Sydney bands and artists are being hit hard by NSW lockout laws according to new data on venue income.

Sydney venues have recorded a drop of 40 per cent in door charges, meaning less people are paying to see gigs in the city, said APRA AMCOS, the body in charge of representing musicians in Australia.

The group says NSW should follow the example of other states in reviewing restrictions and believes live music venues should be exempt from the 1.30am lockout.