The full virtual program is also revealed today including a keynote from American blogger, Wait But Why co-founder, and artificial intelligence and creativity thought leader Tim Urban, who is joining previously announced presentations from Tom Morello, Kev Carmody, Tones And I, Amy Shark, Nat’s What I Reckon and more.
BIGSOUND’s full program of thought-provoking topics include the “United Nations of The Music Industry Sh*tshow” featuring industry leaders from the USA, Canada, Singapore, India, Japan, UK, EU and New Zealand coming together to share their insights on rebuilding from COVID-19 in their markets, while “The Future of Event Streaming” will look at the rapid development of music events online and what that means for the future of online events and licensing through the eyes of Twitch’s Lewis Mitchell, Select Music’s Stephen Wade and Cedilla’s Emily Copeland.
Pay The Rent” will explore the use of Indigenous quotas across radio, festivals, and streaming as an agent for change, bringing together ABC Radio’s Rhianna Patrick, radio NCI Canada’s Dave Mcleod and SGC Media’s Stephen Green, and “A Licence to Live” explores making a living through composing for video games, ad sync and theme songs, with Doom composer Mick Gordon and singer-songwriter Nat Dunn. Nat will also be giving hot tips on creating a home studio and recording from home, along with Anna Laverty and Nick Didia for “Studio Wars”.
“Beyond the Bla(c)k Tile” will feature Rhianna Patrick, Dameeeela, Busty Beatz and more for an honest discussion between people of colour and the music sector about performative allyship and real reparations from the music industry, with pathways and suggestions on how to dismantle and reform the systems from within. L-FRESH The LION has also curated a presentation “Putting Down The Masters Tools” which will cover alternative pathways and unpack different models for artists and sustainability in music beyond the mainstream Western music system.
“Cultural Resurgence” will tackle the importance of storytelling and culture in and through music with artists Dr Lou Bennett, Gina Williams, Jeremy Dutcher and Thomas E.S. Kelly, Mo’Ju and Kira Puru will lead an honest and personal roundtable discussion on how their lives and livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19.
Dr Guy Morrow will break down extended reality case studies of Bjork’s VR album ‘Vulnicura’ and Florida-based company Magic Leap’s work with Icelandic band Sigur Rós in a special presentation around technology platforms and music, Support Act will provide valuable pathways for various mental health challenges, while workshops on Facebook marketing, Spotify streaming, change management, and financial crisis management will give the practical advice and strategies needed by a community ready to face 2021.
The event will also bring together over a dozen closed-door sessions with industry leaders discussing the re-futuring of the music industry, holding engagement sessions with government, and hosting cross-organisation discussions around what needs to happen to create a music industry that not just returns to normal, but finds new and improved ways of engaging with each other and the general public moving forward.
