Live Nation has announced the first artists selected for Next On, a new initiative designed to support emerging talent across Australia and New Zealand by providing rent-free access to major venues, production and marketing support, and the opportunity for artists to retain 100% of ticket and merchandise revenue.
The inaugural round of Next On showcases will roll out across Live Nation venues in the coming months, with performances confirmed from Peach Fuzz, Robbie Mortimer and MOHI. More artists and dates are set to be announced.
According to Live Nation, the program is aimed at artists at a key growth stage, removing financial barriers that often limit touring and allowing performers to reinvest directly into their careers.
Michelle Lucia, senior vice president of product and innovation at Live Nation APAC, said the initiative was designed to intervene at pivotal moments in an artist’s development.
“Next On is about creating opportunities at the moments that matter most in an artist’s journey,” Lucia said in a statement. “These artists are ready for the room, ready for the audience, and ready for that next step.”
Melbourne indie rock band Peach Fuzz will headline a Next On show at the Palais Theatre’s On The Stage in Melbourne on March 10. The four-piece have been building momentum following the release of their EP Isn’t It Obvious? and a sold-out hometown show at Howler.
“Being part of Next On feels like a real milestone for us,” Peach Fuzz said. “Getting the chance to play an iconic venue at a point where our live show and music are really coming into focus means so much to us.”
Australian country rock artist Robbie Mortimer is set to perform at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul on March 27. Raised on a farm in regional New South Wales, Mortimer has seen recent success with tracks including “Blow The Speakers” and “You Got That Love,” the latter of which reached No. 1 on CMT. He was also named a CountryTown Breakthrough Artist nominee in 2025.
“Next On feels like a really significant moment for me,” Mortimer said. “Playing a room like this allows the songs to be heard the way they were always meant to be.”
New Zealand artist MOHI will bring his neo-soul sound to Auckland’s The Tuning Fork on April 10. The award-winning Māori artist’s debut album The Flowers That Grow From Concrete Pavements earned major recognition, including Best Te Reo Māori Album and Best Male Artist at the 2024 Māori Music Awards.
“My songs were written to be shared live,” MOHI said. “Next On gives me the chance to bring my reo and my stories into an iconic room and let the music do what it’s meant to do.”
Live Nation said the Next On program will continue to expand across Australia and New Zealand, with venues opening their stages to developing artists and applications remaining open via Live Nation’s regional websites.