Fifty representatives of Australia’s Aboriginal Music Industry recently spent three days in Melbourne thrashing out all the issues of Indigenous music.
It was a kind of modern day gathering that will be remembered for many years to come and one that will always be in the memories of those who were there.
All states and Territories were represented and a huge range of issues were covered including;
• The challenges of contemporary Indigenous music makes
• Indigenous music in the future
• Planning your success in the music business
• Recording opportunities
• Touring
• Using the media
• Multimedia
• Developing an Indigenous music network
• Developing partnerships in the commercial music industry
• Mowtown music
• Distribution
The conference was co-ordinated by Songlines Music in conjunction with the Australia Council and the Big Notes Committee.
Every type of Indigenous music was represented. Some included Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Frank Yamma, Leroy Cummins, Grant Hansen, Vic Simms, Brenda Webb, Paul Archee, The Pigram Brothers, Tribal Link, Uncle Jimmy Little and Aunty Rita Mills.
Key people from the music industry also presented workshops. These people included Jacqui Geica, Rob Barnham (Christine Anu’s manager), Kevin Jacobson, Col Joy, Barry Chapman (ex Mi-Sex), Marianna Annas (NIAA), Julie Hickson (Kev Carmody’s manager) and Jill Sheldon (Tiddas’s manager).
Every session gave deep insight into the music industry and challenged our views on music and our place in the music Industry.
One big outcome of the conference was the agreement of the need of a national Aboriginal music liaison officer to oversee the development of Aboriginal music in all States & Territories.
To all those who attended, keep working on the development of Aboriginal music in Australia.
Comments are closed.