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Category: International News
This week, the Amazon Music UK Twitch channel will premiere a special Rock Scene presents… episode, in collaboration with Sounds Australia, spotlighting five Australian artists making waves in the rock, metal and punk scenes. Stand Atlantic, DZ DEATHRAYS, The Dead Love, Yours Truly and Waxflower have each recorded exclusive live sets in a number of iconic locations in Australia.
Stand Atlantic performed at Max Watts, a music venue in Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter; DZ DEATHRAYS take over The Triffid, a former WW2 hanger turned vibrant garden space and music venue in Brisbane; 3sixty skate park in Wollongong on the New South Wales South Coast is the location for The Dead Love’s set; the stunning Hayden Orpheum cinema in Sydney hosts Yours Truly; and Waxflower perform at The Zoo, one of Brisbane’s most beloved live music venues.
Hosted by Sounds Australia’s Glenny G and Dom Alessio, the live Twitch stream will initially take place on Thursday 27th May at 6pm BST (10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 7pm CEST) and will be repeated on Friday 28th May at 6pm AEST (4pm SGT / 8pm NZST).
Watch live and join in the chat on https://www.twitch.tv/amazonmusicuk
2020 saw the introduction of Global Music Match, a world-first collaboration created by founding partners Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo and East Coast Music Association (ECMA), along with export organisations and showcase events from around the world. 96 artists from 14 countries participated in the first edition.
Through social media and peer-to-peer collaboration, GMM advanced opportunities and networks internationally, and encouraged cross border artist collaboration by connecting musicians from around the world, creating new audiences in a range of international locations, providing a groundwork for future international touring development.
Applications are now open for Australian artists interested in taking part in the next edition of Global Music Match. It’s a 16-week, artist driven program, designed to establish real life connections between export-ready artists. Artists’ work should be rooted in acoustic, folk, roots, traditional, or world music genres.
Through these introductions artists will enhance their social media skill sets, interact with new audiences, create new and engaging content and have the opportunity to work together to create musical collaborations on a global scale.
You have until Friday April 16 to apply for the 16-week intensive program which commences on Thursday May 13. For more information, and to apply, please head to the website below:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/ShowcaseScotlandExpo1/GlobalMusicMatch2021ArtistApplication
For over a decade, Sounds Australia has coordinated some of the most talked-about showcases at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. From THE AUSSIE BBQ to Sound Gallery, 2 For The Showcase, Beat Pie and more, Sounds Australia’s suite of showcases has consistently provided a platform for Australian artists to perform in front of music industry from North America and abroad.
And that won’t change this year. As part of the inaugural SXSW Online 2021, Sounds Australia will present CLOSE UP. 18 Australian artists, across three one-hour showcases, will each perform two live songs. These performances have never been seen before and all were recorded in the artists’ “backyard” (however they chose to interpret that theme).
Each showcase will feature six artists, streaming at 9:00pm US CDT on March 17th, 18th and 19th, which means it’s a great time for Australian industry and music fans to log in and watch too: 1:00pm AEDT on March 18th, 19th and 20th.
Performing as part of CLOSE UP will be Alexander Biggs, Alice Skye, Baker Boy, Beans, Death By Denim, Didirri, Hachiku, Hauskey, Indigo Sparke, Jaguar Jonze, Kee’ahn, Ninajirachi & Kota Banks, No Money Enterprise, Shannen James, Sycco, The Chats, The Lazy Eyes and The Merindas.
In keeping with the backyard theme, CLOSE UP will be hosted by Sounds Australia’s Glenny G, Millie Millgate and Dom Alessio, right from Glenny’s own backyard.
The Australian participation doesn’t stop there. Luke Howard and Sophie Hutchings will perform as part of a series of showcases at SXSW Online 2021 hosted by Mercury KX. Sophie’s performance will screen on Thursday March 18th at 12:30pm CDT (Friday 19th, 4:30am AEDT), while Luke’s set will stream on Saturday March 20th at 12:30pm CDT (Sunday 21th, 4:30am AEDT).
The 20 Australian artists selected for SXSW, along with their management teams, will also be offered networking opportunities, facilitated by Sounds Australia, to meet virtually with representatives from the North American music industry. These closed-door networking sessions will happen before and after the digital event.
As part of SXSW’s 2021 offerings, the digital experience will feature conference keynotes and sessions, film screenings, music showcases, networking, and exhibitions from March 16 – 20, 2021. To access SXSW – including the CLOSE UP and Mercury KX showcases – you will need to register for the conference. Passes are currently US $325, although that price will rise closer to the event. You can register at SXSW’s website.
CLOSE UP
Wednesday March 17th, 9:00pm CDT
(7:00pm LA / 10:00pm NYC / 11:00pm Sao Paulo)
(Thursday 18th, 2:00am London / 10:00am Singapore / 1:00pm AEDT)
Alexander Biggs
Baker Boy
Hachiku
Shannen James
Sycco
The Lazy Eyes
Thursday March 18th, 9:00pm CDT
(7:00pm LA / 10:00pm NYC / 11:00pm Sao Paulo)
(Friday 19th, 2:00am London / 10:00am Singapore / 1:00pm AEDT)
Alice Skye
Beans
Death By Denim
Kee’ahn
Ninajirachi & Kota Banks
The Chats
Friday March 19th, 9:00pm CDT
(7:00pm LA / 10:00pm NYC / 11:00pm Sao Paulo)
(Saturday 20th, 2:00am London / 10:00am Singapore / 1:00pm AEDT)
Didirri
Jaguar Jonze
Hauskey
Indigo Sparke
No Money Enterprise
The Merindas
An incredible 65 Australian artists will be given a platform to be seen by members of the international music industry this month when they take part in Folk Unlocked, the inaugural virtual event from the team behind Folk Alliance International.
Established in 1989, Folk Alliance International (FAI) is the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community. The event became renowned by fans and musicians alike for its unique set up: taking over a hotel in cities around North America, where each room was turned into a showcase room. Nights are spent traversing the hallways, following your ears to the best sounds, and discovering some incredible talent from around the world along the way.
In 2020, FAI was one of the last events to happen – in January in New Orleans – before Covid-19 shut down music conferences and festivals around the world. Shortly thereafter, they became one of the first to commit to a digital event for 2021, Folk Unlocked.
The move provided organisers and the artists who will play the event ample time to prepare for the virtual conference, set to take place from the 22nd to the 26th of February.
For the inaugural digital event, Sounds Australia is proud to be presenting their virtual showcase CLOSE UP, partnering with Isol-Aid and participating in the Global Music Marathon – featuring many of the artists who took part in 2020’s groundbreaking Global Music Match.
CLOSE UP – Sound Australia’s flagship virtual showcase – will be held on the opening night of the event, Monday 22nd February from 4.30pm to 6.30pm CT (Tuesday 23rd 9:30am – 11:30am AEDT). Hosted by Sounds Australia’s Leah Flanagan, Glenny G and Dom Alessio, CLOSE UP will serve as the spotlight showcase for the Australian artists playing the event.
An exciting and eclectic mix of 12 acts will showcase as part of CLOSE UP, featuring, in alphabetical order: Benny Walker, David Spry, Deline Briscoe, Emily Wurramara, Emma Swift, Ernest Aines, Kee’ahn, Monique Clare, Nathan May, Ruth Hazleton & Daisywheel, Tenzin Choegyal and XANI.
Sounds Australia is thrilled to be partnering with Isol-Aid, the world’s longest running online music festival, to bring this unique festival experience to Folk Unlocked 2021. 49 Australian artists are set to perform live across the four days of Folk Unlocked, from the 22nd to the 25th of February. Isol-Aid Unlocked will start at 6.30pm CT (23rd – 26th 11:30am AEDT), with no less than 12 Australian artists taking audiences into their homes each night.
In addition to the performances during CLOSE UP and Isol-Aid Unlocked, Australian acts Charm Of Finches, Colin Lillie, Fanny Lumsden, Kaurna Cronin, Little Quirks, Saije, Shelley Segal, STAV and The Heart Collectors will be involved in the closing event of Folk Unlocked – Global Music Marathon – on Friday the 26th at 3:30pm CT (Saturday 27th at 8:30am AEDT).
Global Music Marathon will bring together many of the artists from around the world who took part in 2020’s groundbreaking digital project Global Music Match. The Marathon will see these artists reunited to present once-in-a-lifetime performances and collaborations in a very special presentation. More details on this event will be revealed closer to the date.
During Folk Unlocked 2021 Australian artists will also be presenting their own private showcases, along with presented showcases such as i hear Django and the New Melbourne Folk Club. To see the full list of Australian artists showcasing, head to https://soundsaustralia.com.au/index.php/event/folk-unlocked/
In order for Folk Unlocked to be an event accessible to all, there is a pay-what-you’re-able pricing structure. All registration prices provide the same level of access. Registration is valued at US $150, and there are three other registration tiers (in American dollars): $75, $25, and $0: https://member.folk.org/event/folkunlocked
In place of an in-person conference this year, Folk Alliance International is hosting Folk Unlocked, a four-day virtual event for the entire international folk community to come together for panels, workshops, showcases, affinity and peer group meetings, exhibit spaces, networking, and mentorship.
FAI are unlocking the doors and windows of the house of folk to be as broad and inclusive as possible, inviting those who have been loyally attending Folk Alliance International conferences for years while aiming to reach folk musicians and professionals who have never benefited from or attended FAI before.
If you would like to apply for one of the limited Sounds Australia showcasing spots, please complete the following application. Applications are due by Friday 13 November:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X26FQS2
Folk Unlocked will run from February 22 – 25, 2021. Registrations are now open if you’re interested in attending the virtual event. In order for Folk Unlocked to be an event accessible to all, FAI have built a pay-what-you’re-able pricing structure. All registration prices provide the same level of access. Registration is valued at $150, and there are three other registration tiers: $75, $25, and $0.
Folk Alliance International are also providing discounts to their 2022 conference for those who register to Folk Unlocked. The discount code must be used during the Early Bird registration period for the 2022 conference.
Early Bird: 100% of Folk Unlocked registration price applied to 2022 conference registration if you register for Folk Unlocked from October 22, 2020, to December 22, 2020.
Advanced: 50% of Folk Unlocked registration price applied to 2022 conference registration if you register for Folk Unlocked from December 23, 2020, to January 22, 2021.
Final: No discount on 2022 conference registration if you register for Folk Unlocked after January 22, 2021.
To register, visit https://folk.org/unlocked
Sounds Australia would like to offer Australian delegates the opportunity to attend Amsterdam Dance Event at a discounted rate. Taking place from October 21 – 25, ADE will host a select number of in-person showcases, along with the online-first ADE Pro virtual conference, combining industry panels, in-depth masterclasses and Q&As.
For those that are regulars or others in the Australian electronic and dance music community who would like to experience ADE (albeit virtually) for the first time, the offer means you can secure your ADE pass for only €35 (normally €75). By purchasing this special offer you will also be eligible for a €50 discount on ADE Pro Passes for ADE 2021!
This offer has been made possible with the support from Electronic Music Conference and to save €40 on your ADE 20 Pro Digital Pass simply fill out this form: https://forms.gle/DQcXN8guJL5tvcnc9.
This offer is exclusive to Australian delegates only. Be quick to redeem this amazing offer as it expires October 9 or when the super limited allocation is exhausted.
Sounds Australia is excited to announce its activity at next week’s All That Matters digital conference – including the introduction of a brand new showcase format called CLOSE UP, featuring live performances from 12 Australian artists.
For years, All That Matters in Singapore has been an important conference for countries across Asia and the Pacific region, hosting delegates from music, digital marketing, gaming and entertainment industries. Sounds Australia has maintained a consistent presence since 2011, as well as coordinating THE AUSSIE BBQ multiple times as part of the complementary Music Matters Live program.
In 2020 the Australian Government, as part of its wider Australian Music Industry Package, committed $1.6 million (over 4 years) to expanding Sounds Australia’s export activity in key markets and in particular Asia. As All That Matters shifts to a virtual format, Sounds Australia continues its steadfast commitment to putting Australian artists in front of the international music industry with the introduction of CLOSE UP on Tuesday September 15.
In the inaugural outing for their new showcase format, Sounds Australia is proud to present 12 alumni artists that have previously showcased at either Music Matters, Singapore or Nokia Music Connects, Mumbai with the Australian export body. The three CLOSE UP packages will each showcase four special performances created during this unique period of restriction, isolation and lockdown. These artists include:
Ash Grunwald
Ball Park Music
Cub Sport
Fairchild
Hayley Mary
Jaguar Jonze
Kate Miller-Heidke
Katie Noonan & The Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Middle Name Dance Band
Sheppard
Slumberjack
Your Girl Pho
In addition to the CLOSE UP showcases, on Tuesday September 15 at 2:00pm SGT, Sounds Australia’s Digital Export Producer Dom Alessio will be moderating the panel Working With Neighbours: Strengthening Music Partnerships across Australasia. Speakers include Kate Ben-Tovim (Turning World), Keith Tan (CD Baby), Nate Flagrant (Flagrant Artist Management) and Wenona Lok (Imagikai).
The CLOSE UP showcases and Working With Neighbours panel are open to All That Matters conference delegates only. Passes start at US $99 and can be purchased from the All That Matters website. Sounds Australia is offering a 50% discount on a limited number of passes to Australian Music Industry Professionals who wish to attend. Before you register, please email Millie Millgate at mmillgate@soundsaustralia.com.au who will provide you with the discount code.
Even with international movement restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sounds Australia has continued to create innovative opportunities for Australian artists and professionals to connect with, and be seen, by industry around the world. Earlier this week, the music export office announced Country Connections Live, a virtual showcase at Thriving Roots 2020. Plus, Global Music Match is in full swing, featuring 96 artists from 14 countries, including 12 Australian acts, who are sharing each other’s music and connecting with new international fans on social media.
In the spirit of global collaboration and support, British Underground, CIMA and Sounds Australia are partnering to present the inaugural Country Connections Live – A Showcase of emerging Americana artists from Australia, Canada and the UK, an exciting online Special Event during Thriving Roots 2020.
Presented by the Americana Music Association Foundation, Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference is a brand-new event. From the comfort of their own homes, attendees will experience an interactive conference with almost 100 online sessions that go beyond today’s webinar-style virtual conferences. This new experience invites industry professionals, DIY artists and die-hard music fans to be a part of three full days of insight, connections and showcases from September 16-18, 2020.
British Underground, CIMA and Sounds Australia have been working collaboratively for almost a decade. Country Connections began at SXSW 2011 as a place for music exporters to share knowledge, discuss topics affecting the global music industry and make new connections. It’s since grown to be a global initiative held at The Great Escape, AMERICANAFEST and Folk Alliance International, as well as SXSW, where professional delegates from Australia, Canada, UK, Ireland and New Zealand network with each other.
When the live music industry necessarily needed to close due to COVID-19, Country Connections pivoted online and became a monthly virtual event, bringing industry professionals from across the globe together on Zoom, creating vital connections in a time of isolation. Now we’re excited to announce the next evolution of Country Connections.
Introduced by the iconic BBC Radio 2 host Bob Harris, the first ever Country Connections Live will feature live performances alternating between artists from Australia, Canada and the UK. Four acts from each country will perform 2 songs apiece, making up the 2-hour showcase special. In alphabetical order, the artists are:
AHI (CAN)
Beccy Cole (AUS)
Charlie Collins (AUS)
Dan Sultan (AUS)
Ferris And Sylvester (UK)
Julian Taylor (CAN)
Lady Nade (UK)
Lauren Housley (UK)
Mama’s Broke (CAN)
Misty River (UK)
Mo Kenney (CAN)
Troy Cassar-Daley (AUS)
Country Connections Live will take place as part of Thriving Roots on Thursday September 17 at 5:00pm CDT (3:00pm PDT / 6:00pm EDT / 11:00pm BST / Friday 6:00am AWST / Friday 8:00am AEST). The showcase is only accessible to those who have purchased passes to Thriving Roots.
These 12 performers join an incredible line-up of artists and speakers already announced for the virtual event, including Jackson Browne, T-Bone Burnett, Ken Burns, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris and Mavis Staples.
Passes to Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference start at US$99. You can purchase them at https://americanamusic.org/thrivingroots.
96 artists from 14 countries are taking part in what could be the largest online matchmaking of musicians ever undertaken.
Created in a world first collaboration between founding partners Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo and Canada’s East Coast Music Association (ECMA), along with 11 other export organisations and showcase events from around the world, Global Music Match is a pilot initiative created to continue raising the profile of local artists in international music markets within the challenging parameters of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breaking acts into a new territory or country is a difficult process right now. Global Music Match, which is a unique response to the limitations imposed on the music industry, makes use of one of the only available platforms – social media and peer-to-peer collaboration – to increase networks, audiences and exposure for export-ready artists internationally.
Launching today, Global Music Match will run for 7 weeks, concluding on October 12. Search for the hashtag #globalmusicmatch to see the action – and head to globalmusicmatch.com to experience the journey.
For the pilot edition of Global Music Match, 96 artists from 14 countries are participating, steeped in the acoustic, folk, roots, traditional and world music genres. They have been divided into 16 teams, ensuring no two acts from the same country are placed together.
Each week, across multiple posts, artists will ‘introduce’ one act from their team, engaging with them on social media to promote them to their fanbase. This is reciprocated for everyone involved, meaning that participating artists will be presented to a range of new online audiences around the world.
Twelve artists have been selected from Australia. Artists who have previously participated in Sounds Australia’s export activities were invited to apply. We’re excited to announce those chosen for the pilot edition of Global Music Match are:
Charm of Finches
Colin Lillie
Fanny Lumsden
Hussy Hicks
Kaurna Cronin
Little Quirks
Riley Pearce
Saije
Shelley Segal
STAV.
The Heart Collectors
William Crighton
Each team has been allocated an internationally renowned coach to lead and direct them through the project. Chloe Goodyear (Woodford Folk Festival) and Justin Rudge (Port Fairy Folk Festival) from Australia will bring their years of experience and invaluable expertise to two of the Global Music Match teams.
Glenn Dickie, Export Music Producer from Sounds Australia, WhatsApp Wizard, Zoom Master and Coach Of The Coaches for Global Music Match, said: “It’s been incredibly rewarding having such a simple idea of connecting artists from Australia and Scotland grow into something global with nearly 100 acts from around the world involved.
“During these last few months, we have purposefully created initiatives that will develop and thrive beyond these times. Global Music Match perfectly encapsulates our mission to connect Australian industry and talent to the world, whether it’s in-person at a showcase event or online.”
Global Music Match is supported by the following export organisations: Catalan Arts (Spain), ECMA (Canada), English Folk Expo, FOCUS Wales, Folk Alliance International, Iceland Music, LUCfest Taiwan, Music Estonia, Music Finland, Music Norway, Puglia Sounds (Italy), Showcase Scotland Expo, Sounds Australia and Spectacle vivant Bretagne (Brittany, France).
