The Bass Line
In May 2026, Music Australia released the second edition of The Bass Line. Across the first two editions, over 2,000 individuals and businesses working across the music industry have contributed. The Bass Line is an annual series, and we are now gathering data and insights to support the third edition. The third edition covers the period from July 2025 to June 2026 (FY2025-26).
About this survey
This industry-wide survey aims to further our understanding of the cross-sectional nature of work and income for people, businesses, and organisations working in the music industry, including music education and dedicated services supporting the music industry.
If you work in or supply the music industry, we want to hear from you, whether or not you would describe yourself as being in the music industry. That includes music teachers and educators, and businesses whose work supports music without being music itself.
Survey responses are an important input to the economic impact analysis.
The Bass Line is being delivered by McAtamney & Advisors in collaboration with Music Australia.
It is recommended that you complete the survey on a desktop computer or laptop rather than a mobile device.
What information do I need to complete the survey?
The focus of the survey is on work and income.
You will be asked questions about the types of work you undertake, your income, and your expenses.
We understand you may be still completing your FY2025-26 finances.
You do not need to provide exact financial information.
Your best estimate will be sufficient.
You may find it useful to review any available accounting, tax records and bank statements to assist in completing the survey.
How much time will it take to complete the survey?
The main section of the survey should take 7-10 minutes to complete.
The main section is followed by optional questions to understand more specific aspects of your work. If you choose to complete these additional questions, they will take a few extra minutes of your time and will help make the analysis more comprehensive.
How will the information I provide be used?
The data you provide will be used as part of the third edition of The Bass Line, which captures the economic impact of the Australian music industry. The research report may be made public at the discretion of Music Australia.
Individual survey responses will not be published.
Creative Australia may share aggregated, de-identified response summaries with other industry bodies and third parties to inform ongoing policy and industry matters.
Privacy statement
Music Australia is a dedicated body to support and invest in Australian contemporary music established by Creative Australia. Creative Australia is required to comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the legislation. Details on Creative Australia's privacy policy and contact details are available
here.
Data ownership and use
The data you provide as part of this survey will be accessed and used by Music Australia and McAtamney & Advisors to support the abovementioned research project. Individual responses will not be published or identified as part of this research.
Contact details
For further information on this project please contact Millie Millgate (Director, Music Australia) at music@creative.gov.au.
For technical questions related to this survey, please contact Belinda Balhatchet (Research Program Manager) at
belinda.balhatchet@creative.gov.au.