Author: Dom Alessio

Sounds Sessions: Touring The UK & Europe In A Pandemic

Posted on by Dom Alessio

With restrictions beginning to ease, borders starting to open, and more Australians looking to tour internationally, what can we learn from those who have already started travelling abroad?

On Wednesday December 8 at 9am AEDT, Sounds Australia in partnership with the Association of Artist Managers will present Touring the UK & Europe In A Pandemic. Moderated by Sounds Australia’s Dom Alessio, this virtual panel will feature speakers who’ve worked on 2021 UK & Europe tours for Amyl & The Sniffers, The Chemical Brothers and Passenger, as well as events such as Americanafest UK.

You’ll hear what it takes to put on a COVID safe and compliant tour, what it’s like being in the UK and Europe right now, and what you need to consider to start preparing for your own activity.

The panel will feature:
Ben Madden (Stage Manager, The Chemical Brothers)
Dan Medland (Artist Manager, Passenger)
Renae Brown (Festivals & Event Manager, Arby Projects)
Simone Ubaldi (Artist Manager, Amyl & The Sniffers)

It’s free to attend but registration is essential. You can do that via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sounds-sessions-touring-the-uk-and-europe-in-a-pandemic-tickets-212220937537

This session is also part of the AAM’s Right Here Right Now virtual management week program (December 6 – 10).

Applications Now Open For CLOSE UP at Folk Alliance International 2022

Posted on by Dom Alessio

The Folk Alliance International Conference, presented by Folk Alliance International, is the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community (crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions).

The 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference will be a hybrid event, with the virtual component taking place online from February 15-17.

As part of Sounds Australia’s commitment to Folk Alliance International, we will be hosting CLOSE UP, a two-hour virtual spotlight showcase featuring pre-recorded live performances from 12 Australian artists looking to connect with, and perform in front of, the international folk music industry, and further their export careers.

If you would like to apply for one of the limited Sounds Australia showcasing spots, please complete the following application and submit it by 5pm AEDT Wednesday 8 December 2021.

CLOSE UP APPLICATION FORM:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTN3Z8G

Please note that priority will be given to artists from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

If selected, you will need to provide all necessary publishing and label clearances for use of the song/s you wish to perform for the virtual showcase.

If you have any questions regarding the application or Folk Alliance International, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@soundsaustralia.com.au.

I Picked This: ARCA Desk Tape Series

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Each month Sounds Australia invites an Australian, or group of Australians, to curate a playlist for our I Picked This series. In November, we’re thrilled to have ARCA (the Australian Road Crew Association) create a playlist of live songs selected from their Desk Tape Series.

The ARCA Desk Tape Series, distributed through Black Box Records, is an initiative dedicated to the welfare of live production roadies and crew in Australia. Roadies have amassed a treasure trove of live recordings spanning more than 40 years and made ARCA their custodian. From international stars to iconic cult heroes, these tapes document the cultural significance of the Australian live music scene and serve as important historical records, requiring a release to ensure they may never be lost. 

The series was created to raise much needed funds for roadies and crew in crisis, with money from the sales and streams of these recordings providing financial, health and mental health services, as well as counselling to those who are the backbone of Australia’s live music sector.

20 live albums have so far been released via the ARCA Desk Tape Series. You can purchase the albums from the ARCA website.

You can listen loudly to ARCA’s I Picked This playlist on Apple Music, Deezer , Spotify and YouTube – and hear all the albums at the ARCA website via Black Box Records.

TRACKLIST:

The Models (Live at the Overlander Hotel 1980):
Whisper Through The Wall
The Other People Incident

Australian Crawl (Live at Billboard 1981):
Things Don’t Seem
Boys Light Up

Men At Work (Live in Christchurch 1982):
Down Under
It’s a Mistake

Crowded House (Live 92-94, Pt. 1):
Distant Sun
Don’t Dream It’s Over

Crowded House (Live 92-94, Pt. 2):
World Where You Live
When You Come

Doug Parkinson and the Southern Star Band (Live at Gobbles, Perth, 1979):
I’ll Be Around
Same Feeling Different Song

Wendy Matthews (Live at Bunnamah Estate ’94):
I Don’t Wanna Be With Nobody But You
Token Angels

Goanna (Live at The Canberra Workers Club, 1985):
Razor’s Edge
Solid Rock, Sacred Ground

Neil Finn (Solo at the Seymour Centre, 2010):
Message To My Girl
Something So Strong

Albert Lee & Vince Gill (Live at the Prince of Wales Hotel 1988):
Colder Than Winter
Tiger Rag

Dutch Tilders (Live at The Commune 1973):
That’s Alright Momma
Two Bob Head Blues

Redgum (Live in Melkweg, Amsterdam 1985):
I Was Only 19
I’ve Been To Bali Too

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons (Live at San Remo NYE 1976):
Dancin’ Shoes
The Honeydripper

Russell Morris and the Rubes (Live at the Palladium 1982):
Wings Of An Eagle
Hush

TISM (Live at the Corner Hotel 30 May 1988):
Mistah Eliot – He Wanker
Get Thee in my Behind, Satan

Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band (Live at Ormond Hall 2011):
My Canary Has Circles Under its Eyes
Your Feet’s Too Big

Jimmy and the Boys (Live at the Astra Hotel 1982):
In Hell With Your Mother
Chattanooga Choo Choo

Dave Tice and the Headhunters (Live at Yella Rock 1991):
Baby Please Don’t Go
Don’t Worry Baby, It’s Gonna Be Alright

The Party Boys (Live at the Tivoli Sydney 1987):
Hold Your Head Up
Roadhouse Blues

Ted Mulry Gang (Live at the Fairfield Hotel 1982):
Jump In My Car
Honky Tonk Women

I Picked This: ARCA Desk Tape Series

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Each month Sounds Australia invites an Australian, or group of Australians, to curate a playlist for our I Picked This series. In November, we’re thrilled to have ARCA (the Australian Road Crew Association) create a playlist of live songs selected from their Desk Tape Series.

The ARCA Desk Tape Series, distributed through Black Box Records, is an initiative dedicated to the welfare of live production roadies and crew in Australia. Roadies have amassed a treasure trove of live recordings spanning more than 40 years and made ARCA their custodian. From international stars to iconic cult heroes, these tapes document the cultural significance of the Australian live music scene and serve as important historical records, requiring a release to ensure they may never be lost. 

The series was created to raise much needed funds for roadies and crew in crisis, with money from the sales and streams of these recordings providing financial, health and mental health services, as well as counselling to those who are the backbone of Australia’s live music sector.

20 live albums have so far been released via the ARCA Desk Tape Series. You can purchase the albums from the ARCA website.

You can listen loudly to ARCA’s I Picked This playlist on Apple Music, Deezer , Spotify and YouTube – and hear all the albums at the ARCA website via Black Box Records.

TRACKLIST:

The Models (Live at the Overlander Hotel 1980):
Whisper Through The Wall
The Other People Incident

Australian Crawl (Live at Billboard 1981):
Things Don’t Seem
Boys Light Up

Men At Work (Live in Christchurch 1982):
Down Under
It’s a Mistake

Crowded House (Live 92-94, Pt. 1):
Distant Sun
Don’t Dream It’s Over

Crowded House (Live 92-94, Pt. 2):
World Where You Live
When You Come

Doug Parkinson and the Southern Star Band (Live at Gobbles, Perth, 1979):
I’ll Be Around
Same Feeling Different Song

Wendy Matthews (Live at Bunnamah Estate ’94):
I Don’t Wanna Be With Nobody But You
Token Angels

Goanna (Live at The Canberra Workers Club, 1985):
Razor’s Edge
Solid Rock, Sacred Ground

Neil Finn (Solo at the Seymour Centre, 2010):
Message To My Girl
Something So Strong

Albert Lee & Vince Gill (Live at the Prince of Wales Hotel 1988):
Colder Than Winter
Tiger Rag

Dutch Tilders (Live at The Commune 1973):
That’s Alright Momma
Two Bob Head Blues

Redgum (Live in Melkweg, Amsterdam 1985):
I Was Only 19
I’ve Been To Bali Too

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons (Live at San Remo NYE 1976):
Dancin’ Shoes
The Honeydripper

Russell Morris and the Rubes (Live at the Palladium 1982):
Wings Of An Eagle
Hush

TISM (Live at the Corner Hotel 30 May 1988):
Mistah Eliot – He Wanker
Get Thee in my Behind, Satan

Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band (Live at Ormond Hall 2011):
My Canary Has Circles Under its Eyes
Your Feet’s Too Big

Jimmy and the Boys (Live at the Astra Hotel 1982):
In Hell With Your Mother
Chattanooga Choo Choo

Dave Tice and the Headhunters (Live at Yella Rock 1991):
Baby Please Don’t Go
Don’t Worry Baby, It’s Gonna Be Alright

The Party Boys (Live at the Tivoli Sydney 1987):
Hold Your Head Up
Roadhouse Blues

Ted Mulry Gang (Live at the Fairfield Hotel 1982):
Jump In My Car
Honky Tonk Women

Sounds Sessions: Touring America In A Pandemic

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Since May, Sounds Australia has been working with Australian artists and industry to secure travel exemptions so they can restart their export careers.⁣
⁣
With lockdowns beginning to ease, borders starting to open, and more Australians looking to tour internationally, what can we learn from those who have already started?⁣
⁣
Our next Sounds Sessions panel, Touring America In A Pandemic, will take place virtually at 9am AEDT on Tuesday October 26. Moderated by Sounds Australia’s Dom Alessio, it will feature speakers who’ve worked on 2021 US tours for Tame Impala, Middle Kids, Courtney Barnett and Cloud Nothings.
⁣
You’ll hear what it takes to put on a COVID safe and compliant tour, what it’s like being in America right now, and what you need to consider to start preparing for your own US activity.⁣
⁣
The panel will feature:⁣
Alice Fraser (Production Coordinator, Tame Impala) ⁣
Jacob Snell (Manager, Monster Artist Management)⁣
Katie Besgrove (Manager, Look Out Kid)⁣
Pati Villegas (Covid Compliance Officer)
⁣
It’s free, but registration is essential:

Sounds Sessions: Touring America In A Pandemic

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Since May, Sounds Australia has been working with Australian artists and industry to secure travel exemptions so they can restart their export careers.⁣
⁣
With lockdowns beginning to ease, borders starting to open, and more Australians looking to tour internationally, what can we learn from those who have already started?⁣
⁣
Our next Sounds Sessions panel, Touring America In A Pandemic, will take place virtually at 9am AEDT on Tuesday October 26. Moderated by Sounds Australia’s Dom Alessio, it will feature speakers who’ve worked on 2021 US tours for Tame Impala, Middle Kids, Courtney Barnett and Cloud Nothings.
⁣
You’ll hear what it takes to put on a COVID safe and compliant tour, what it’s like being in America right now, and what you need to consider to start preparing for your own US activity.⁣
⁣
The panel will feature:⁣
Alice Fraser (Production Coordinator, Tame Impala) ⁣
Jacob Snell (Manager, Monster Artist Management)⁣
Katie Besgrove (Manager, Look Out Kid)⁣
Pati Villegas (Covid Compliance Officer)
⁣
It’s free, but registration is essential:

Country Connects 2021

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Sounds Australia is excited to partner with the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) and the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) for the first ever Country Connects online conference.

Taking place over 2 x two hour sessions from 9am-11am AEDT on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th October, the online program will feature experts from both countries sharing their insights into each market’s country music community.

Registration is $35 – or free if you’re a CMAA member.

Check out the full schedule for Country Connects and register at this link:
https://events.humanitix.com/country-connects

Program (Subject to change):

Tuesday 19th October:

9:00am – 10:00am AEDT – In Conversation:

Michael Chugg AM (Chugg Entertainment/Chugg Music, AUS) with Jim Cressman (Invictus Entertainment Group, CDA)

10:00am – 11:00am AEDT – Radio Panel featuring:

Amanda Kingsland (Rogers Radio, CDA)
Brianne Deslippe (Big Loud Records, CDA)
Frank Varrasso (Varrasso PR, AUS)
Justin Thomson (KIX Country Australia, AUS)
Tiffany Astle (penelopePR, CDA)

Wednesday 20th October:

9:00am – 10:00am AEDT – Touring Panel featuring:

Joel Baskin (The Feldman Agency, CDA)
Karen-Lee Herrmann-Smith (Entertainment Consulting, AUS)
Mark Duckworth (Groundwater Country Music Festival, AUS)
Ron Kitchener (RGK Entertainment/Open Road Recordings, CDA)
Steve White (Stephen White Management, AUS)

10:00am – 11:00am AEDT – In Conversation: 

Lindsay Ell (Recording Artist, CDA) with Jeremy Dylan (Potts Entertainment, AUS)

 

Country Connects 2021

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Sounds Australia is excited to partner with the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) and the CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) for the first ever Country Connects online conference.

Taking place over 2 x two hour sessions from 9am-11am AEDT on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th October, the online program will feature experts from both countries sharing their insights into each market’s country music community.

Registration is $35 – or free if you’re a CMAA member.

Check out the full schedule for Country Connects and register at this link:
https://events.humanitix.com/country-connects

Program (Subject to change):

Tuesday 19th October:

9:00am – 10:00am AEDT – In Conversation:

Michael Chugg AM (Chugg Entertainment/Chugg Music, AUS) with Jim Cressman (Invictus Entertainment Group, CDA)

10:00am – 11:00am AEDT – Radio Panel featuring:

Amanda Kingsland (Rogers Radio, CDA)
Brianne Deslippe (Big Loud Records, CDA)
Frank Varrasso (Varrasso PR, AUS)
Justin Thomson (KIX Country Australia, AUS)
Tiffany Astle (penelopePR, CDA)

Wednesday 20th October:

9:00am – 10:00am AEDT – Touring Panel featuring:

Joel Baskin (The Feldman Agency, CDA)
Karen-Lee Herrmann-Smith (Entertainment Consulting, AUS)
Mark Duckworth (Groundwater Country Music Festival, AUS)
Ron Kitchener (RGK Entertainment/Open Road Recordings, CDA)
Steve White (Stephen White Management, AUS)

10:00am – 11:00am AEDT – In Conversation: 

Lindsay Ell (Recording Artist, CDA) with Jeremy Dylan (Potts Entertainment, AUS)

 

Sounds Australia Announce Inaugural Recipients Of Export Stimulus Grant

Posted on by Dom Alessio

The first round of Sounds Australia’s Export Stimulus (SAES) package has been awarded to a diverse cross section of local music industry made up of artists, producers, songwriters, composers, managers and crew. The funds will support a broad range of international activity encompassing touring, song writing, producing, sound design and tour/technical support.

31 Applicants were awarded a collective total of AU $408,936.28

“With the support from this fund I will be able to continue my international travel over the next 12 months, allowing me to practice my craft as a professional mix-engineer. This funding is vital in assisting me to offset the high flight costs, quarantine requirements, and higher travel insurance premiums that have been a reality due to the on-going effects of COVID-19 Pandemic. The ability to continue my international touring work, with the support of the SAES program will mean my live sound engineering business has the first real opportunity to return to some form of regular work for nearly 18 months.” – Jared Daley

First announced in June at AIR Indie Con, with the support of Sounds Australia’s lead funding partners – APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, the Australia Council for the Arts and the Office for the Arts – the program has been designed to bolster Australia’s music export activity and assist the industry as they return to global stages and studios for the first time after an 18-month long absence.

Judged by an external panel of highly experienced assessors – Cameron Adams, Leanne de Souza, Paul Mason, Sam Cook and Sosefina Fuamoli – priority was always to be given for activity undertaken by established talent re-entering the international music market. These successful applicants will play a significant role in presenting Australia as an incomparable nation of sought after artists and skilled music industry professionals, and reignite foreign trade and income for broader Australian music businesses.

“We have been so heartened to discover the incredible amount of international activity slated for Australians as the world reopens. It’s very clear that Australian artists and crew are still in high demand and we are pleased to be able to assist in just a small way with the SAES Program. The calibre and quantity of submissions forces me to defer to the cliche of unfunded excellence, however there is no question that is the situation our judges faced.” – Millie Millgate, Executive Producer, Sounds Australia

The next round of funding will open on the 10th January 2022 for activity taking place from 1st March. Guidelines, criteria and further details can be found on Sounds Australia’s website.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR SAES ROUND 1 can be found  HERE  

 

 

Sounds Australia Announce Inaugural Recipients Of Export Stimulus Grant

Posted on by Dom Alessio

The first round of Sounds Australia’s Export Stimulus (SAES) package has been awarded to a diverse cross section of local music industry made up of artists, producers, songwriters, composers, managers and crew. The funds will support a broad range of international activity encompassing touring, song writing, producing, sound design and tour/technical support.

31 Applicants were awarded a collective total of AU $408,936.28

“With the support from this fund I will be able to continue my international travel over the next 12 months, allowing me to practice my craft as a professional mix-engineer. This funding is vital in assisting me to offset the high flight costs, quarantine requirements, and higher travel insurance premiums that have been a reality due to the on-going effects of COVID-19 Pandemic. The ability to continue my international touring work, with the support of the SAES program will mean my live sound engineering business has the first real opportunity to return to some form of regular work for nearly 18 months.” – Jared Daley

First announced in June at AIR Indie Con, with the support of Sounds Australia’s lead funding partners – APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, the Australia Council for the Arts and the Office for the Arts – the program has been designed to bolster Australia’s music export activity and assist the industry as they return to global stages and studios for the first time after an 18-month long absence.

Judged by an external panel of highly experienced assessors – Cameron Adams, Leanne de Souza, Paul Mason, Sam Cook and Sosefina Fuamoli – priority was always to be given for activity undertaken by established talent re-entering the international music market. These successful applicants will play a significant role in presenting Australia as an incomparable nation of sought after artists and skilled music industry professionals, and reignite foreign trade and income for broader Australian music businesses.

“We have been so heartened to discover the incredible amount of international activity slated for Australians as the world reopens. It’s very clear that Australian artists and crew are still in high demand and we are pleased to be able to assist in just a small way with the SAES Program. The calibre and quantity of submissions forces me to defer to the cliche of unfunded excellence, however there is no question that is the situation our judges faced.” – Millie Millgate, Executive Producer, Sounds Australia

The next round of funding will open on the 10th January 2022 for activity taking place from 1st March. Guidelines, criteria and further details can be found on Sounds Australia’s website.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR SAES ROUND 1 can be found  HERE