Where To From Here? Music, Community & the "State of Play"

Overview

Content warning: sexual assault

In the wake of revelations about rapper Riff Raff and a brave woman coming forward to tell her story, Richmond's Corner Hotel swiftly cancelled the rapper's show at its venue. The rapper's Australian tour was then also cancelled.

The Richmond pub then scheduled a forum and fundraiser to replace it: a community-led discussion on sexual assault and predatory behaviour in the Australian music industry called Where To From Here? Music, Community and the "State of Play"'.

The forum will be run by LISTEN, a group that aims to initiate change, inclusion and equality within the Australian music scene, and to promote visibility and experiences of marginalised people in the industry.

Things will start at 6pm with a discussion with the sister of Eliza Stafford, the survivor who came forward against Riff Raff, then continue with a panel discussion, targeting the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and assault in the sphere of the live music environment. LISTEN will also provide a soundtrack for the night, with female, LGBTQI+ and gender non-conforming artists and DJs taking to the stage post-panel.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds (including $1 from each drink sold in the bandroom) will go directly to non-profit organisations.

This event is designed to discuss and illuminate the unacceptable behaviour that occurs at live music events and within the industry, and will be dealing with subject matter that may be triggering – the organisers are working to create a separate space, as well as helpers, for those who may find it tough to hear and experience.