Live Nation Expands Support for Emerging Talent With ‘Next On’ Series

Live Nation ANZ has launched a new initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for emerging artists and photographers, debuting the program with a sold-out Melbourne show earlier this month.

Unveiled on Tuesday, March 10th at the Palais Theatre, Next On opened with a headline performance from Peach Fuzz, drawing a capacity crowd and early praise from local reviewers. Melbourne-based critic Caitlin Dyson described the band as “one of the most engaging bands I’ve ever seen,” adding they “owned the stage and made the night one to remember.”

The Next On program is designed to give developing artists access to Live Nation venues without the usual financial hurdles. Artists selected for the series are not charged venue hire fees and retain 100 per cent of ticketing and merchandise revenue — a significant shift from traditional touring models that can often limit opportunities at this level.

Alongside access to venues, participating artists receive professional support including marketing assets, promotion across Live Nation channels, and live photography from each showcase.

In a parallel move, Live Nation has partnered with acclaimed music photographer Michelle Grace Hunder to extend similar opportunities to emerging photographers. The collaboration will see developing shooters selected to capture Next On shows, providing paid work and hands-on experience in major venues while helping build a pathway into the industry.

Hunder will oversee the selection and curation of photographers across the series, with a focus on producing high-quality, social-first imagery that reflects how live music is increasingly consumed.

The partnership officially kicked off at the Melbourne launch, where photographer Alicia Adorna was chosen as the first participant, documenting the sold-out Peach Fuzz show.

“It was such an incredible opportunity to work with Live Nation on the Next On program,” Adorna said. “Shooting a sold-out show in an iconic music venue was a dream come true. Being able to capture the energy of the crowd as well as the amazing talent on stage was really special.”

Live Nation ANZ Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation, Michelle Lucia, said the initiative reflects the evolving nature of live music.

“Next On is about creating opportunities for developing artists to step onto iconic stages and connect with audiences,” she said. “In today’s world, live music is also driven by social-first storytelling, so capturing these moments properly is incredibly important.”

Hunder added that creating accessible pathways into music photography is critical for the industry’s future.

“There are so many talented photographers out there who just need the opportunity to get in the room and start shooting,” she said. “Programs like Next On give photographers great experience working in live music environments while documenting artists at the start of their journey.”

Following its Melbourne launch, the Next On series will continue across Australia and New Zealand, with upcoming shows including Robbie Mortimer at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul on March 27th, MOHI at The Tuning Fork in Auckland on April 10th, and Them & I at The Outpost on May 7th.

Applications are now open for photographers interested in participating in future showcases.