Author: Dom Alessio

A2IM Indie Week 2024: Call For Expressions Of Interest

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

Sounds Australia, AIR, ARIA and the PPCA are now seeking expressions of interest from Australian independent labels, publishers and distributors to take part in a delegation to attend Indie Week 2024, an independent music-focused conference hosted by A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) from June 10 – 13, 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Times Square in New York City.

A2IM Indie Week is a three-day international conference and networking event aimed at maximising the global impact of Independent music. Featuring keynotes, panels, exclusive networking sessions, and more, the conference has historically drawn an attendance of over 1200 participants from 28 countries. A2IM Indie Week has been running for over 15 years, and is the largest independent music gathering in the world

Indie Week is a member-only conference for record labels and service providers with a strong focus on the exploitation of master recordings, licensing, networking and digital. AIR & Sounds Australia have led Australian delegations to Indie Week since 2013 and we have again been extended an invitation to lead a delegation to Indie Week in 2024.

Sounds Australia will be contributing registration costs for successful applicants – up to the value of $549.99 USD.

Outside of A2IM Indie Week, the Australian delegation will be involved in exclusive networking events and visits to DSPs based in New York City.

Due to limited capacity, we ask all interested parties to show an expression of interest by filling out this survey BY TUESDAY MARCH 26 2024. It shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to complete.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE SURVEY

In trying to ensure that attendees get the most benefit from the conference, we have set some minimum requirements. You will need to satisfy these requirements for your application to be considered. They are as follows:

• Australian attendees are responsible for booking and funding all flights, transfers, insurance and accommodation themselves.

• To apply a label must be an associate, full or distributor member of AIR, an independent member of ARIA, or an Australian independent licensor of PPCA. Due to limited capacity and the small number of invitations, all attending Australian labels must have a catalogue of at least five albums and represent the music of at least three artists. It is expected that they are digitally pro-active and are doing business internationally.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility please contact Maria Amato via email maria@air.org.au

The Australian delegation to Indie Week will be co-ordinated by AIR and supported by Sounds Australia, ARIA and PPCA.

Sounds Australia Announces SXSW 2024 Showcases

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

Next month, 30 Australian acts will travel to Austin, Texas to showcase in front of music industry from across the world at South By Southwest.

Sounds Australia will produce two showcases at AUSTRALIA HOUSE @ SXSW 2024 presented by The American Australian Association. Located at 77 Rainey St, Sounds Australia’s official showcases offer a chance for those at SXSW to discover a raft of exciting Australian talent. Taking place on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th March, acts will play across two stages from 11am until 6:30pm, highlighting the diverse array of sounds and genres coming out of Australia.

Having previously partnered in 2018, we are thrilled to have BIGSOUND back in AUSTRALIA HOUSE @ SXSW. Held annually in Brisbane, BIGSOUND is one of Australia’s premier music showcase festivals, and in 2024 they will host The BIGSOUND Brunch on Friday 15th March from 10am – 3pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the music industry from Australia as well as see some of the incredible artists who have previously showcased at the event.

We’re incredibly excited that our iconic national radio station triple j will be joining us at SXSW 2024 to capture content and artist interviews, and taking the stories of Australian music success back home to local audiences and fans.

Opening on the Monday of SXSW, AUSTRALIA HOUSE @ SXSW is an all-encompassing Australian experience featuring technology showcases, music performances, keynote speakers and interactive displays by some of Australia’s leading experts in the film, music, thought and innovation sectors. The multi-day activation includes multiple opportunities to engage in panel discussions, showcases and unique food, wine and tourism experiences.

SHOWCASES

THURSDAY 14TH MARCH
Australia House, 77 Rainey St Austin

Back Yard Stage

11.15 – 11.40am Flewnt & Inkabee
12.00 – 12.25pm Anna Smyrk
12.45 – 1.10pm Keenan Te
1.30 – 1.55pm William Singe
2.15 – 2.40pm Jess Cornelius
3.00 – 3.25pm The Belair Lip Bombs
3.45 – 4.10pm dust
4.30 – 4.55pm breathe.
5.15 – 5.40pm HighSchool
6.00 – 6.25pm Girl & Girl

Front Yard Stage

1.10 – 1.35pm Georgia Maq
1.55 – 2.20pm Jamie-Lee Dimes
2.40 – 3.05pm Mia June
3.25 – 3.50pm Emily Barker
4.10 – 4.35pm Alexander Biggs
4.55 – 5.20pm Sui Zhen
5.40 – 6.05pm Miss Kaninna

FRIDAY 15TH MARCH
Australia House, 77 Rainey St Austin

Back Yard Stage

The BIGSOUND Brunch:
11.15 – 11.40am Alexander Biggs
12.00 – 12.25pm Bones and Jones
12.45 – 1.10pm Asha Jefferies
1.30 – 1.55pm Yb.
2.15 – 2.40pm Carla Geneve

3.00 – 3.25pm Miss Kaninna
3.45 – 4.10pm Forest Claudette
4.30 – 4.55pm Folk Bitch Trio
5.15 – 5.40pm Alice Ivy
6.00 – 6.25pm Sycco

Front Yard Stage

2.40 – 3.05pm Great Aunt
3.25 – 3.50pm Elle Shimada
4.10 – 4.35pm Ivoris
4.55 – 5.20pm Wesley Dean
5.40 – 6.05pm Flewnt & Inkabee

Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop

Posted on by Dom Alessio

In association with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) and the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), Sounds Australiawill present Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on Friday 26 January.

The growth and commercialisation in country music over the past few years has seen it become one of the most popular genres in the world. The opportunities for Australian country artists to tap into the global market and build an international career are becoming more accessible – but at the same time, there have never been more challenges: whether it’s shifting trends, increasing costs of doing business, or an abundance of musical competition.

Hosted by Glenny G and Dom Alessio from Sounds Australia, this export workshop will help to put you, your artist or your music business in the best position to grow your international presence. There will be two parts to the workshop: first up, a Sounds Australia Export Masterclass, where you’ll learn more about what Sounds Australia does, why they exist, and how you can use their showcases and networking events to further your international career. Plus, you’ll get advice on how to best prepare for showcasing internationally, as well as learning about all the funding opportunities available to you.

The second part of the workshop will feature a panel of experts in the country music space who will give you a realistic look at what it takes as an Australian artist to rise through the noise internationally.

Moderated by Natalie Waller from ABC Music, the panel will feature Roxanne Brown (manager, Troy Cassar-Daley), Megan Hopkins (KIX Country Network), Johnno Keetels (BIG LOUD), Fanny Lumsden and Stef Russin (TEG Live).

This event is designed for artists, songwriters and industry of every level working in the Country, Americana, Folk and Singer-Songwriter spaces. Attendance is completely free, but registration is essential: https://events.humanitix.com/tamworth-export-masterclass

Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop will be held at the Tamworth Community Centre in the Heritage Room, beginning at 9am and running until 12:30pm. 

9:00am – 9:30am General networking with coffee and pastries
9:30am – 10:30am Sounds Australia Export Masterclass
10:40am – 12:00pm Panel: A Realistic Look At Making It Internationally
12:00pm – 12:30pm Q&A (Dom and Glenn)

We’re Hiring: Creative Producer

Posted on by Dom Alessio

About the role

Sounds Australia is looking to hire someone (permanent, full time) to join our compact team, preferably in the Ultimo office, however candidates from outside of Sydney will be considered.

We are a small team who work very collaboratively, driven by the goal of fast-tracking Australian music success internationally.

We are looking for someone with at least 5 years’ experience in the music industry who has the ability to travel to domestic and international showcase events where necessary.

Candidates should be detail driven and systems oriented, with competency in photo and video editing (Photoshop, Premier Pro, Illustrator) with proficiency in social media applications to build brand presence and engagement.

Genre specific candidates welcome, especially those with a background or expertise in the Asian or LATAM region, dance/electronic music.

Objectives

      • To raise the profile and visibility of Australian artists and industry in key international markets.
      • To encourage, develop and maintain positive and constructive working relationships with key industry and government partners and stakeholders.
      • Provide the best possible showcase environment for Australian artists to secure international outcomes.
      • To provide industry value-add networking and business matching opportunities at international events.
      • To share and present international music market intelligence through a series of local export training practices.
      • Represent Sounds Australia at international market events where required.

Key responsibilities

      • Encourage, develop and maintain positive and constructive working relationships with key international personnel and businesses for the purposes of promoting Australian music offshore.
      • Assist in coordinating and implementing showcase and networking events at international conferences and festivals.
      • Provide resources, information, insights and advice to support the Australian Music Industry in their export activities.
      • Contribute to the monitoring, developing and reporting on all initiatives relating to the role during the annual acquittal periods.
      • Contribute to the development of promotional strategies and content around Sounds Australia’s international market presence at conferences and festivals.
      • Contributing to the Sounds Australia website and social media channels.
      • General reporting to the Executive Producer on all aspects of the role.

Skills & experience:

      • At least 5 years’ experience in the music industry.
      • Demonstrate ability to establish and maintain strong connections and collaborations within the music industry across various genres and markets, facilitating partnerships, promotions, and strategic alliances
      • Demonstrated experience in working across different music markets, including local, and international, understanding the unique dynamics and preferences of specific territories.
      • Current knowledge of the international and domestic music industry, with a particular focus on export markets.
      • Experience and knowledge in specific music genres demonstrating an understanding of nuances, history, and trends.**Preferred, but not required

Competencies:

      • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate ideas, actively listen, and convey information clearly and concisely to team members and partners.
      • Demonstrated capability to prioritise tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and allocate time efficiently to accomplish various responsibilities.
      • Ability to create and implement organised systems, workflows, or processes that streamline tasks and enhance productivity.
      • Initiative and problem solving skills within a team setting, offering innovative solutions and working towards consensus-driven outcomes.
      • Works collaboratively demonstrating a strong commitment to teamwork with the ability to build effective partnerships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external entities to foster on-going mutual respect and trust
      • Capacity to think critically and problem-solve effectively while under pressure, making timely decisions to ensure tasks are completed on time.
      • Capable of juggling multiple tasks without compromising quality, maintaining attention to detail across various simultaneous responsibilities.
      • Uses resources (intellectual, material, time, technological) in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
      • Competency in photo and video editing (Photoshop, Premier Pro and Illustrator)
      • Proficiency in social media applications to build brand presence and engagement

To apply for this role please submit a short cover letter outlining why you would be suitable for this role and a current resume via Bamboo.

While this role is one that requires specific skills and experience, we are encouraging people from all diverse groups who are interested in this position to put an application in, even if they’re not sure if they meet every single bit of the selection criteria.

For more information on this role, please feel free to contact Esti Zilber, Executive Producer Sounds Australia (ezilber@soundsaustralia.com.au)

Applications close: 8 January 2024

Sounds Australia Promotes Esti Zilber To Executive Producer

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Sounds Australia is pleased to announce that Esti Zilber will be promoted to the role of Executive Producer for the national music export body, following the news of Millie Millgate’s appointment as the inaugural Director of Music Australia.

Esti joined Sounds Australia in 2010 and has worked closely with Millie for over ten years to develop and deliver Sounds Australia’s program around the world. Her work with inbound buyers across Australia’s domestic music conferences has seen thousands of invaluable connections made between international industry and local artists and managers.

In 2021 and 2022, Esti managed Sounds Australia’s Export Stimulus Program, which saw $1.2 million distributed across three rounds to over 320 individuals. The targeted support assisted Australian artists, crew and music professionals to realise significant career-defining moments in global markets and earn much needed income after 18 months of cancelled work due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Esti has been such an integral part of the growth of Sounds Australia over the last 13 years and I’m truly excited for the future of the program knowing what a compassionate and formidable leader she will be. Sounds Australia is in extremely safe hands.” Millie Millgate

“It’s a privilege to follow in Millie’s footsteps, building on the pathways she has forged to deliver international success for many of our industry’s most recognisable exports. I look forward to embracing this next chapter in my career and leading the Sounds Australia team as we brace ourselves for the new frontiers in promoting Australia’s music globally.

“I am so proud of the incredible talent this country produces and am excited to be stepping up to ensure their stories continue to be amplified on the world’s stages and receive the commercial outcomes and accolades they so greatly deserve.” Esti Zilber

Esti will begin as Executive Producer from Monday 20 November 2023, with Sounds Australia commencing a recruitment process imminently.

 

APRA AMCOS Insights: Sounds Australia Export Masterclass

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

On Tuesday 7 November at 5:30pm AEDT Sounds Australia will be presenting a virtual version of our Export Masterclass, in partnership with APRA AMCOS.

In this webinar you’ll learn more about what we do, why we exist, and how you can use our showcases and networking events to further your international career. Plus, you’ll get advice on how to best prepare for showcasing internationally, as well as learning about all the funding opportunities available to you.

If you weren’t able to attend one of our export masterclasses in person this year then this one is for you. It’s free to attend but registration is essential.

APRA AMCOS Insights: Sounds Australia
Thursday November 7
Online
5:30pm – 7:00pm AEDT
Register here

Manager’s International Conference Contribution (MICC) continues for Round 2

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Sounds Australia, in partnership with The Association of Artist Managers (AAM), is thrilled to announce Round 2 of the Manager’s International Conference Contribution (MICC): ADE + WOMEX Edition 2023

This second 2023 edition of the MICC program follows Round 1, which centred around the Reeperbahn Festival, Germany this September, and will see 15 managers each receive $5000 AUD of funding support to attend the conference. MICC funding aims to help managers overcome the financial difficulties of getting to market and build important international export pathways for Australian artists.

This new MICC Round 2 will provide funding support for selected AAM manager members to attend either ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) – which takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands from Oct 18-22 – or WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) in Galicia, Spain from Oct 25-29.

Selected AAM artist manager members who wish to attend ADE or WOMEX – with or without a showcasing artist – will each receive $5000 AUD, to contribute to costs associated with their international activity at the event, including their flights, accommodation, ticketing or admission and other associated costs.

Centering around select key global music events like ADE or WOMEX, MICC is designed to ease the financial burden for selected artist manager funding recipients, so they have the capacity to undertake a reconnaissance trip, to build international industry networks, export in-roads and learn more about international markets, leveraging the activities, networking and professional development opportunities of ADE or WOMEX.

Please note that for this round of MICC funding, all artist managers will need to submit an EOI – regardless of whether or not they have a confirmed showcasing act performing at ADE and/or WOMEX, or have already purchased a delegate registration badge – if they wish to be considered for MICC funding. Only a limited number of applicants will be selected via the EOI process and all successful applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. Please ensure you have read the eligibility criteria and T&C’s on the program webpage before applying.

“‘Go before you show’ is a mantra the Sounds Australia team has been preaching for years – even more so during the last few weeks as we’ve presented our Export Masterclass in Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin and Brisbane. We truly appreciate though that this is easier said than done, especially with respect to the monetary commitment required. To help ease the burden and ensure Australian career managers have the chance to experience some of the world’s premier international conference events, we’re continuing to financially invest to firm up their attendance at both ADE and WOMEX this October.” – Millie Millgate, Executive Producer of Sounds Australia

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN, AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, MIDNIGHT AEST.
PLEASE VISIT AAM.ORG.AU/MICC2023ADEWOMEX FOR FULL INFORMATION INCLUDING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND t&cS.

ABOUT ADE
OCT 18 – 22
ADE – Amsterdam Dance Event – is the most upfront, influential and educational gathering for electronic music and its industry. With its conference, festival and educational breeding ground, ADE is able to create a solid foundation for future generations of electronic music professionals. The event attracts a total of more than 1,000 events in nearly 200 locations across its multidisciplinary program; for five days and nights, the city of Amsterdam truly breathes electronic music.

ABOUT WOMEX
OCT 25 – 29
WOMEX – Worldwide Music Expo – is the most international, culturally diverse music meeting in the world, and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts.
Over 2,600 professionals (including 260 performing artists) come together every October from 90 countries. Its diverse musical spectrum embraces folk, roots, jazz, local and diaspora cultures as much as urban and electronic sounds from all over the globe. WOMEX hosts 7 stages, around 700 exhibiting companies, 100+ speakers, films, an opening concert and an award ceremony across five packed networking days and rather short nights.

 

All That Matters 2023 Rebate Offer

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Established as the premier festival of its kind in Asia, All That Matters will bring the global Music, Sports, Gaming, Marketing, Digital Entertainment, Arts and Web3 industries together for its eighteenth year to debate and celebrate over 3 days of content and networking.

From 11 – 13 September 2023, All That Matters will return to the Hilton Singapore Orchard. Sounds Australia and Branded have partnered to offer Australian music industry professionals a unique discount on the cost of registration for All That Matters.

There are two steps to this discount:

1. PURCHASE YOUR DELEGATE PASS
Firstly, head to All That Matters website and select which delegate pass you’d like to purchase, using the SA code at checkout to receive the discounted rate.

VIP Pass – Full Price US$1299
SA Rate – US$799
SA Code: SAVIP23

Access to 3 days of LIVE content, networking platform, VIP parties of ATM2023 along with daily lunch served at the venue.

Conference Pass – Full Price US$649
SA Rate – US$399
SA Code: SACON23

Access to 3 days of LIVE content and networking platform. Limited numbers.

2. ADDITIONAL SOUNDS AUSTRALIA REBATE
Once you have purchased your All That Matters delegate pass, please email your receipt or evidence of purchase to Millie Millgate to receive an additional rebate on your pass.

 

Managers International Conference Contribution (MICC) Reeperbahn Festival Edition

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Sounds Australia & the Association of Artist Managers (AAM) are thrilled to announce MICC – the Manager’s International Conference Contribution.

The first ever MICC manager’s delegation will centre around Reeperbahn Festival 2023, taking place September 20-23, 2023. Held annually in Hamburg, Germany, Reeperbahn Festival is one of Europe’s premier music festivals and conference events for the discovery of new music from around the world.

MICC: Reeperbahn Festival Edition 2023 will see AAM member artist manager members who are attending Reeperbahn Festival with a showcasing artist automatically receive $5000 AUD, to contribute to costs associated with their international activity at the event.

In addition, EOI’s are now open to AAM member artist managers who wish to attend Reeperbahn Festival 2023 without a showcasing artist, using the event as a valuable reconnaissance opportunity to build international industry networks, export in-roads and learn more about the German market – each successful EOI applicant also receiving $5000 AUD. [Please note that only a limited number of applicants will be selected via the EOI process and all successful applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.]

“Earlier this year when announcing the AAM’s Manager of the Year Awards, I spoke of the essential role Australian managers play in our ecosystem and that more than ever they require direct support to sustain and build their careers. Sounds Australia are pleased to announce that following the release of the new National Cultural Policy by the Albanese Government and with it the commitment to recurrent and uplifted funding to the nations’ export initiative – our first targeted financial support has been earmarked for Australian artist managers to attend The Reeperbahn Festival and Conference in Hamburg.

“As the fourth biggest music market in the world, the opportunity to learn, network and grow vital connections in Germany will be extremely valuable for Australian Managers seeking to develop and maintain international careers for themselves and their artist clients.” – Millie Millgate, Executive Producer at Sounds Australia

We will once again host THE AUSSIE BBQ as part of this year’s festival, and the manager’s trade mission, led by the AAM’s Executive Director, Maggie Collins, will include networking and industry-specific activities and support for these AAM managers.

This year THE AUSSIE BBQ will showcase the talent of artists including Annie Hamilton, Bobby Alu, Gena Rose Bruce, Lime Cordiale, Telenova and more!

“In 2022, the AAM commissioned research that showed that each $1 invested in artist managers returns $19.94 to stakeholders; a Social Return On Investment that speaks to the pivotal role managers play in the music ecosystem. This figure shows how a well-supported, resourced, educated, and experienced manager will have much larger and long-lasting effects over multiple artists’ careers.

“if anyone understands this, and has witnessed it first-hand, it’s the team at Sounds Australia. Together, our organisations ultimately exist to do one thing; support those who are elevating Australian contemporary artists at a global level. The AAM and Sounds Australia have collaborated on many projects to achieve this, but none so forward-thinking and on-point as the first ever Manager’s International Conference Contribution – an initiative that provides direct financial and peer-to-peer support to assist managers who are attending global music events, as they develop and execute critical export strategies for their artists.

“This investment in Australian Managers today, will see a return for artists and the wider industry tomorrow; nearly 20 times over. We’re so excited!” – Maggie Collins, Executive Director at Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Australia

Applications are now open, and will close SUNDAY AUGUST 20, MIDNIGHT AEST.
Please visit AAM.ORG.AU/MICC2023 for full information including eligibility criteria.

THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage Returns To NYC This June

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and Sounds Australia are thrilled to present the return of THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage in Central Park, New York City on Saturday 17 June, in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

An unmissable mini-festival celebrating Australian music, THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage features iconic and rising acts ranging from pop, soul, alt-rock and cutting-edge hip hop. Now in its third year, the free event annually attracts thousands of New Yorkers keen to experience the breadth, diversity and history of Australian sounds.

This year’s lineup features 1300, Amy Shark, Budjerah, L-FRESH The LION, Peach PRC and Spiderbait.

Now in its third year, the event annually attracts thousands of New Yorkers keen to experience the breadth, diversity and history of Australian sounds. At the inaugural showcase in 2019, almost 5000 people came to THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage to see A.B. Original, Hermitude, The Teskey Brothers, Tkay Maidza, San Cisco and WAAX perform.

After a hiatus enforced by COVID lockdowns and international travel restrictions, THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage returned last year with a stellar lineup which featured Baker Boy, Electric Fields, G Flip, Haiku Hands, Peking Duk and You Am I.

2023 is set to be just as exciting for so many reasons. 1300, L-FRESH The LION and Peach PRC will all make their US debuts at THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage. It will be one of Amy Shark‘s first performances outside of Australia since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – and her stint as a judge on Australian Idol.

Having supported Vance Joy across the world in 2022, and fresh from supporting Ed Sheeran on his recent Australian tour, Budjerah has set himself up for a massive year. And with their cover of Ram Jam’s ‘Black Betty’ going viral on TikTok, many in New York will be thrilled for the long-awaited return of cult heroes Spiderbait.

“We are so excited to host THE AUSSIE BBQ at SummerStage once again this year. This key partnership allows us to support and showcase some of the best new artists from Australia, furthering our mission to bring the world to New Yorkers’ for free.” Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director, SummerStage

THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage is a free event, with gates opening at 4pm. Set times will be announced closer to the day. For more information on the artists showcasing, head to soundsaustralia.com.au/summerstage2023.