WAMCon 2018 makes a big splash today, revealing the conference’s epic first wave of industry speakers, sessions and events.
FIRST 7 WAMCON SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
Today we reveal the first 7 of the 30+ music industry professionals set to wash up on WAMCon shores this November, including our first international speaker Jesse Elliott (US) who joins us all the way from Fort Collins, Colorado, US, where he heads up The Music District – a dynamic gathering hub, workspace, and creative playground for the Northern Colorado music community.
Jesse joins a stack of Aussie industry powerhouses, including producer, mixer and engineer, Anna Laverty (VIC); General manager at Chugg Entertainment, Susan Heymann (NSW); Director of Footstomp Music and music business all-star, Graham Ashton (QLD); Program co-director of Girls Rock! Melbourne, Shannon Driscoll (VIC); Bandcamp label ambassador, label owner, booker and manager, Will Evans (VIC); And creative coordinator at Propel Youth Arts WA, Zal Kanga-Parabia (WA).
Anna Laverty – Producer, Mixer, Engineer, Anna Laverty (VIC)
Graham Ashton – Director, Footstomp Music / Bookings, Marketing & Publicity, The Triffid / Manager, Busby Marou, Colin Lillie, Eden Mulholland, Tia Gostelow / Booker, Kilcoy & Village Festivals / Publicist, Nettwerk & Nonesuch Records (QLD)
Jesse Elliott – Director, The Music District / Performer, These United States, Arc Life – Fort Collins, Colorado (US)
Shannon Driscoll – Program Co-Director, Girls Rock! Melbourne / Performer, The Beat Taboo, Juliette Seizure & the Tremor-Dolls, The Reprobettes, Powerline Sneakers (VIC)
Susan Heymann – General Manager, Chugg Entertainment (NSW)
Will Evans – Label Ambassador, Bandcamp Australia & New Zealand / Label Owner, Neat Lawn / Booker, Night Cat / Manager, Midlife (VIC)
Zal Kanga-Parabia – Performer, Ru / Creative Coordinator, Propel Youth Arts WA / Youth Award Finalist, Western Australian of the Year 2018
FIRST PANELS, MASTERCLASSES, AND EVENTS REVEALED
WAMCon ticket holders will again gain access to a sea of career breaking opportunities, with this year’s full program promising a mix of conversation-fuelling panels spearheaded by industry experts that unravel what it means to work in music in 2018 and beyond, and practical masterclasses, providing real-world insight and straightforward advice to help you navigate industry waters and carve out a successful career in music.
Treating the Creative Process with the Reverence it Deserves
Headed up by Graham Ashton – director Footstomp Music, booker, life-long music lover, and experienced industry all-rounder – this panel will unpack how to manage your creative process respectfully as a musician and songwriter.
Music Publicity Masterclass
Facilitated by WAM’s own Membership and Engagement Officer Kate Branson, this masterclass will extract much needed advice from expert panellists to help you understand the fundamentals of music publicity, plus all the insiders’ tips and tricks you need to manage your own publicity like a pro.
RTRFM Radio Panel at The Bird
Step out of the theatre and into the bar for a lesson on how to get your songs played on radio, headed up by the RTRFM crew. As a special partnered event, this panel will not only be open to conference attendees but also to RTRFM band subscribers.
Bookers and Burgers
The best way to get to know booking agents better; over a burger! Bookers and Burgers returns, providing a fully catered lunch for conference attendees while booking agents introduce themselves and provide a glimpse into what they do.
WAMCon 2018 will also see the return of popular one-on-ones and networking events.
Music Industry Speed Dating
One of the most popular aspects of the program, speed dating sessions provide ticket holders with direct one-on-one access to industry heavyweights speaking at WAMCon, with representatives from booking agencies, record labels, publishing companies, music media, artist management companies and more. You won’t want to miss this rare chance to gain personalised advice from the industry’s biggest movers and shakers.
Radio Pitching
If your main priority is getting played on radio, take advantage of the unique opportunity to pitch your songs directly to decision makers from triple j, RTRFM, plus many more and receive expert – and honest – feedback on your music.
Quay Note Boat Party
WAMCon early bird ticket holders will again have the opportunity to mingle with industry big fish onboard the uber-exclusive VIP Quay Note Boat Party presented by moshtix, which will set sail down the picturesque Swan River on Friday 2 November for two hours of boat-rocking good times. On top of the endless networking opps, guests will also be treated to live performances, special DJ sets, and free refreshments onboard.
WAMCon returns to the State Theatre Centre of WA on Friday 2 – Saturday 3 November as part of WAMFest 2018. Early bird tickets are now on sale via Eventbrite until 11:30pm 31 August 2018. For more information, visit https://wamfest.com.au.
