Live Nation Gives Developing Artists The Stage — Free Venues, Full Support, And Every Dollar From Tickets & Merch

Live Nation is proud to launch Next On, a new program supporting developing artists in Australia and New Zealand with the access, exposure, and support they need to grow their careers and reach new fans.

Hosted at Live Nation’s iconic venues across Australia and New Zealand, Next On unlocks stages rent-free, removing some of the biggest barriers facing developing artists: venue hire, and costs related to production, marketing, and ticketing.

Every month, one of Live Nation’s premier venues will host a showcase featuring local talent. Artists will set their ticket prices, keep every dollar of their ticket and merchandise revenue, and be backed by Live Nation’s expansive marketing and industry network. Artists know how critical those early breaks can be.

Kate Ceberano, ARIA Award-winning artist and advocate for developing talent, said, “My career began in pubs, clubs, and the small rooms where Australian music has always found its heartbeat. Those early stages teach you everything – how to test your material, how to win an audience, and how to build a fan base not through hype, but through real connection.

Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable. I’m 100% behind it, and I’m thrilled to see these sorts of initiatives help make this possible. This is how we build a healthy industry – one strong foundation at a time.” ^[1]

Missy Higgins, ARIA Award-winning artist and advocate for developing talent, said, “When you’re starting out, what you need most is a chance – to get on stage, connect with fans, and be supported by the industry. ‘Next On’ delivers that.”

Tim Rogers, ARIA Award winning artist and advocate for developing talent, said, “Taking a punt on a new act, a new group, a book reading, a theatre show that is not necessarily on the popular culture radar WILL make you a more fulfilled human. While the rush of being part of a spectacle is palpable, to engage with an artist as they begin makes you, more than ever these days, part of the experiment. To be a fan, a participant, a patron is a noble thing. You are not just an audience. You were involved, and joined the community. Welcome, Onward we go.”

Adelaide’s pop punk duo Teenage Joans, said, “Growing up in Adelaide, we were lucky to have a few initiatives that gave us a leg up in those early days, and we know how much that help matters. Later, in the US, we benefited from Live Nation’s On The Road Again program, which supported developing artists with financial benefits – the kind of support that really keeps you going between gigs. Next On takes that same spirit even further here at home – taking the pressure off and giving developing artists space to grow on real stages. Support like this can genuinely change the path for new bands.”

Seb Szabo, rising Australian songwriter, said, “Having the chance to play a venue as iconic as the Palais at this point in my journey is incredible, especially after having seen my third ever show (Glen Hansard) here with my dad years ago. Next On is providing such a unique opportunity for developing artists to dream big & be inspired about possibility at a crucial early career stage, and it’s an opportunity I know I won’t soon forget.”

Next On launches this Aus Music Month, calling for applications ahead of shows kicking off in  2026 at some of the country’s most iconic venues — including the Palais Theatre – On The Stage  (Melbourne), The Outpost at Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid (Brisbane), Anita’s Theatre – The King’s Room (Thirroul), Divide at Hindley Street Music Hall (Adelaide) and The Tuning Fork in Auckland (NZ).

Mark Vaughan, Senior Vice President Touring, Live Nation Australia and New Zealand said,  “We’re handing over the keys – giving artists the stage to own, and fans the story to tell. Next On tears down some of the barriers so developing artists can shine, keep 100% of what they earn, and fans can say, ‘I saw them here first.’”

Artists will also benefit from marketing and PR support, professional photography, and career development opportunities, reaching over six million fans via Live Nation and Moshtix’s channels and media partners.

For more information visit: https://www.livenation.com.au/nexton or to apply for Next On visit here.

LIVE NATION PRESENTS – NEXT ON

• Palais Theatre – On The Stage, Melbourne
• The Triffid, Brisbane
  The Outpost at Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
• Anita’s Theatre – King’s Room, Thirroul
• Divide, Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
• Tuning Fork, Auckland (NZ)

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

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For all media enquiries, contact:

Live Nation Australasia | Adrian Digiacomo

[email protected]

Notes to editors:

^[1]Kate Ceberano, ARIA Award-winning artist and advocate for developing talent, said,

“My career began in pubs, clubs, and the small rooms where Australian music has always found its heartbeat. Those early stages teach you everything – how to test your material, how to win an audience, and how to build a fan base not through hype, but through real connection. If artists miss that essential grounding, that ‘bridging act’ of growing confidence on stage in front of real people, something is lost. You don’t get that deeper understanding of what you did to make your career happen.

“We often talk about ‘overnight success’, but without that foundation artists can struggle, with insecurity, with imposter syndrome, and with the demands of show business. When you’ve earned your craft in front of a crowd, you understand that show business is a part of the journey, not the whole story. That’s what leads to a long and enduring career.

“That’s why a program like Next On has so much merit. Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable. I’m 100% behind it, and I’m thrilled to see these sorts of initiatives help make this possible. This is how we build a healthy industry – one strong foundation at a time.”