Live music is magic—fuelled by creativity, passion, and connection. But behind every memorable performance lies something less celebrated: administration. And if you ignore it, you risk undoing everything you’ve worked to build.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why Admin Matters More Than Ever
Today’s live music landscape demands financial prudence. Matt Thomson of The Amazons puts it plainly: “In 2025, financial literacy is everything” musicconsultant.com+15Financial Times+15quotesanity.com+15. If you’re not tracking your finances, ABNs, or GST status accurately, you’re setting yourself up for missed payments, broken contracts, and reputational risks.
Growing accountability in the music industry means admin isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s part of your professionalism.
Where to Get Support (for Free)
Agencies like Pushworth equip you with tools to stay on top of it:
The Artist Code—especially Conduct & Communication, Contracts & Documentation, and Payment & Invoicing—lays out what’s expected.
The FAQ: Account Keeping for Artists unpacks common admin pitfalls and how to avoid them in clear, practical steps.
The Musoverse Substack delivers bite-sized insights and updates for artists navigating payments and gig logistics.
The Music Means Business Artist Group on Facebook keeps you connected to real-time reminders and vital news.
Why It Matters
Administration might not be sexy—but in today’s industry, it’s survival.
Ignore it, and you risk:
Delayed or missed payment, eroding trust with venues and agencies.
Contractual confusion, leading to dropped bookings or worse.
Reputational damage, because reliability is currency in this business.
As you cultivate your artistic voice, remember that administrative fluency protects your right to perform and earn. It’s not flashy—but it’s indispensable.
Take a moment this week—read the Artist Code, subscribe, join the group, revisit that FAQ. Your future self will thank you.
We believe in your art. We want your admin to reflect the same excellence.
Written by Nichola Burton. I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation in my enterprise A Little Pitchy Copyright 2025
These resources are awesome!