Mixtape Madness

On the 26th of November Cortext and myself held a Mixtape Launch at Harry's Bar in Northbridge. This event was the first I had ever worked on from start to finish, a process I found very rewarding but at the same time exhausting and stressful. The role of being a promotor I found easy in one aspect as I believe in the musicians that the show was for. Down South Crew and Omac and Wish have both produced exceptional releases and to be part of this night was not just a learning curve but also a privileged to play a small part in their continuous success.

The event showcased new releases from upcoming Perth hip hop act ‘Down South Crew’ with their debut offering from Denmark, Western Australia which featured collaborations with over thirty of Perth’s nicest on their Ill Recognise Ill mixtape.  ‘Role Models’ from Beechboro ballers ‘Omac & Wish’ delivered their own brand of high energy homegrown hip hop to rupture the punter's craniums.  The support lineup included BYP, Complete and Paulie P which reflected some of our cities most prolific and innovative talent, the night was surely one for the local hip hop history books.

Cortext and I as the promoters for the event had to look after all aspects for the evening which included

• Contracts
• Sponsorship
• Administration
• Production
• Marketing

Through this process I gained knowledge on the advantages and dis-advantages of different Perth venues, built contacts up with local street press including Xpress and the VERY helpful Aaron Rutter at Drum and gained sponsorship through DIME and Captain Of The Ship. I realized through the weeks leading up to the event how important planning and timing is to an event and the more time and effort you put into the process the less chance you have to fuck it up.

The Launch was a huge success we had 180 payers through the door and a 50 person door list. In addition we had another 40 people in the venue due to it's locals and a hen's night that was also taking place in the same venue at the time. 

Omac and Wish - Role Models Link

Normally the highlight of the evening for me is a track or something hilarious that went down but honestly the best part of the evening was being able to pay everyone involved including all the inspiring acts, the merch person and the sound technician.

Thank you to everyone involved.. Down South Crew ( Cortext and Aero D ) Omac and Wish it was awesome working with you on this project. Our top shelf support acts Paulie P, BYP and Complete. All the guest artist that jumped up a spat a verse or two, the talented DJ's (Defyre, L-Street, Jamu, Hykus) and Yaegar for looking after all the sound arrangements on the night. The night would not have come together without the support from CMIT, DIME, Captain Of The Ship, Paul and all the awesome staff at Harry's Bar. To Chloe and Anton for being the best merch peeps ever and all my supportive friends and family who came along.

Sterosonic 2011

Perth came through with its fine fine weather as it never seems to let us down when showcasing out lovely city off to many of the European acts that were part of the touring entourage which included 4 times world best DJ Armin Van Buuren, LMFAO (with all 28 of their touring party )Afrojack, The Bloody Beetroots and PNAU to name a few.

My job for the day was meeting and greeting artist, registration and ensuring all their needs were met. The team from Sunset Events were organized and ready to roll from 10am. The few hours were pretty hectic but there were a few times through out the day Mike (another hip-hop enthusiast and Music Business Diploma student at CMIT) got to escape and go check out some acts. Lucy Love. That was it for me. Lucy Love is a Danish lyrical genius and her live show, stage presence was so freaking amazing. It honestly blew all me expectation out the window, out the door, and through the floor. Below is a clip from an appearance she made on Danish National TV as unfortunately I have been unable to find any live footage from her Australia shows as of yet.

Later in the evening Mike and myself checked out Casper and MC Dynamite. It was going off to say the least. The sun had nearly set but there was still enough light to see everyone moving every limb possible.  Looking into the crowd of thousands Mike and myself imagined one day, one day this snippet of a dream could be reality. Coming into the music industry I felt mixed feelings about work after I had completed my studies. Over duration of four years was I actually going to get a job title or make a career out of it? Was there going to be a job position for me in the industry? Is there enough room for me in an industry, which in some case seems to be disappearing with the GFR and the deterring record sales where do I fit in? After attending Sterosonic, a festival on such a huge scale I have no more concerns. I am a hard a worker and I are going to continue to be committed to the growth of my local and national music scene.

Skills and Knowledge

What specific industry skills and knowledge do you want to develop through training over the semester ?
During the semester I have learnt to do a wide range tasks through a range of various systems and processes to demonstrate the best ways of achieving goals and the most efficient and professional ways to deliver information and get noticed. Below I have listed just some of the skills I learnt whilst in class

• Produce a press release
• Format a budget
• Time manage a team and myself
• Write contracts for all parties in the music industry
• Research Synchronization opportunities
• Branding of a business

Whilst being enrolled in CMIT Music Business in Semester 2 I was also giving the many opportunities some of these include

• attending Big Sound 2011 in Brisbane
• Interning for a Music Journalist in Perth
• Working back stage at Sterosonic 2011 Perth
• Landing a Menotorship with Elepfant Traks for 2012 in Sydney

I feel that if it was not for the advice, networking tips and time that my lectures put into the class many of these opportunities many never have arisen.

Future Education. Hopes and Dreams and Everything In between.

I have some how made it through 2011 and the final week of study before summer break has brought upon me thoughts of my goals and opportunity for future education. I have enrolled in The Diploma Coarse for 2012 at CMIT Leederville Campus in Music Business. Another year of being a broke-arse student living on a diet of instant coffee and Migoreing I am hoping that 2012 will bring smarter choices and wiser distribution of my time and efforts. The Summer timimg also brings into play my two projects for the warmer months. The first being my zine 'Silent Syntax' which will hopefully help to record and document the Western Australian Hip-Hop Scene in 2011 and the second a mixtape distribution strategy to deliver Western Australian hip-hop to the Kimberly Region. 

Heading into 2012 I will also start my application plan for The Seed. I am at full understanding that the opportunity to be part of The Seed is a privilege and some may say I am not ready for this movement at the beginning of my career. I feel since I have come into the industry I have displayed dedication and commitment for the industry which I am part of and the music community in which want to help develop. Over the coming years I want to learn the skills to give the artist and musicians around me the best possible chance of getting their music recorded, produced, loved and admired by this I want to obtain all the information, experiences and positive energy of the experienced peers in the industry.

Inspiring Me

2011 has introduced me to many people but there are a few in the music industry in particular who have had a real impact on me. Since leaving the mining industry and being part of the Western Australian music community I feel I have learnt some very valauble lssons and witnessed some very inspiring experiences.  It's thanks to some of these characters for giving me a little or a lot of their time.

The first is my Music Business Lecture and Coarse Coordinator at Central TAFE Leederville, Scott Adam. Scott has not only designed an excellent coarse for students to take part in but has offered his personnel experience as examples of lessons that can be learnt without doing things the hard way and fucking up yourself. Watching a man being so honestly excited and enthusastic about his latest project 'Ruby Boots' displays that after years in the entertainment industry it certainly doesn't get old.  Scott has provided me with some excellent advice which included attending Big Sound in 2011 where I feel I absorbed so much information, tips and ideas that I didn't know where to even start when I returned to Perth. He has also relayed the cold hard truths of the Music Business and watched many of us in the class fall apart at times but also offered support and assistance when required. Below is a first single of the Ruby Boots debut EP 'Sleeping Alone' which I freaking love !

Education Through Music

Two weeks ago I was introduced to the music of a political activist of English and Iraqi descent Lowkey by fellow class member Cortext. At first I didn't really think much of him but after listening to the lyrics in the 2011 release 'Terrorist' I was sold. Lowkey is an educator, his delivery has captured me and my thoughts. I have found myself exploring and researching topics which he mentions in his music whilst listening to it when I should be concentrating on completing assignments.

Late last night I had a pleasant conversation with a friend of mine, he relayed to me the situation that was happening in Egypt and expressed to me that he had serious concern for a good friend that was a journalist and who had been posting live on Twitter the situation in Tahrir. That was the beginning and the end of my study plan for the evening. I always had knowledge of our media being censored but after watching the broadcast from BBC compared to the live tweets, images and movies being uploaded on to Youtube the truth was obvious and so so heartbreaking of the events happening in Egypt.

With the the online delivery of the news in Egypt as it happened and the education through honest lyrics last night I felt part of a dysfunctional world but also felt relieved that there are artist such as Lowkey and Dead Prez that have the opportunity to share and create a awareness on an international level through there rhymes and do so. The point I am trying to make is that I feel there is the need for artist to deliver education through music and especially through hip-hop to ears that want to hear. 

The Mountain Goats - This Year

This time last week I was feeling unmotivated, dis-heartened and unenthusiastic about where I was at and what the coming years held. I had spent all weekend working at the cafe and at my Nana's house so I could find some peace and quite to concentrate on my assignments, many which are now over due. I found support in The Mountain Goat's track This Year. I posted it on my Facebook page as I have found it is the easiest way to replay a song that you want to listen to 30 times on repeat that you done have in your own itunes. After posting the song Archie, a Perth MC who I have met through hip-hop gig through out the year, posted a link to his Soundcloud where he had sampled This Year. I found solace in someone else connecting with this track. "If Archie was going to be okay, if Archie could make it through this year and it hadn't killed him then I was going to be okay"

"untitled" by Lindy Lavers

And I run, bare foot, treading heavily on to the cool damp sand under foot. Crushing shells as I go, running madly, running wildly, running blindly, running unhaltingly to find the junction between land and the sea.

On a evening, the ordination begins. The sky is dressed is dressed in a gown of purple and crimson huen cloth. Edged about with gold and stitched with the silver rays of the moon. It is draped before a backdrop of screaming orange, yellow ochre and raging red.

The night as it takes its dominion pays tribute to the day with turquoise streamers and the hues of the oceans shallows and depths. When finally, its crown the moon is presented wearing a cape of darken silk, sequenced with stars.

I am seduced, transfixed. Standing still now, facing outward towards the horizon, which takes a long stretch. Confident in its longevity draws a line between the seen and not seen, between the knowing and the longing for.

The wind raises its salty, raspy voice exhausting its self above the baritone swells that bellow in unfaultingly. The sopranos of the sea, the gulls that scream and scavenge can be heard overhead somewhere in the distance.

I trace the path, pearlized by the moons glow out onto and into the Indian Ocean. I take the first of many deep breathes. sucking in the oceans saltiness. I watch as my chest rises and falls to the rhythm of the oceans coming and going.

My ocean of so many childhood memories now teases my toes, warm kisses and cold caresses. Lieghton bridge, the cross over is where i left my heart...

Written by Lindy Lavers.

The Future of Radio

Facilitator Kellie Riordan (ABC Radio)

Speakers: Mike Walsh, XFM, UK / Jen Long , BBC, UK / Kathleen Hore, Secret Services Public Relations, AUS /Heather Badower, BFM Digital, USA/ Tim Janes Co- Operative, AUS / Chris Johnson AMRAP, AUS.

“Is radio still the Holy Grail when it comes to promoting your music and how differently are we going to be in 5 years time?” is the question that was posed to the panel at The Future of Radio. The speakers pulled apart the question and answered by sharing fresh concepts, exciting technology highs and music industry future lows, stories and tales from their careers and honest and heartfelt opinions on the topic. I was not familiar with any of the speakers, accept Kellie Riordan, on the panel but the mix of occupational titles and experience, age, and country of work was pulled together for an honest and entertaining discussing. Jen Long is a BBC 1 presenter, artist’s manager, writer ( for Clash & NME UK) promoter and DJ. Oh and she’s hilarious too! Her passion for the industry is pure, she was a delight to have a a positive panelist in the group. Chris Johnson, of AMRAP, presented the official launch of AirNet.

AirNet is a new online service which promotes community radio airplay on the Internet which compiles music videos, images, info links to radio playlists that are then showcased on stations websites and social networks. Airnet also captures community radio airplay.

 Link: http://www.amrap.com.au/index.html

These are my notes on The Future of Radio Panel…

On Community Radio…

•       Community radio stations care about their listeners and they care about what they play.
•      Listeners connect and believe in what there presenters feed to them
•       Community Radios stations give a story to each track they play whether it is from a certain year, sport, gig, where they found the track. Not very often will the play tracks with out connection information.
•       Super Listeners = Super Fans
•       In the gaps of Commercial radio, when commercial radio is not the solution
•       Big need for new material especially punk and hardcore

 On Apps…

• Offer Multi Platforms
• Instantly tractable
• Demographically grabs information
• Apps to check out: Parkway drive alarm app.
• If you are to release an app - do it well nor don’t do it at all

Taste Makers

·      Once were only radio presenters. They are not just radio presenters but taking more control are blog writers, independent labels, artists that socially network, or anyone in your community whether that be locally or online who shares with you or a group of people you share with.

·      Taste makers are going to play a very big part in music with more digital radio shows being created with out on air presenters, people need someone to follow = Tribes.

Triple J is a trusted brand for new music, it is a filtering service.

Social networking – online really works when there is a push pull effect, give the fans something back, make the feel included, make them feel there are part of you and you need them

Companies to Research : Pandora, Spotify, Turntable FM, Fun Cotton, Spy Catcher, Neon Gold

To think about: Tribes. Apps. Taste Makers. Tenacity. Streaming future.  Supply different mediums.

What will digital radio look like in 5 years?

Mike answers: It will look amazing

AMRAP

We are gradually catching up with technology and with the establishments of new programs such as Amrap music we are able to track listeners, record tracks that are being played with an online on a catalogue for each community radio station and offers

AAM Presents - Music Management Panel

Facilitator Catherine Haridy AAM/Catherine Haridy MGT, AUS

Speakers: Brain Winton, Foundations Management Group, USA / Jodie Regan, Spinning Top Music, AUS / Will Larnach-Jones, Parallel Management, AUS / Phillip Stevens, Jarrah Records, Phillip Stevens Mgt, AUS / Briese Abbott, Spark & Opus, AUS

The Music Management Panel was informative as much as it was inspiring.  The mix of American, Australian and West Australian, speakers some that I am very fond of and a few I had never heard of previously, set a new fire within. Their personal experiences and stories reassured me that I am ment to be in the music industry. My determination, commitment and passion for the industry will continue to burn and brightly I assure you. I feel so honored to be taught the skills and acquire the connections to assist and support artists in both my geographic community of Perth and Hip-Hop community of Australia. These are my notes…

On managing...

• Many acts “stumble forward” the ones that step back, re-asses their situation, are the ones that continue to move forward.
• Follow your gut, follow your instinct.
•  Managing is isolating if you are not in a firm/shared office. Don’t be afraid to talk to other managers/like minded people.
• Keep perspective.
• Phillip Stevens “ follow the vibe, always underplay. At some point you have to say to yourself, this is our time, let’s go” “ I have found myself time and time again pressing too many CDs”
• When on that high “ remember how it felt then, how it will feel in the present”
• MENTORS… Let them help you, they are the pioneers in the industry
•  Learn to say “No” When opportunity arises think… Is this is what is best for the act? At this time? At this price? With these people?
• GOOD ONLINE traction
• Forward planning in a must. Create realistic goals, create dream goals. 6month, 12month, 2year, 5year goals and timelines.

On Artist - Manager – Label Relations...

• Selectivity: not every option advised by the label is the best
• For full productivity the engagement with the label needs to be enthusiastic. It needs to be healthy to promote growth in all parties
• The artist constantly needs to be moving forward with the support of the label

On Blogs…

• Most Australia blogs are shit
•  Australians don’t make the most of online platforms
• Australia has no strong editorial voice

Something to settle on...

• Never travel on the same day as your gig
•  Just because it is your birthday doesn’t mean you don’t have to perform
•  Follow your gut, especially when it comes to artwork
• Mistakes are made a lot in the beginning by agreeing without understanding

Companies to Research: Redline Management, Frontline Management, Control Workshop, Pitchfork

My Big Plan

I live in the most isolated city in the world, Perth. We have famously provided Australia and the world with a rich vein of musical talent, but now I am seeing some of that talent miss out on fantastic opportunities. Artists from here are constantly being skipped over for support slots for national and international tours, and I want to create a network of contacts that will make this process achievable for the very talented characters that make my sleepy little death toll town amazing!


My Big Plan:
http://www.planbig.com.au/international-exposure-for-wa-musicians#details

Forming

The Concept

Venue: Double Lucky

Date:  November

Name of Event:  Friends With Benefits

Concept: Acoustic Hip Hop showcase night

Price: $5

Genre: Hip hop, Rnb, Funk, Jazz

The Management Positions

Max: Marketing Manager

Saffy Saf: Booking Manager

Sean: Production Manager

Me: Administration Manager

"One Ocean. One Climate. One Future"

Venue: Ocean One

Booking Manager: Chris Hilton

Address: 1 Manning Street, Scarborough

Phone Number: (08) 9245 5353

Website: No site

Services to the Public: Chilled out beach bar. Wednesday nights Brazilian night, Thursday night acoustic singing comp. Fri/Sat/Sun cover bands.

Services to the Artist: Sound Tech is not provided at Ocean One. Some bands have had problems in the past and suggest you supply your own sound tech. Awesome walk in exposure 

Capacity: 100

18 Month Goals

What are your planned career goals for the music industry ?
I have a a huge passion for helping people, travel and music. Ideally I would like to combine these three traits to create my dream job even though I don't know exactly know what the title of this is yet. I do know that want to play a vital part in the support and exploration of new and young artist.

Below I have listed goals I would like to fulfill in the next 18 months:

• Attend South by South West 2012 and establish new contacts national and internationally 
• Use community support and networks to make the trip to SXSW to its full potential.
• Write a successful grant application
• Put on a successful TAFE assessment event 'Friends with Benefits'
• Participate in an Internship with an established business such as Modular, Elephant Traks, Illusive, Obese Records etc.
• Pass Cert 4 in Music Business 
• Complete an application for the The Seed

The goals listed above are achievable and I am already making the steps towards making these dreams a reality. Below I have listed links that have assisted me so far: 

SXSW website: http://sxsw.com/music

Propel Perth: http://www.propel.org.au/

JUMP Mentoring: http://www.jumpmentoring.com.au

WAMI: http://www.wam.asn.au/

Apps.

What technology and trends interest you in the relation to the music industry ?

Apple technology is ingenious, ever changing and growing becoming more dynamic and up to date. At the beginning of the year I was introduced to an application on my iphone called The Thousands. The Thousands is an information source for shops, scenes, events, things to do and not do, targeted at the “hipster” in all of us. The idea is around the postcodes of Australia (Perth being 6*** is other wise known as The Six Thousands.) I found this App handy whilst living in Melbourne, with so much going on it gave me access to information on event I would not have found out about if I had not lived in Victoria for a descent period of time.

The Site: http://thethousands.com.au/perth/

The App: http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-thousands-city-guides/id388602918?mt=8

Cassius , the French Pop/Dance Duo, released a single last year "I love you so" The music video for the track was very simple but very effective and fun.  Based on and around an App of a mouth singing the words of the track by different people. It become a hilarious pass time for my girlfriends though being very gigmicy. I thought it was very clever because the App is only down loadable off the duo’s website ( see link below ) Not your iPhone. So to get it, even though it’s a pain in the arse, you must jump on your computer, log into your itunes store and access it that way, this way the bands is able to get more demographical information on their followers. Sneaky and smart !!

The Clip :

The App: http://www.edbangerrecords.com/cassius/

"Good People Good Music"

Venue: The Bird

Booking Manager:

Address: 181 William Street, Northbridge.

Website:http://williamstreetbird.com/

Genre/Charisma: Hipster Kids. Original Music.

Services to the Public: Open 7 days a week. Beer Garden. Beer Garden/Smoking Area

Services to the Artist: Bar Card $30, Exposure to walk-ins

Capacity:150 + Guests

Blogs

What technology and trends interest you in the relation to the music industry ? 
I have always been a big fan/time waster of the World Wide Web. Over the years I have spent countless hours listening to artist whilst reading their profiles, reviews and fan pages. In recent years the quality of online blogs, magazines and forums have become more factual, accessible to share and up to date. Some of my favourite blogs are:

http://allaussiehiphop.com/

http://peakstreet.com/

http://www.hyclassgetcash.blogspot.com/

http://earstothegroundofperth.blogspot.com/

At That Point I Enrolled In This Cert 4 Music Business

So here we go, I have been in Mining industry on and off for the last 4 years as a Rigger and Trade Assistant for Boiler Makers and Fitters, previous to that I did a traineeship as a Florist in East Fremantle where I won Western Australia Rising Star Award in 2007 and had my wedding work published in Australian Wedding Magazine for two consecutive years. Last year I moved to melbourne where I realised I wanted "in" into the the music industry. I felt that being a punter was not enough. Over my working years I have not saved a deposit for a house, I have not purchased a car or travelled the world. I have flown myself to and from the West Coast to the East to watch music of many genres being performed and shouted many friends along the way. Whilst in Melbourne I met many inspiring and uninspiring people which had me thinking two very different thoughts "If I believe in me and they believe in me I can do this" and "If they can do this, I can do it better" At that point I enrolled in to the Certificate 4 in Music Business.

My earliest recollections of music is travelling in the passenger seat to my Nanas house in Perth from Wooraloo with my Mum, who was a single parent, driving.  Mum at this stage was a Skyhooks, Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stephens fan but most of all she loved The Divinyls and adored Christina Amphlett.   With that came author Louise Hay and her books and "love yourself" quotes blue tacked around the house in obscure places, such as above light switches and on the back of the toilet door, the two seemed to go hand in hand with each other. I have never really understood why you need inspiration quotes whilst your on the toilet but thats my Mum for you. I'm not saying I did not get my sing-alongs in the car either but as a 5 year old was it that appropriate to be singing " I don't want anybody else, when I think about you I touch myself" so Mum and I had a Sound of Music/ The Jungle Book compromise.

These days my focus is mainly on Hip-Hop. More particular the Australian Hip Hop Genre. I love how weekly I can watch, listen and participate in the sound being formed, a community growing from each others achievements and contributing to the success of the scene and its ever evolving artists.