Project Description

ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONFERENCE

Sydney

2017 (Live Review)

Reviewer: Chantelle Angileri

.

.

The annual Electronic Music Conference made its way back to Sydney to share insightful and accessible knowledge on the history and future of electronic music and everything in between. Over the space of two days, attendees were offered a wide variety of enlightening professional panels, keynotes, workshops, sessions and masterclasses.

.

.

This year isn’t unlike the previous, as it stays true to its purpose of providing creative professionals, curators, social influencers and just down right electronic music fanatics with insight into the importance of art in electronic music and how it has developed and is still developing technologically, as well as culturally.

Day one opened up with a keynote from one of the most prominent artists of all time, Andrew Weatherall. Sharing his expertise of variations within the industry over the past 30 years. The following session ‘Kicking goals in your own backyard’ was an honest and engaging discussion involving Eva Trifonas, Huw Nolan, Si Jay Gould and Melody Forghani as they shared their experiences about their peaks and valleys in marketing and managing within the electronic music world. This was the talk you wouldn’t want to miss if you were starting out in managing or if you just needed a heads up in the field, as the panel made it clear that they were willing to share their experiences to help others in the process. The panel expressed the importance of positivity and choosing the right avenues that fit within individual career paths. Forghani conveyed that “the wellbeing of the artist is important” and how the health of the artist is what is crucial in success. While there was a focus on the artist as an individual, the panel also emphasised the significance of having an end point as a target in order to reach success.

.

.

Further on with the idea of positive vibes and how necessary it is within the music industry, the afternoon session ‘Safe Spaces’ reinforced the ongoing changes within the music scene. Panelists Dr Bianca Fileborn, Miss Blanks, Helen Marcou and Uda Widanapathirana each contributed to the compelling topic of how inclusive and safe environments for artists as well as their audiences are the key to a positive experience. When asked what a ‘safe space’ was, Helen Marcou stated “a space free from fear, free from intimidation, accessible and inclusive for all people”. You couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and security to know that these inspiring and intelligent people have such a vision within the music environment.

It became obvious within the session that Miss Blanks wanted to share her thoughts based on her own personal experiences and so she damn well should have. As she paused to gather her thoughts, it was clear that she needed people to hear her message. It was awe-inspiring to hear elements of her story and her belief in speaking up about what is happening to each and every one of us. Miss Blanks stated that we need to “try and break down the tension in society by having these conversations” to which everyone nodded in agreeance.

If these particular topics aren’t exactly your forte, keep in mind that the Electronic Music Conference provides a numerous amount of options. Other sessions over the two days included: Indie Labels; Taking the power back?, Hit the power button; How tech is super sizing events, Island in the stream; The broadcasting of club culture, and a variety of others as well as several workshops. EMC Play is also an option for those night owls and is definitely something to consider as it stars some of the most talented and dedicated musicians in Australia.

If you’re looking to expand on your ideas, crave new insight into the world of electronic music or just enjoy a good time, the Electronic Music Conference is certainly one to hit up every year.

.

Follow ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONFERENCE

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB