DEEP DIVE: 'Ghosted': Musicians claim booking agent owes thousands of dollars episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 24, 2026 · 14 MIN

DEEP DIVE: 'Ghosted': Musicians claim booking agent owes thousands of dollars

from Hack · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

An investigation by triple j hack has uncovered allegations that a booking agency failed to pay more than 20 Australian bands and artists.Multiple musicians claim they were "ghosted" by the booking company after their performance, and never received payment.While other musicians told hack there were significant delays in payment, with some alleging they only received money after "hounding" and "begging" the gig booker. So, how often is this happening in the local music scene? And what should you do if it happens to you?In this week's deep dive, we hear from young musicians who say they were ripped-off and speak with a lawyer specialising in music & entertainment to get some practical advice.Guests: Moira McKenzie, music and entertainment lawyerGet the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

An investigation by triple j hack has uncovered allegations that a booking agency failed to pay more than 20 Australian bands and artists. Multiple musicians claim they were "ghosted" by the booking company after their performance, and never received payment. While other musicians told hack there were significant delays in payment, with some alleging they only received money after "hounding" and "begging" the gig booker.  So, how often is this happening in the local music scene? And what should you do if it happens to you? In this week's deep dive, we hear from young musicians who say they were ripped-off and speak with a lawyer specialising in music & entertainment to get some practical advice. Guests:  Moira McKenzie, music and entertainment lawyer Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

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DEEP DIVE: 'Ghosted': Musicians claim booking agent owes thousands of dollars

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This episode was published on April 24, 2026.

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An investigation by triple j hack has uncovered allegations that a booking agency failed to pay more than 20 Australian bands and artists.Multiple musicians claim they were "ghosted" by the booking company after their performance, and never...

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