The Australian country music sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, now valued at a staggering $1.09 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. This milestone figure is underpinned by a robust live audience of 3.2 million people, signalling a dramatic surge in the genre’s popularity and economic impact.
A Rapid Ascent
The sector’s valuation represents a remarkable 77% increase from its $619 million valuation in 2019. This acceleration is particularly noteworthy when contrasted with the previous two decades, during which the industry’s revenue had doubled. The comprehensive report, titled “Valuing Australian Country Music 2025,” was spearheaded by CMAA Chair Dobe Newton and developed in collaboration with researchers from JMC Academy and Collarts.
Australia has solidified its status as the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing market for country music. This burgeoning popularity is further evidenced by streaming data, with Spotify revealing a 115% increase in country music streams since 2023. Notably, Australia has recorded the highest percentage of new country music listeners globally, with 74% of those discovering the genre being new to it. The demographic also shows significant engagement from Gen Z, where 22% of subscribers stream country music, with an overwhelming 92% of these young listeners located in metropolitan areas.
Live Performance Dominance
Live performances are a significant driving force behind this expansion, generating $560 million in revenue, which accounts for 51% of the industry’s total earnings. This figure marks a substantial 93% increase since 2019. The live music ecosystem directly supports 2,086 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs within the country music sector. Country music festivals alone attracted an impressive 684,000 fans during the reporting period.
The number of country music shows booked across Australia has seen a phenomenal 4.5-fold increase in 2024/25. This surge is highlighted by 49 major concerts that drew 490,000 attendees, including country superstar Luke Combs’ record-breaking stadium tour and Chris Stapleton’s highly successful arena run.
Overall, the festival circuit provided substantial employment, engaging 15,000 personnel. This breaks down into 534 FTE jobs specifically for festivals, 540 FTEs for larger concerts, and 1,012 FTEs for smaller venue performances, representing a 42% increase in festival-related employment since 2019.
Media Consumption and Artist Representation
Beyond live events, media consumption of country music has also seen a significant uplift. Countrytown, a prominent online platform, reported a 91% year-on-year increase in website visitors in 2024, reflecting growing public interest. Radio airplay for country music has similarly surged, increasing by 27% to reach 147,100 plays over a 12-month period.
Despite the genre’s widespread popularity, local artists continue to face challenges in gaining top-tier chart representation. While radio plays have increased, the Top 10 charts remain dominated by international acts. Darlinghurst, an Australian country music act, achieved a notable peak position of #12, underscoring the ongoing effort for greater national artist visibility.
Global Reach and Future Outlook
Australia’s influence extends beyond its borders, with the nation recognized as a leading exporter of country music, particularly in songwriting and recording capabilities. The combined growth in live audiences, streaming numbers, and media engagement paints a vibrant picture for the future of Australian country music. The sector’s robust performance positions it for continued expansion and a greater global footprint in the years to come.
