Cut Copy

Cut Copy and Missy Higgins are among a list of Australian artists expected to protest tomorrow in a bid to save Victorian’s live music scene.

Higgins, a Melbourne singer, confirmed in a post on her myspace page that she would be joining the Support Live Australian Music (SLAM) Rally in Melbourne tomorrow afternoon.

Among other supporters of the Slam Rally are: Paul Kelly, Slash, Nick Cave, Clare Bowditch, Angie Hart, The Living End, My Disco, Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls), Tim Rogers, Augie March, Ned Collette and The Wirewalker, Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea, Laura Jean, The Cat Empire, Dirty Three, The Drones, and KRAM.

The protest is in support and celebration of Victoria’s music scene, which is under threat from new liquor licensing laws, a statement from Slam Rally’s website said.

”This is going to happen whether they like it or not. There’s too much momentum, it’s too big to stop. It’s like Moomba with a message,” Slam Rally organiser, former Blue Ruin singer and independent music producer, Quincy McLean said.

“Whenever a natural disaster happens, musicians are the first to put their hand up to offer support. Now it’s time for the public, who get music free online and on the radio to give support back to the music they love so much.

“The only way left for musicians to make money is through live music, and that rug is suddenly being pulled out from underneath them. It’s the 2am lockout all over again. It failed in the UK, then failed here.”

Protestors are asked to meet tomorrow at 4pm outside the State Library to make your way along Swanston Street and up Bourke Street to Parliament House.

Last month, Melbourne live music institution, The Tote, was forced to shut its doors over liquor licensing changes.

Tags | 2010, Missy Higgins, Slam Rally