LOTTEY WILLSHIRE
Live music venue, The Zoo is set to host Feed Music’s launch during Brisbane’s annual Bigsound Festival from 5-8 September in Fortitude Valley.
Feed Music is a non-for-profit organisation which aims to help touring musicians eat for free while promoting local businesses.
Developments are underway to create an interactive app and website where touring musicians will be able to create an account, log in, and connect with participating cafes and restaurants who will offer free meals in return for venue promotion.
Ms Weyand built the idea around sustainability and mutual support as she witnessed first hand the difficulties for touring musicians.
“I’ve seen the lack of financial support out there for artists and local businesses, and the cost of touring is so high. I really wanted to help in some way, and it’s working out really well,” Ms Weyand said.
With ambitions to take Feed Music international, Ms Weyand revealed all artists travelling from across the globe will be entitled to a membership.
“We have actually been contacted by a couple of cafes in Hamburg and Berlin that want to take part. I really don’t see why we can’t take this global as it can help so many artists and businesses,” Ms Weyand said.
Ms Weyand came up with the idea in 2015 when she began offering musicians free meals at her Fortitude Valley café, Lost Boys.
“I’ve worked pretty closely with a lot of friends and family who have been musicians, and it’s been a bit of a struggle at the best of times, especially financially, so if we can support a touring band with a free feed….everything makes a difference,” Ms Weyand told music blog The Music back in 2015.
Ms Weyand believes the initiative will have positive outcomes for both the music and hospitality industries.
“The goal of this initiative is to revolutionise the way bands approach a tour, it will allow much needed funds to be channelled back into their art and potentially save thousands of dollars for individuals,” Ms Weyand said on Feed Music‘s website.
Feed Music has since grown significantly, acquiring partnerships including Universal Store and Beach Burrito Company however more funding is needed to make the online portal a reality.
For more information about Feed Music, visit https://www.feedmusic.org/