GigBridge.com.au

03/02/2026

GigBridge Update - February 2026

Since stepping back in September 2025, we've been very much in listening mode. Learning, reflecting, and refining what GigBridge needs to become in the future. The live music industry's challenges haven't disappeared, and neither has our commitment to solving them.

So? What's Been Happening?

We've connected with a like-minded organisation over in The Netherlands who are also working on performer-venue connections.

What's fascinating? Dutch audiences are routinely prepared to pay a cover charge for all live music. Even if it only $10.00! This difference in the way their live-music industry is structured has made a real difference in reducing venue risk and improving performer income. Especially, in the way the industry has been able to bounce back post lock-downs. I can't help but feel there's a valuable lesson for our industry here in Oz.

Closer to home, we've secured a Canberra-based web developer to join the team. Having someone local to collaborate with in person will be invaluable when we're ready to restart product development.

A Key Realisation!

Our thinking has evolved significantly over the last few months. For GigBridge to create the change the industry needs, we really need to include agents and managers on the platform. They're a crucial piece of the ecosystem who really should be supported. We're just working out how best to do that against all the other feedback we've received over the last three years.

Looking Ahead!

We're working towards joining an incubator support program, with more news expected mid/late 2026. This mentoring and guidance will be essential for building GigBridge properly.

The platform stays offline for now, but the vision remains clear. When we switch back on, it'll be with stronger foundations, clearer direction, and the right support structure in place.

Sometimes the best progress happens when you're patient enough to get things right!

Best,
Brad Franzen
Founder, GigBridge

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08/12/2025

Hello GigBridge Community,

As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to reach out with an update on where things stand with GigBridge.

Since taking the platform offline in September, I've had time to reflect on everything we built together and what the future might hold. The truth is, whilst the market wasn't quite ready for GigBridge in the way we'd hoped, the vision behind it remains as relevant as ever.

The challenges facing our live music industry haven't disappeared. Venues still struggle to find reliable performers, and artists still need better pathways to opportunities. What we created wasn't wrong – the timing simply wasn't right.

Throughout 2026, my focus will be on building a team of supporters and strategic partners who share the vision of transforming how performers and venues connect. I'm seeking people who understand that lasting change requires patience, investment, and genuine commitment to solving real industry problems.

This includes exploring potential investors who recognise the value of what we've built and the potential of where it could go with the right resources and support network behind it.

There's even the possibility we could switch GigBridge back on during 2026 – not with the pressure of rapid growth, but allowing it to develop organically whilst we strengthen the foundation for long-term success. Sometimes the best innovations need room to breathe and grow naturally rather than being forced.

The platform infrastructure remains intact, the lessons learned are invaluable, and the relationships built through this journey continue to matter. When the time is right, and with a team of people supporting me, GigBridge could return stronger and more sustainable than before.

If you're interested in being part of this next chapter – whether as a potential collaborator, investor, or simply someone who believes in the mission – I'd love to hear from you.

The story isn't over. Sometimes the best ventures need a strategic pause before their real breakthrough.

Best,
Brad Franzen
Founder, GigBridge

20/08/2025

Sometimes the best business decision is knowing when to step back.

After two years and significant personal investment, I've made the difficult decision to pause GigBridge. The platform works, the concept is sound, and everyone agrees the problem is real - but the market response isn't quite screaming "this is essential" the way I need it to for sustainable growth.

The hardest lesson? There's a big difference between people saying they want a solution and being ready to actively participate when it arrives. Sometimes an industry simply isn't ready for the change it says it wants - and that's nobody's fault, it's just timing.

Building GigBridge has been one of the most meaningful projects I've worked on. It wasn't just about creating a platform. It was about believing in our creative community and trying to solve real problems for performers and venues.

For now, I'm redirecting my energy to where I can make immediate impact. But this isn't the end of the story - just a strategic pause while I regroup.

To everyone who supported GigBridge along the way - thank you. Your belief in what we were building meant everything.

Sometimes "not yet" is just as valuable as "yes."

03/07/2025

Sign-up at https://gigbridge.com.au and put yourself forward to perform at this 'spooky' opportunity at Catalina Club...

6 months free access Are you a musician or live music venue? We're offering venues and performers FREE & UNLIMITED access to GigBridge for 6 months. Offer expires September 30 2025. Get in touch to take advanage of our 'early bird' offer. Start your journey now Why Gigbridge? What's going on? Built....

03/07/2025

Sign-up at https://gigbridge.com.au and apply to perform at this opportunity at Catalina Club...

6 months free access Are you a musician or live music venue? We're offering venues and performers FREE & UNLIMITED access to GigBridge for 6 months. Offer expires September 30 2025. Get in touch to take advanage of our 'early bird' offer. Start your journey now Why Gigbridge? What's going on? Built....

20/06/2025

Should you find yourself in Queanbeyan this evening, you'd do well to stop by the Tourist Hotel to see Jordi Woods performing from 8pm!

Better still, Jordi will be performing at Hungry Jacks Goulburn from 1pm on Sunday, where all busking donations will be going towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Awesome work Jordi! We're loving the 'feed-it-forward' approach you're bringing with your performances!

16/06/2025

Over the last two plus years, Brad has had 138 conversations with people in Australia's creative and performing arts industries, exploring the challenges our creative community currently face.

Everything from rising costs and venue closures, to fragmented discovery systems that leave talent and opportunity struggling to connect.

The message is clear: We need to listen to one another and find new ways of working together.

Key insights Brad delves into:
-Why "we've always done it this way" is becoming our industry's biggest barrier.
-How international examples show collaborative innovation works.
-The role technology can play in overcoming the Baumol effect.
-Why building resilience requires collective actions.

We’re not just identifying problems - we're building solutions. GigBridge represents our first step toward creating a sustainable ecosystem where Australia's creative industries can thrive together.

Ready to be join the conversation? Read the full piece and discover how we all play a role in connecting the dots between talent and opportunity.

The past two and a half years have been quite the journey. I’ve spoken with a significant number of people across Australia’s creative and performing industries – musicians, venue owners, booking agents, and a few passionate audience goers. Each conversation (138 of them to be precise) has hel...

12/05/2025

Should you find yourselves in Bateman's Bay this weekend, do yourself a favour and head along to Catalina Club to check out Matt Dent!

20/03/2025

Are you a musician or live music venue? At https://gigbridge.com.au we're offering venues and performers FREE & UNLIMITED access for 6 months. Offer expires September 30 2025. Sign up and take advantage of our 'early bird' offer.

19/03/2025

Are you a musician or live music venue? At https://gigbridge.com.au we're offering venues and performers FREE & UNLIMITED access for 6 months. Offer expires September 30 2025. Sign up and take advantage of our 'early bird' offer.