The organisers of Face The Music have already managed to corral a pretty impressive lineup of esteemed local and international music professionals, including Steve Albini, Daddy Cool, Jen Long, and Gossling, just to name a few, but things just got even bigger and more political.

With a state election on the horizon and the contemporary music scene in Victoria standing tall as one of the most vibrant and active in the country, not to mention the fact that the live music industry in Australia is valued at a cool $1 billion, Face The Music have assembled a panel of political guests to discuss contemporary Aussie music.

Music, and particularly the live sector, has been a talking point for the state’s major political parties in the lead-up to the election, with many putting their weight behind the industry, funding Music Victoria and, as Face The Music write, “promising everything from contemporary music hubs to export programs if elected”.

Despite a relatively bright outlook, it’s been a tumultuous few years for the Victorian music scene, and representatives from five political parties will come together to talk up their respective track records in supporting the scene and outlining their vision and policy commitments for the next four years.

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Moderated by Fairfax Media political correspondent Richard Willingham, the session will feature Hon. Edward O’Donohue, Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Liberal Party; Martin Foley, Shadow Arts Minister, ALP; Sue Pennicuik MLC, Victorian Greens; Fiona Patten, Leader of the Australian Sex Party; and Kris Schroeder, leader of The Basics Rock ‘n’ Roll Party.

The Basics Rock ‘n’ Roll Party have been making headlines over the last few weeks, but according to a report in The Age, the band, which famously features hit-maker Gotye, are watching their political aspirations slowly deflate.

According to the paper, the party is awaiting verification of fewer than 50 of the names that signed up to secure their registration, but with the issuing of election writs just days away, time is running out for the burgeoning political party.

“Some people jumped on the bandwagon but lost interest just as quickly,” Schroeder told The Age. “My feeling is that we will probably miss out. I’ve had this feeling for a while.”

Face The Music is set to descend on the Melbourne Arts Centre on 14th November, wrapping up on the 15th November. See the official Face The Music website for further info.

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