Next On | Developing Artists | Live Nation Australia
Next On: Removing barriers for developing artists.
Taking the next step live can be difficult for developing artists, with rising venue, production and touring costs often creating significant barriers to growth.
Strong live ecosystems rely on developing artists having access to stages, audiences and sustainable opportunities to grow.
Next On was created to help reduce some of those barriers by providing access to iconic venues, production and marketing support without the usual upfront costs.
Designed to support artist growth in a sustainable way, artists retain 100% of ticket and merch revenue while building live experience, growing audiences and performing in premium live environments.
What to be our Next On artist? Apply now!
Next On Presents First On: Everyone’s a Star! 5SOS Tour Opener Competition
We’re looking for a local STAR! in Perth to open 5SOS' show.
To Enter:
1. Apply for the Next On Program
2. Follow Live Nation Australia, Mellen Events and 5sos on Instagram
3. Post a video on Instagram covering your favourite 5SOS song* Be sure to tag the above accounts and #FIRSTON5SOS
Entries close Sunday 26 July.
Important Competition Terms & Conditions
Selected winner will be responsible for delivering themselves to the performance.
Selected winner will be responsible for the provision of their own backline, any meals, accommodation, ground transport and/or flight requirements.
Selected winner will receive a formal confirmation to be signed and returned prior to any announcement of the inclusion in the show.
Selected winner is to announce their participation on socials at an agreed time, there is to be NO announcement whatsoever prior to the agreed time.
What's Next
Highlights
American Apparel are backing Next On artists with bespoke support packs: premium essentials, editorial support, and merchandise, production to help support what comes next - on stage and beyond.
What’s Included? Every eligible Next On act will receive:
01. Gift Pack
A curated American Apparel® gift pack for every member of your act. Choose from All Black, All White, or Mixed pack options featuring a premium selection of essentials including hoodies, heavyweight tees, sweats, accessories and more - built for life on and off stage.
02. Feature
A dedicated blog feature on the American Apparel® Australia website. Whether it’s a new release, upcoming tour, your creative process, or what’s next - we’ll help spotlight your story and amplify your work across our channels.
03. $500 Credit
$500 AUD toward printed merchandise on eligible American Apparel® blanks. Use your credit to create premium merch for your audience, with production supported through approved American Apparel® print partners.
FAQs
Next On is a new program giving emerging Australian and New Zealand artists the chance to step up, own the stage, and launch their careers.
Every month, one artist will get the keys to an iconic Live Nation venue - rent-free. All costs are covered, and every dollar from ticket and merch sales goes straight back to the artist.
Focused on acts who have been performing live for less than three years, Next On creates sustainable pathways for artists to connect with fans, industry leaders, and new audiences.
No hire fees. Just breakthrough moments and rent-free memories.
Next On events will run monthly across Live Nation’s most iconic venues in Australia and New Zealand.
Featured venues include:
MELBOURNE: Palais Theatre
BRISBANE: The Triffid, The Outpost
ADELAIDE: Hindley Street Music Hall – The Divide
THIRROUL: Anita’s Theatre
AUCKLAND: The Tuning Fork
Developing Australian or New Zealand artists (shows don’t need to be in your home city).
Able to perform a full set for an audience of 200–300 people.
Artists can apply directly here.
Each month, Live Nation’s venue and promoter team (the Next On bookers) will select artists from submissions.
Some events will feature a single headline artist.
Others will be curated lineups, with collaboration on support act selection.
If successful, our team will contact you 6–10 weeks before the show to confirm details, request assets, and begin the marketing campaign.
Due to the high number of submissions, only successful artists will be contacted, 6–10 weeks ahead of potential dates.
All costs covered – venue rental, production, marketing, and ticketing.
100% of the revenue – artists keep every dollar from ticket and merch sales.
Profile and promotion – amplified across Live Nation’s channels, partners, and industry networks.
Professional support – photography, marketing assets, and career development opportunities.
Tickets are available via the Live Nation website. Each show links through to the authorised ticketing partner.
For ticket enquiries, click [here].
What is Next On?
