Tim Blunt is a trans, non-binary songwriter and producer, and the frontperson of Sydney-based band FVNERAL.
Tim is one of the many speakers who'll attend BIGSOUND 2024 in Brisbane; this year's conference will reflect on the ongoing disruptions within the music industry, providing a platform for innovative conversations and creative breakthroughs.FVNERAL have garnered critical acclaim both at home and abroad, no surprise given Tim's body of work includes the likes of Stand Atlantic, Mokita, KiNG MALA, Birds of Tokyo and everyone in between.
Tim is deeply passionate about advocating for their community and last year co-founded TRANSGENRE – an initiative celebrating trans and non-binary voices in Australian music – which launched with a sold-out festival, the first ever in Australia to feature an entirely gender non-conforming line-up.
What do you do and why do you love it?
I'm a songwriter and producer, as well as the frontperson of Sydney-based band FVNERAL.
I love being able to work with some of my favourite artists to help bring their ideas to life, across a vast range of genres and sonic spaces. I'm also the co-founder and co-director of TRANSGENRE, which gives me the privilege of advocating for my trans and gender nonconforming community.
Why should people in the music industry attend BIGSOUND?
BIGSOUND is a better opportunity than any to connect with your industry peers and to grow the community around you.
What are the rewarding aspects of working in the Australian music sector?
Since launching TRANSGENRE, I've found it incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to provide a platform for the best and brightest trans voices in Australian music, and to advocate for the wider industry to start paying adequate attention to the wealth of largely untapped talent of our community.
How vibrant is the local scene compared to other parts of the world?
I've always believed that Australian artists do so much heavy lifting – just think of how many beloved artists around the world are Australian exports – so I'd say the local scene is super vibrant.
On an even more granular level, I'd say the same applies to my local scene of Eora/ Sydney, with so many amazing artists creating beautiful work, despite ever fewer and fewer venues around for them to cut their teeth playing in.
What are a couple of challenges currently facing independent artists in Australia?
It's news to nobody that the cost of living crisis is hitting independent artists pretty hard. So I'd say there's definitely a significant amount of socio-economic wealth required for an independent artist to stick it out long enough to build a fan base big enough for their project to be sustainable.
Again, and I can only speak to my personal experience but building TRANSGENRE was a direct response to a challenge that my community faces, in the horrifically low amount of tastemakers that are creating genuine avenues for trans and queer artists.
I find myself puzzled by how hard we've got to push to start a discussion with those who've got the keys to the kingdom, let alone get them onboard with creating tangible opportunities for my community.
Tim Blunt speaks as part of BIGSOUND panel (Brisbane) Nine Time Five on 4 September.
