I decided to purchase a Delegate pass to Bigsound for an eye-watering $500 which required careful deliberation. On one hand, attending this renowned conference promises exposure to invaluable networking and career advancement. On the other hand, the cost of the pass, time off work, and the possibility that the conference might not deliver on its promises made it a choice that could leave me disappointed and out of pocket (and annual leave). One step forward or two steps back…?
I asked QMusic, who advertise that their goal is to foster an inclusive and diverse creative sector, if they had an inclusive rate for Independent musicians belonging to diverse communities such as LGBTQ and First Nations of another country (the groups that QMusic asked me to tick on my membership form). The answer was a resounding No. Kind of a turn-off, but nothing QWOC aren’t used to. I bought my pass and ticked ‘prefer not to say’ at every turn. Anonymous brown person, present. [Note: see the different starting points we have?]
So now that I’m in, what do I hope to get out of it?
GOAL 1.
GOAL: Songwriter To The Stars. Eg. Be the Carole King to the Aretha Franklin.
WHY: Writing is my highest priority - it’s my healing mode. The only consistent in my life. I write faster than I record and therefore have a surplus of songs written from real life actual events. These songs have saved my soul and would best be put to use in the hands of singers who can share them with the world and save other souls in their far-reaching careers.
VALUE TO PROVIDE: Meaningful Songwriting.
WHO TO MEET: Artists, Publishers and A&R looking for original songs to give their catalogues emotional depth.
TASK: Give my songs to people who are looking for songs.
GOAL 2.
GOAL: Produce my 3rd Album. Think, Carole King’s Tapestry.
WHY: I have written and demo’d the songs so far. You can Listen here. Now they need production and a release plan.
VALUE TO PROVIDE: A full-length album of songs suited for syncing. We’re going for heartfelt scenes.
WHO TO MEET: Music Producers and Labels with a vision. Australia’s version of Chop Shop Records.
TASK: Give my album to people who are looking for artists (and placements).
GOAL 3.
GOAL 3: Music Licensing for 1st & 2nd Albums.
WHY: To establish strong relationships using the catalogue I have, so that my upcoming EP and Album have a path to walk, and so that a champion music supervisor (imagine Alexandra Patsavas) is the one to truly ‘break’ my career. My albums have received a wide variety of placements in TV since their release in 2010 and 2012. Still praying for that Greys Anatomy moment.
VALUE TO PROVIDE: Masters and approval of use. Songs when you don’t have the Adele budget.
WHO TO MEET: Syncing Agents, Music Supervisors, Publishers.
TASK: Give my catalogue to sync agents etc.
Will I see you there?
Holla at your girl
Harlen
