It's WAMFest season. That of course means the serious business of WAMCon, which provides essential networking and career-building opportunities as well as educational pathways for its attendees and delegates.
WAMCon features a comprehensive programme of in-conversation panels, practical masterclasses and workshops rich in real-world insights and informative advice.
International guests include Tommy Hefner from Ground Control Touring, Bri Aab from Secretly Canadian and Archie Hamilton from Prophecy Records XX, all of who are at the forefront of industry developments beyond our borders.
But all this doesn't just happen magically, it's the result of months and months of hard work from a dedicated team led by WAM Industry Development Officer / WAMCon Co-ordinator, Claire Hodgson.
Ahead of the conference, Claire offers us some insight into what's involved with programming an event like WAMCon as well as the lessons she's learnt along the way and what's in-store this year.
This is your sixth year programming WAMCon; how has the role evolved during that time?
When I started in 2014, the conference was very small and so was the budget. With such small margins to work with I had to really be creative about the event logistics from the venues to the staff to the marketing, and invest wisely in the industry reps we invited from elsewhere to speak.
It was a steep learning curve especially the first two years. But over time, we've been fortunate in that funding has grown for the event which means we can do more. In 2015, I moved the conference to the State Theatre Centre which really enhanced the prestige of the event, and our funding has continued to grow.
We're now at a point this year that we have 30-plus industry reps from across Australia and the globe flying in to talk to people, share their knowledge and hopefully do some deals with WA acts in the process.
As the person behind all the programming and co-ordinating for WAMCon, how do you approach the role so you don't freak-out at the magnitude of work involved?
I won't lie – the freak-outs are frequent haha! But I've found the trick is to not fight them, but instead use them as a signal that you need to take a break or to acknowledge certain problems that just need to be solved.
I also find looking after myself by eating right, exercising, getting a good night's sleep and meditating keeps me making better decisions and more focused which helps. Somehow, the conference always comes together so it's nice to remind yourself that it will all work out too.
What are a number of lessons you've learnt as programmer that you've installed for future WAMCons?
Time moves fast when you're busy, so anything you can get done before the high intensity few months in the lead-up, the better.
Also, the power of relationships. This gets talked about a lot in the industry, but it really rings true when programming. Building trust by working with someone who has a connection to a speaker you're trying to secure or meeting a speaker in person goes an extremely long way when it comes to convincing people to take part in your project.
One of this year's keynotes will be presented by music industry legend Fifa Riccobono; what will be the thrust of her presentation?
Yes, Fifa is a legend. She'll be sharing her story about how she went from secretary at Alberts to being the first female CEO in Australian music history, plus all of the legendary artists she worked with along the way (AC/DC, The Easy Beats, The Angels plus many more).
Fifa's been in the industry for 40-plus years and her insights into how things have changed over the years and where we're at now are guaranteed to be fascinating.
Fifi Riccobono
The conference this year has a greater focus on sustainability, community and creativity; what can delegates expect at WAMCon 2019?
Yes, these are such important areas of consideration. So this year we'll be featuring a panel on touring and producing events sustainably; we're asking people to bring water bottles and have a no-plastic-bottle rule for the speaker panels; the conference lanyards will be biodegradable; we're also tracking the carbon footprint post the event, with a view to become carbon neutral in the future and have carbon offset the speakers flights.
The creative community in Perth is already great, so the rest of the conference is just providing an easy and fun way to access the know-how they need to overcome roadblocks and take their careers to the next level.
Who are some of the industry figures you have speaking at the panels and presentations?
We've got Timmy Hefner (Ground Control Touring) who's a promoter/ booking agent based out of Austin, US; there's also Bri Aab (Secretly Canadian, US) who's head of radio promotions, plus some incredible managers: Ash Hills (UNIFED), Cath Haridy (Catherine Haridy Management) and Murray Curnow (Wildlife Entertainment) who manages Royal Blood and Perth acts Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie.
There's a big focus on our Asian neighbours with six promoters and festival organisers from across Asia here to scope WA bands including Laiq Qureshi (Urban Beat Project - IN), Cecilia Yi (Zandari - KOR), John Uy (Karpos MM - PH), Sammy Shirra-Moore (Music Matters - SNG), Dan Gordon (Now/Live - SNG) and Justin Sweeting (Clockenflap - HK).
There's a tonne of great WA artists who'll be speaking or performing at the conference including Stella Donnelly, Suzie Tualii (Hyclass), Elle Walsh (The Love Junkies), Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Nick Sheppard (The Clash), and so many more. Plus reps from radio, publishing, streaming, touring, music research and home grown festivals.
Justin Sweeting
For members of the music industry located on the east coast, why should they make the journey to WAMCon?
Essentially, WAMCon is the best time to get over to find out what's happening in the West music-wise and have a great time in the process.
WAMFest, which coincides with WAMCon, presents showcases with artists from Perth to regional and remote communities, and the quality of acts is consistently good. The conference itself receives a lot of great feedback from the east-coast attendees every year because the local music community is very welcoming and there's a really positive, community-minded music scene here.
Also did I mention we have a fully-catered party on a Paddle Steamer!? Nuf said [sic].
Tell us a bit more about one of the WAMCon events, Music Industry Speed Dating; what can delegates expect?
Basically, it's your chance to ask all of those questions you'd always wanted to ask to industry experts from across Australia and also the globe, who are more than happy to share their expertise to help progress your music career.
We have radio pitching sessions with Gemma Pike (triple j) and Dorothy Markek (Double J), plus over 150 meeting spots available to talk about everything from funding, getting signed to booking agencies, publishing, management, touring, international markets, streaming and you guessed it – so much more.
Dorothy Markek
Outside for your role at WAM, you present on RTRFM from time to time, member of Perth punk band The Shakeys and more recently a DJ; that is quite the collection of hats. When do you find time to sleep/ rest?
Yes it is quite a lot, you're right haha!
I make the most of the free time I have by spending quality time with the people I love, seeing great music and getting among nature as a way to refresh whenever possible. When you don't have much time, it forces you to choose how you use it wisely and not take it for granted. So I enjoy my free time more in a funny kinda way.
Obviously music is a massive part of your life; would you have it any other way?
Nope!
Anything else you'd like to add?
Local music rules! There's so much gold out there on any night of the week. Go spend $10 to see some emerging bands or producers – the artists will love you for it and it's always a good time.
