Season one of Music People wrapped up in April and the 12 episodes were entirely filmed in Newcastle at either Sawtooth Studios or in front of a live audience at the Civic Theatre.

The show involved four to five musical acts, from different genres, performing live original music to be viewed via livestream on channels such as the Newcastle Herald's Facebook page. Season one included performances from Kim Churchill, William Crighton, Amber Lawrence, Vacations and Darren Percival.

Executive director Matt Field's media production company Field Frequency was recently awarded $64,400 through the City of Newcastle's Special Business Rates Program to produce three more episodes of Music People.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

Field is awaiting news on additional funding applications from government organisations Create NSW, Live Music Australia and the RISE Fund.

Under the proposal Music People would begin in Newcastle in February before hosting monthly episodes in regional areas like Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay, Tamworth, Orange or Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Narooma and Wollongong.

A second episode would be hosted in Newcastle in September 2022 to coincide with the New Annual Festival and the season finale would return to the city.

"We're just waiting to see what funding drops and what funding doesn't, and based on the funding we get it will determine the shape of the season," Field said.

"We've left no stone unturned. We've pursued everything."

The funding would be used to finance the cost of operating the 15 to 20-person crew production in various locations around NSW and to pay the musicians' performance fees.

Given the challenges live music has faced during to the pandemic, Field said the purpose of Music People was changing, especially if his plan to become a touring show was realised.

"My vision for this show was to get a music TV show and a live audience would come and watch for additional vibe and effect for the live broadcast," he said.

"What seems to be happening naturally is it's morphing into a unique live music show and the broadcast element is becoming secondary."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: