INTRODUCING CHECK CHECK: A new national music site and gig guide
From left to right: Piers Grove, Tyson Koh, Olivia McDonnell
Check Check, an independent music site, is set to relaunch, signalling a new era in supporting and promoting Australia’s vibrant music culture.
Developed by General Publishing, a media company led by industry veteran Piers Grove, in collaboration with popular live music platform Whatslively, Check Check is poised to revolutionise the way Australians discover and engage with live music.
With its origins in beloved culture sites InTheMix, FasterLouder and Music Junkee, this newest chapter of Check Check will feature a national gig guide and music business directory, making it easier to discover bands, festivals and venues in the one location - a resource strangely absent from the internet right now.
Check Check’s mission is to serve the music industry and spotlight its pivotal role in cultural and community wellbeing through editorial coverage, event promotion and community engagement. During perilous times in both the music and media industries, Check Check is a much-needed champion of artists, venue operators, festivals, labels and music lovers, acting as a nexus point to connect audiences with Australian music.
Tyson Koh, Check Check's Editorial Director says: “Our music industry has weathered colossal challenges in recent years, from lock-out laws to COVID-19, inflation and the cost of living crisis, the uncertainty around live gigs has taken a significant toll on our cultural landscape."
"Around 1,300 live music stages have closed in Australia since 2020, affecting artists, punters and small businesses alike. That said, we have an opportunity to rally music fans, find new audiences and nurture regional events. The scene is more diverse than ever and our artists are killing it globally. There’s a lot to be excited about and I see Check Check as part of live music’s resurgence."
The launch of Check Check aims to connect regional centres with metropolitan audiences, amplify diverse voices including First Nations artists and create opportunities for writers and contributors.
Koh’s editorial plans encompass coverage of Australia’s most exciting new music alongside historical acts and scenes. The remit of Check Check is wide-reaching, with pop, rock and live music to be represented in addition to more underground electronic, hip-hop and metal.
Also joining the team is ex-Music Feeds Managing Editor, Billy Burgess.
Olivia McDonnell, Managing Director at General Publishing, emphasises the platform's mission to bridge the gap in the industry; "Check Check is more than just a music publication and gig guide; it's a catalyst for connection. By uniting artists and music lovers, we aim to reignite support for local talent and live shows, revitalising our music ecosystem."
Backed by Whatslively's cutting-edge concert aggregation services, Check Check offers audiences an unparalleled ability to search for events based on genre, location, price, and accessibility preferences.
"In our quest to revitalise the industry and amplify the visibility of emerging artists, Check Check is proud to announce its partnership with Whatslively," McDonnell said. "Through strategic collaborations and innovative initiatives, we are committed to making live music accessible while helping to foster a community where artists and audiences alike can thrive."
Check Check will be live on Monday, 18th March - for more information head to @checkcheck on Instagram and Facebook.
CONTACT CHECK CHECK:
Editorial: Tyson Koh | tyson@checkcheck.com.au
Advertising: Olivia McDonnell | liv@generalpublishing.com.au
Press: Morgan Ryan | morgan@bossymusic.com
