insights they need to grow. An evolution of our much-loved Sound Advice program, New Wave features in-person and digital workshops, events and development programs all over the state, built for artists finding their footing and the people working behind the scenes to make things happen across local music scenes in NSW.

MusicNSW is the peak body for contemporary music in New South Wales - here for the artists, communities and music businesses that make this state's culture what it is.

With Artists. For Culture. From the Ground Up.

MusicNSW works, creates and listens on unceded Aboriginal land across the state. We honour elders past and present and acknowledge all First Nations peoples as the original music makers, storytellers and knowledge holders. Always was, always will be.

MusicNSW is supported by Sound NSW.

Contact the host of New Wave: Can't Gig There, Mate