HouseConcertsAustralia

HOUSE CONCERTS AUSTRALIA is the largest online network of house concerts in Australia and in some parts of New Zealand

For an interactive view of our map of hosts click HERE

House Concerts are one of the most important trends in independent music today - and they're popping up all over the world!

A house concert is a chance to experience music in a warm and intimate environment. It's when someone opens up their home and invites you into their living room to share in a performance by one of their favorite musicians. There's just something about house concerts. For musicians, the intimacy allows for a deeper connection to the audience, which often leads to strong merchandise sales and lifelong fans and for hosts, it's a chance to meet the performers and get them to sign their CD. A house concert is also a great social evening of friends and neighbors.

ARTISTS can you perform - as a solo, duo or small trio - 60-90 minutes of mostly original material - with little or no amplification
- for donation (around $20/person) from those who attend?

If so, you've come to the right place.

All genres are welcome! Pop, folk, rock, bluegrass, new age, Celtic, R&B, jazz, country, classical, spoken word and nearly everything in between. Any act that can fit into a living room might eventually find a fan here.

As a member, you'll receive our regular newsletter, booking tips, and access to our growing database of hosts. You also get your own artist page on the site to upload pictures, a short bio and one video.

Still pondering?

Here are some more benefits of being a HCA member: * No agents fees * No exclusive contracts * Membership is LESS than a dollar a week
* Growth of your personal fan base
* Plugging into national and international house concert hosts
* Limitless sales of your CD's and merchandise
* Be paid to play

AND...

Not to forget that at a house concert performance, 100% of your CD and merchandise sales go directly to you. Membership for Artists is a once only fee of $49.00 AUD. Ready to roll? JOIN HERE Payment is via Paypal secure online payment facility. If you do not have a Paypal account, you can also pay there by credit card. Direct debit is also available upon request.

HOSTS - Want to host a House Concert?!

It's simple; you just invite 10-12 (or more) friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, and anyone else you feel may enjoy the show, to a concert at your home.
Round up all your chairs or cushions if you prefer and arrange them in a comfortable and relaxed style. Remember, this is an intimate mode, and no P.A. is required unless you're planning on a bigger event.
We are particularly interested in hosts who may have a piano in their home!

Who pays the artist?

Many house concerts have a door person to collect fees, some hosts are uncomfortable charging their friends, especially for a first concert, until they understand the process. If this is the case, then simply place a jar by the entrance with a visible sign that says:

SUGGESTED DONATION

$20 each/kids free

THANKS (you and the artist set this together beforehand)

Most house concerts give all the proceeds to the artists, many guarantee a set fee when they get confident of confirmed guests attending, some take a percentage to help with expenses; it's your choice. Remember, your friends aren't paying you, they're paying the artist.

House concerts are a great way to expose your friends to new music as well as your favourite artists. There is a world of amazing artists that you might never get to hear otherwise. A mention of the donation concept during the welcome and introduction of the concert can serve as a reminder. This combination of tactics assures that everyone contributes to the 'jar' while keeping the host out of the money collecting responsibility. There is little or no cost to you, unlike throwing a party. A pot of coffee and some munchies is sufficient, although some hosts ask guests to bring goodies, food and drink.etc.

Gypsy Dave Smith with the Little Feat Guys


How long do artists play?

Artists normally play a 45 minute listening set (house concerts are not parties; people really sit and listen - up close and personal) and then take a 15-20 minute break for socializing, selling CDs and refreshments. Then, one more 45 minute set and that's a wrap.

What's in it for me?

A house concert is a unique and magical experience. Everyone walks away happy and it's a win/win situation. Your guests are thrilled to be part of a special event and you look great for being innovative and unique and bringing everyone together for such an exciting new experience. There is no economic benefit for doing this, it's simply for the love of the music.

Where do I sign up?

If this sounds interesting to you, just open up a page here and I'll get in touch to help you get started. You will soon see many artists advertising here who are either in your town or touring. 

Another good tip is to try out a 'dinner and song' night on Mondays and Tuesdays. These are hard days to fill for artists so you will be more likely to attract bigger names and could very well attract your favourite artists to stop over at your place, instead of paying out for hotel accommodation. Your hospitality and friend's generosity will help balance the tour books and could help the artist stay in the black - it can be that close sometimes.

For a fully comprehensive description and guide to hosting or playing at a house concert, click here: CIYH_HouseConcertGuidex.pdf

Thanks for your support and we'll see you at your place

House Concerts Australia was created by Lisa J Aston; Songwriter, Musician, Author, Creative Writer and Animal Rights Supporter. Enjoy the site. You are very welcome to this community; all feedback is very much appreciated ... Lisa J Aston

Hi Lisa,

This site is a pure brainwave. Since joining we have been asked to host a concert for a well known US act and have also been contacted to host a duo from the UK in April/May. This is a great way to get more new music out into the community.

Bernie Flynn - Host - Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia.

As an attendee of a US house concert says: "It was a night where heroes became humans, rock stars became fathers and the performer complements your wife's cooking. Really, is there any reason for me to buy nose-bleed seats for an impersonal arena concert again?"
Courtesy: The Courier Mail October 23, 2009.

“Thanks for setting this up Lisa. House concerts are some of the most rewarding gigs I've ever done!” Trysette – Singer/songwriter Australia

“Thank you so much Lisa! I love this concept! I am for anything that will help Artists get the music out there in a positive way.” Shashona – Indieshowcase.com

“A wonderful idea Lisa and I'm sure one that will grow. House concerts are quite a small thing over here but I'm sure with a bit of encouragement they will catch on.
The concept of a tour network sounds brilliant.” Terry Free – Musician, New Zealand

“Thank you for providing such a fabulous and revolutionary service!”
Renee Searles – Artist – Brunswick Heads N.S.W.

House Concerts Australia proudly supports Gunyah Animal Healing Sanctuary. Based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Gunyah is privately funded and operated by Kathy Munslow. Her work is truly of the heart. I have been to this place and it is nothing short of Narnia. I experienced a level of interspecies love that I could never have imagined possible. A registered charity, Gunyah needs dollars to keep functioning. I have donated 100% of the sales of one of my songs below. By purchasing and sharing this song, you will be helping in the healing of abused and neglected animals. You can also donate money at the Gunyah website.

Click HERE to purchase from our reverbnation store.

Thank you.

Lisa J Aston