News and Events

GAME CHANGING OPPORTUNITY FOR SONGWRITERS & COMPOSERS

APRA AMCOS is proud to announce the return of the biennial APRA Professional Development Awards, a career boosting initiative which has helped further the musical success stories of Gotye, Abbe May, screen composer Caitlin Yeo, Husky Gawenda, Georgi Kay, Jack Carty, Ngaiire, Morgan Evans and many more.

This year, a new dance/electronic category has been added to the APRA Professional Development Awards, bringing the total number of awards to nine. Each recipient will receive a $15,000 cash prize to support their development.

APRA AMCOS is also pleased to announce that the Smugglers of Light initiative will return in 2017 with the Music and Media Award providing a promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music or media practitioner with a grant of $12,000. The Smugglers of Light Foundation has been set up in memory of Eli Westlake aged 21, who was tragically killed in Sydney in 2008.  

Applications for the 2017 APRA Professional Development Awards close at 5pm AEST on Thursday 27 April.

For more information on how to apply, terms and conditions and categories visit apraamcos.com.au/awards/2017-awards/pda/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACT-cess, Australia’s Music Community Hub is Here!

ACT-cess is here! Australia’s Music Community Hub is where you can take advantage of many benefits and load up a profile for FREE. It is for musicians, song writers, music services, resource providers, acts of all description and more.

People of Australia’s music community are encouraged to register a free ACT-cess membership and load up a free profile to start taking advantage of the many benefits. They can also upgrade to a PRO member by using this 20% off discount code C9AE8D2CE4. Check out ACT-cess now at www.act-cess.com ACT-cess is the way ahead for Australia’s music community.

All the Best : )

The ACT-cess Group

www.ACT-cess.com

Liaison – Andrew Cooper

act-cess@act-cess.com

+61 402 049742

Kicking off a career in the music industry is often a daunting task for up-and- coming musicians and entrepreneurs.

Without the right business relationships, it can be difficult to know how to bridge the gap between aspiration and a successful career in the music industry. Now, there is a professional development resource – aptly named Music Industry Inside Out – specifically designed to answer those queries, unlocking the secrets of the Australian music industry one question at a time.
The brainchild of long-time music industry professional Martine Cotton, Music Industry Inside Out is a members- based digital resource providing bite- sized video interviews with acclaimed artists and members of the music industry.

Launched in October 2014, members are made privy to information such as how to book gigs, self- management techniques, tips on technology and preparing for an international tour, among much more.

The idea for Music Industry Inside Out blossomed out of Martineʼs travels around regional and remote Queensland running music business workshops. “It struck me that most young musicians and their music-mad friends who want to be band managers or put on their own music events, have no-one to ask questions to,” she says. “There is no way to really learn and understand how to create their own music careers unless they move to the cities – and even then, it can take years to build up your network of contacts and understand how it all works. They are all so hungry for knowledge and it devastated me to know that so much talent was going to waste because of lack of information and opportunities available to these people.”
Martine is well-placed to be sharing advice, she has had a long established career in the music industry. From running and booking one of the countryʼs most iconic venues to working as program manager for a key industry body, she has also worked on big and small conferences and produced events like the Queensland Music Awards.

With 25 years in the industry, there are few people she hasnʼt worked with or alongside. From managing bands, music events, national tours, promoting international touring bands and running her own booking agency and music business services, there is little she doesnʼt know about the industry. It is this experience and her immense passion for the local scene that has seen her branch out to establish Music Industry Inside Out.

The Music Industry Inside Out membership site kicked off in October 2014, allowing access to the 350-plus videos online from 28 different speakers across 23 course modules. Martine has spent much of the past 8 months cajoling her music industry peers to spend an hour in front of the camera sharing their advice and insights. Every week a new course video unit has been added from leading industry figures so that - at the time of writing, 39 mentors have shared their advice on different topics at various levels ranging from beginner modules to masterclasses.
There are also free resources such as the ʻSavvy Sevenʼ series, which provides local advice from some of Australiaʼs hottest young bands and the insightful weekly feature ʻA Week in the Life Of...ʼ, offering a rare glimpse into the working weeks of notable industry figures. Regular how-to articles also add to the knowledge database for regular readers.

“Members will get access to all course content, guest articles, forums, a mentor hook-up service and will also receive a monthly newsletter chock-full of music news, opportunities, events and a round-up of whatʼs new on the site,” she says. “There is also an Australian Music Industry Event Calendar and our comprehensive roundup of Music Industry Jobs from around the country, a fantastic glossary of music business terms and a database of valuable resources from around the globe.”

Martine says the Music Industry Inside Out resource will provide greater access to a shared knowledge base of contemporary and changing music industry practices, specific mentor programs for training and a better understanding of strategic planning required to grow within the industry. “It is my ambition to assist musicians and all those hard-working
music industry workers to develop a strong, healthy industry that can provide a viable, sustainable lifestyle for its members,” she says. “A rising tide lifts all boats: a well-informed industry will inevitably improve its own sustainability. Plus, well, that warm gooey feeling you get when you help people really rocks.”

There are a variety of membership options, starting from $20 for individual monthly memberships (or $150 per year), as well as a variety of tiers for small music communities (5-9 members) up to major organisations and universities (70-plus members).

To sign up for a membership or for more information, please visit: www.musicindustryinsideout.com.au
 

It’s that time of year again, Autumn’s finally here and you and your mates are heading to the festival that gets you groovin and geared up for the cooler season! Groovin the Moo takes on Canberra this May with a massive line-up of some of the best Australian and international acts to hit the stage.

To get you fully prepared for the festival VisitCanberra has put together a “Groovin Guide” so you have no trouble finding the hotspots to snap up that last minute outfit, rest your weary body for the night and re-fuel on post festival food!

1. Where to shop?
Need that last minute flower crown, sunnies, denim shorts and jacket? Canberra has a great range of different boutiques, shops and outlets across the city and surrounding suburbs for all festival goers!

If you are running short on time and after something for the day, head over to Westfield Belconnen only 10 minutes away from the festival HQ at the University of Canberra. Westfield has plenty of shops worth foraging in for festival fashion including; Bardot, Ally, Cotton ON, Factorie, Forever New, Glue, JayJays, Sportsgirl, Temt and so much more!

For something a bit quirky head to nearby Lonsdale Street Braddon for a great collection of vintage shops where you can pick up a show stopper! For a real bargain, a few accessories and to get something warm if you need that extra layer head to The Yellow Canary, a vintage clothes shop which is situated on the University of Canberra’s campus.

If you are staying right in the heart of the city never fear, Canberra Centre  is the place to pop in and snap up those last minute essentials! With a store list that covers all bases you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect outfit for the day!

2. Where to eat?
Canberra is renowned for its variety quality produce and great range of cafes and restaurants and we know the best way to get through a festival is to fuel up on that big breaky, brunch or lunch…right?

Head over to Elk & Pea  located in Braddon which is only 10 minutes away from the festival grounds. This is a great place to enjoy a delicious South American influenced brunch with friends. We love the breakfast burger, crammed with bacon, avocado, charred corn, red onion, tomato relish and chilli or one of the spicy taco’s, all washed down with delicious coffee or a breakfast martini!

For the health consciousness looking to get a fresh start to the morning, or those seeking post festival vitamins, head over to Local Press overlooking the water at Kingston Foreshore. This little gem is a wholefoods based cafe, specialising in wholesome, honest food and Cold Pressed juices!

Interested in Canberra’s unique culinary evening experiences? Head to Akiba the capitals take on Asian fusion. With rave reviews and weekend yum cha (11am-3pm) this is the ultimate dining destination for you and your pals to tick off the list.

For a great pub feed and a bit of Irish hospitality head to King O’Malley’s which has a great beer garden and all your favourite pub dishes. We can’t choose between the thick crunchy wedges, spicy nachos or the chicken schnitzel.

3. Finished at the festival?
The last acts are closing and the festival is over for the year, where to now? You won’t be short on choices, Canberra offers some great places for you and your mates to check out when the sun goes down.

Venture into the city and head to our top 3 recommendations for best nightlife spots, including; Hippo Co , Shorty’s and Hopscotch Bar each brining their own individual scene to the city of Canberra.

4. What to see?
Hanging around before or after the festival and keen to explore the city a little more? How about getting up close and personal with a cheetah at the National Zoo and Aquarium? This is one of the most amazing animal experiences in Australia as you can pat and play with one of these big cats.  

If you need to slow the pace down pack a picnic and chillout in the National Botanic Gardens. If that’s not your style, see Canberra on wheels and try a guided segway ride, a fantastic opportunity to have a bit of two wheeled fun around Lake Burley Griffin. For more details on what to do and see in Canberra head to http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/

5. Where to stay?
After last minute accommodation to rest those dancing feet? Check out a wide range of options in Canberra at http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/find/accommodation. Our top pick is Canberra City YHA as here you can have a dip in the pool, chill out in the TV room or cook up a storm at the roof top BBQ.

Do Groovin the Moo Canberra the right way this year and stick to our Groovin Guide for 2015. For more information about Groovin the Moo festival head to: http://2015.gtm.net.au/cbr-home.html  

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MusicACT held a Music Sector Issues Forum last Wednesday 5 November at The Chop Shop, with guest John Wardle of the national Live Music Office. We chose the venue as it is emblematic of the complexity of the issues facing musicians and presenters seeking to build cultural activity in Canberra. Despite a high level of support from the Government during the assessment and permitting process for The Chop Shop, it is abundantly clear that the current legislative and regulatory framework actively works against creating new cultural events and venues in Canberra.

The key issues raised by the Issues Forum, building on those previously identified, are:

•    The impact of the changes to the School of Music are still being absorbed. A dozen of Canberra's best musicians lost their jobs and the decreased flow of top level students to study with them has changed the landscape forever. The Government needs policy for the music sector which supports innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
•    The Live Music Office has been working around the country with state and local governments to establish best practice in policy and regulation surrounding live music, with some impressive wins (link). The ACT has a solid policy framework on which to achieve excellent outcomes, if the will is there.
•    The City to the Lake initiative is an unprecedented opportunity to get this right, including cultural spaces, voluntary developer agreements, defining entertainment precincts, sound attenuation, agent-of-change/order of occupancy principles.
•    The City of Sydney has now made 15 venues available for free use by students and teachers for teaching and rehearsal etc.
•    The Venue Directory funded by a grant through artsACT is well used but needs updating.
•    The venues made available by the ACT Government, including the arts hubs, are not able to be used to their potential for live music because of regulatory issues and cost of use.
•    The Canberra Musicians Club and MusicACT are keen to progress the idea of a Regional Touring Network to expand the music economy in Canberra and the surrounding region.
•    Liquor permits are an essential tool for the live music sector and the current rules urgently need to be reconsidered. For example, to hold the Issues Forum at the Chop Shop required a special application (which can take up to 3 months) and hiring a security guard for a meeting of 20 people.
•    The next ACT Arts Policy Framework should include specific policy to support the live music sector, which is a small business sector: it needs a supportive regulatory regime and room to innovate and grow, much more than it needs grants.

Meeting with Minister Rattenbury

Last week MusicACT attended a meeting with Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury along with other event-producing community organisations to discuss the Government's initiative to reduce red tape. Flagged at the meeting was our concern that the community has not been kept informed of progress on recommendations of the 2009 Live Community Events Review including several that addressed the EPA Act. Gary Rake asked the meeting for proposals for changes to policy that could be considered. The following was put forward to the meeting, and we believe they are appropriate to put to you also:

1. That the Government should consider music and cultural event producers and venues to be clients, and provide greater assistance to them by streamlining permit application and approval processes and providing assistance to meet their regulatory requirements across the range of agencies and legislation.

2. That all relevant legislation, including the EPA Act, the Liquor Act, and zoning legislation should include as a key objective support for the development of the live music and cultural industries.

3. That the Government acknowledge that support for live music and community venues and events is a whole of government issue, and that the Government should develop and maintain a suitable ongoing consultation mechanism.

Sydney's EMC is back bigger and better in 2014. Asia's Pacific's largest electronic music conference will take place across three nights and two days at multiple venues in Sydney’s Kings Cross & Darlinghurst entertainment precinct this year. The expanded EMC program will build on previous year’s success by attracting over 10,000 local, interstate and international music lovers to Sydney from December 2 to 4.
 
Recognised as one of the world’s leading electronic music conferences, EMC will this year grow beyond just a day time industry-focused conference by introducing a night time program of showcase events called EMC Play, set to take place at Sydney’s iconic Kings Cross & Darlinghurst entertainment precinct.
 
The daytime conference schedule of panels, talks, masterclasses and round-table discussions will attract over 1,000 industry leaders and aspiring electronic music artists to two key venues: The EMC Keynote Hall at recently renovated Eternity Playhouse Theatre and The EMC Hub in Kings Cross. At night, EMC Play will light up Kings Cross with multiple showcase events in collaboration with Australia’s leading electronic labels and collectives.
 
EMC’s theme in 2014 is ‘Discovery’.  The event aims to be a crucial stepping stone in connecting Australian electronic music talent with some of the world’s biggest talent buyers including Donnie Estopinal (Disco Donnie Presents/SFX), Johnny Shockey (Coachella/LED Presents), Bobby Runway (SBE / SLS LA), Gary Richards (Hard LA/Live Nation) and more attending EMC with the goal of discovering new Australian talent.
 
Having established a reputation for featuring the world’s biggest dance music artists and prominent decision makers, this year’s conference speaker line-up is set to be even bigger.
 
MusicACT have been offered a discounted rate for Delegates Passes at $279 (use the promotional code: ‘EMC48’ when purchasing) which includes access to the full conference, networking events and EMC Play Showcases.
 
Earlybird Delegates Passes are now on-sale on at www.ElectronicMusicConference.com.

MusicACT has been working on broader industry policy and support, including working behind the scenes with the APRA|AMCOS run National Live Music Office and the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN), as well as discussions with the ACT Government and key music sector representatives. These include sound limitations, the closure of venues and difficulty of them opening, making events easy to run by all citizens and a collaborative touring network for the region.

What would you like to hear about at an industry forum?

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MusicACT are co-presenting DJ Workshop / Masterclass with Mario Galeano Toro on Tuesday March 11 2014 at Kendell Lane Theatre, NewActon Precinct.

Signed to legendary Brooklyn vinyl label Names You can Trust (NYC), Colombia’s DJ Mario Galeano Toro’s blend of electronica, 60‘s tropical Cumbia, psychedelia and Afro Caribbean dub is at the forefront of global Club culture. Using real time samples, turntable, the Maschine and live percussion, DJ Mario will demonstrate electronic production and live DJ techniques. Mario will also delve into the history of cumbia and the neo-cumbia movement.

3:30pm – 5pm / $10 / LIMITED NUMBERS - be quick, you don't want to miss this one! Tickets can be purchased here and you can join the facebook event here.

Mario will be performing with his band FRENTE CUMBIERO later on that night at The Street Theatre as part of COLOMBIA SOUNDS LIKE THIS - Frente Cumbiero + La Chiva Gantiva @ The Street Theatre.

Matt Withers - Head of Guitar University of Canberra Music, member of BREW Guitar Duo and Guitar Trek, and 2012 MAMAs winner for Best ACT Classical Artist, is running the inaugural Matt Withers Young Australian Music Composition Competition.

It's open to any music degree students (current or graduate) under 30 from any Australian University/Institution.

Applicants will enter a solo classical guitar piece to be in with a chance of winning $500 + a performance of the work later this year!

Entries close COB Monday 30 June 2014.

More info. here on entry and submissions.

 We have some pretty crash hot ticket options for you all for the 2013 MAMAs.

• GENERAL ADMISSION – 1 x General Admission to the MusicACT Annual Music Awards - $45

• MAMAs/MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE A: INDIVIDUAL – Annual MusicACT membership plus 1 x ticket to the MusicACT Annual Music Awards (total value $85) - $60

• MAMAs/MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE B: BANDS AND SMALL BUSINESSES (less than four members/employees) – Annual MusicACT membership plus 2 x tickets to the MusicACT Annual Music Awards (total value $190) - $150

• MAMAs/MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE C: VENUES/BUSINESSES/ASSOCIATIONS (four or more employees) – Annual MusicACT membership plus 4 x tickets to the MusicACT Annual Music Awards (total value $430) - $350

ALL tickets include free canapés on the night, and drinks are only $5!

Please recognise that we have tried to make this event as affordable as possible for all to attend our glorious night of nights.

You have until 6:00pm on the night (this Saturday the 23rd of November) to vote in our publicly voted categories AND secure a ticket, but jump on it sooner by all means.

We look forward to seeing you all on what is sure to be another fantastic MAMAs!

This year, the MAMAs awards are again designed and made by Luna Ryan.

Luna Ryan is a well known Canberra based glass artist, with an art practice spanning more than twenty years, having graduated from the ANU Glass Department in 1990.

Ryan is one of the very few glass artists in Australia to use recycled television screens to create her glass art pieces. She exhibits locally and nationally and since 2004 has an ongoing artistic collaborative relationship with Tiwi artist Jock Puautjimi.
Works from this collaboration can be viewed in the National Gallery of Australia's permanent collections.

Her own works are in the collections of the ANU, UC, CMAG and Wagga Wagga National Glass Art Collection. At present, Ryan works and teaches from the Canberra Glassworks.

For the production of the MAMAs awards, Luna wishes to thank Renewable Processes and MRI e-cycle solutions for their donations of the screens. Also the following artists for their help and contribution in production: Melinda Willes, Mel George and Peter Nilsson.

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The Bedroom Philosopher is an award winning muso-comic who’s Triple J hit ‘Northcote (So Hungover)’ is the hipster Khe Sahn. Last year the former Frankie scribe released his first book ‘The Bedroom Philosopher Diaries,’ earning high praise from Neil Gaiman. This year he has produced two Station IDs for ABC2 including the highly respected ‘Difficult Second Channel.’ His ARIA nominated album ‘Songs From The 86 Tram’ was Chris Lilley meets Beck, the live show winning Director’s Choice at Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Green Room award for Best Production.

The Bedroom Philosopher has appeared on Adam Hills Tonight, Spicks & Specks, Collectors, Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala & most importantly, Rage. Last year he supported The Dresden Dolls on a national tour, prompting Amanda Palmer to say “He is so hip he is absolutely not hip at all.”

He is currently writing a book about being an artist in Australia called Funemployed, to be published by Affirm Press next year.

Smells Like Centenary Spirit will be held at the Royal Theatre on November 15.

Have you seen our MAMAs judges?

It's a stellar lineup this year with the likes of DJ Paul Fraser of Aquatic Lab Records and Garage Pressure, Felix Greenlees of Terrafractyl and Hypnagog, Geoff Bell of Laing Entertainment, Greg Arnold, a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Program of the NMIT Bachelor of Music Industry and winner of the prestigious APRA|AMCOS Songwriter of the Year award, Kathryn Holloway - a woman with many hats from Groovin The Moo, Richard Hinkson, aka Interpulse (who you can catch this weekend at Dragon Dreaming Festival) plus Rodney Holder, drummer and co-manager of his psychedelic metal band Alchemist.

Be sure to check out our full list of judges for more music industry heavyweights and bios.

MusicACT and Centenary of Canberra are proud to announce British India as the headline act for the final of the Smells Like Centenary Spirit PLAYitLOUD band competition to be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra on November 15.

Nine finalists from the September heats will also be performing on the night with the Best ACT Live Youth Band of 2013 to be awarded at the MAMAs. 

Make sure you're checking here and here to keep on top of what is sure to be a great night - and it's FREE!

Here are a couple of photos of the two qualifying bands from heat 1 of the Smells Like Centenary Spirit: PLAYitLOUD "Battle of the Bands".

Photographer credits: Laura, Hannah and Stacey from Little White Lies. And Dayna.

Novia Scotia

Harley Quinn

Reckon you can write music for film? APRA have partnered with Tropfest to bring music and film together.

Not only are Tropscore (and Tropscore Jnr for the little ones) entrants given the chance to write the accompanying music to a short film, cash prizes and a performance to over 100,000 people at Tropfest in Centennial Park is on the cards!

Here’s all you need to do:

1. Download the film from the Tropscore website

2. Create your musical score

3. Submit your entry online

Entries close at 6pm (AEST) on October 10, 2013.

For a bit more info visit http://tropfest.com/au/tropscore/ or call +61 2 9935 7878. You can also check Tropscore judge Guy Gross’ tips and tricks here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg5iANsYcUI&feature=youtu.be.

Tropfest screenings will happen in December 2013. Score!

Smells Like Centenary Spirit PLAYitLOUD Battle of the Bands heats are approaching quickly. 

Visit http://www.smellslikecentenaryspirit.com.au/ for more info, dates and venues.

20 bands will be performing across the heats and there’s free entry, be sure to head along and show your support!

*SUBMISSIONS FOR THE MUSICACT ANNUAL MUSIC AWARDS 2013 ARE NOW OPEN*

Entering is easy:

1. Register
2. Get credits
3. Upload songs

All the info you need is here http://www.songcentral.biz/musicact/Home.aspx.

We’ve got 26 award categories (http://www.musicact.com.au/mamas/awards) this year so no one misses out!

This night is made possible by you guys so get submitting and please ‘share’!

Submissions close midnight, Sunday September 29 2013.

The National Folk Festival has introduced a new payment option for the 2014 festival. The Pay by Instalment Ticket Plan allows you to pay off your ticket over a number of months for as little as $15 a week and is available as of today! For more information on this offer visit http://folkfestival.org.au/tickets/pay-by-instalment-prices/.

Stall Holder Applications are also now open, see here for more info. http://folkfestival.org.au/apply/stalls-applications/ and have a squiz while you’re there, they’ve got a new website!

Kevin Rudd and Labor Government announces $560,000 for live music.

The funding, rolled out over three years, will support the creation of a new National Live Music Office. 

Arts Minister Tony Burke MP has said that The National Live Music Office will partner with governments, local councils, communities, businesses, musicians and songwriters on how to lift barriers to ensure more acts can perform at venues around the country.

The Office will be administered by the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and has the support of some big, Australian, Live Music Ambassadors.

See the media release here: http://ministers.regional.gov.au/honourable-tony-burke-mp/media-releases/2013/rudd-government-backs-australian-live-music. 

Any musicians out there wanting to be involved in constructive conversations with media, artists, fellow musicians and members of the community, all from the comfort of a cosy bed? Then read on!

Centenary of Canberra and Big hART are running an interactive, multi-media bed installation in Civic Square from August 15 - 18 and they want you to get involved.

The installation, Winter Bed Vigil, will be about Canberra’s homeless population and will use short story, film and a roster of bed buddies to promote public conversation. 

Pack your PJs and hot water bottle and please hop into bed for this great cause (Egyptian Linen Sheets, feather doona and flat-screen TV provided). 

If you’re unavailable during these dates, you can still take part by taking a photo of your bed and writing a message of support to people without a home in Canberra. Email it to bedvigil@gmail.com or put it up at http://bedvigil.tumblr.com.

You can also make a donation on the day for Common Ground Canberra, a new facility for the homeless and those with a low income by visiting http://www.canberra100.com.au/calendar/view/1790/winter-bed-vigil for more information.

To secure a spot in bed or for more information, please contact Creative Producer Holly Rankin Smith – 0407022392 - holly.rankinsmith@gmail.com - http://bighart.org - https://www.facebook.com/events/687640317917802/.

Want to be a part of a multi-site event featuring wheel and spinning related activities and events? The Centenary of Canberra team is looking for you!

As Production Coordinators, the Hub Capital team will work under the direction of Canberra Centenary 2013’s Creative Director Robyn Archer AO and alongside the Program team coordinating and planning the delivery of elements of the SPIN: Hub Capital program, presented by community groups in the ACT. 

These are casual temporary positions. For more information please contact Dan Watters on (02) 6205 8408 daniel.watters@act.gov.au, or visit http://www.jobs.act.gov.au/jobs_by_agency/chief_minister_and_treasury for a full position description.

This weekend, June 1st and 2nd, is Better Music’s Grand Opening Weekend. In store performances, specials and demonstrations will take place at 18 Salamander Ct, Phillip, open from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

After 30 years, Australia’s largest purpose-built musical instrument store has moved to a bigger and better site with a better range, better prices, better parking, better displays, and they’re still Australian owned and operated!

Check out their Grand Opening Weekend Artist Roster here http://www.bettermusic.com.au/artist-roster.

For more information on Better Music’s products and services visit http://www.bettermusic.com.au/.

Sound Summit Festival of Independent and Innovative Music is excited to announce some important changes for the festival in 2013. Sound Summit has just announced that the 2013 festival is to be held in Sydney.

Sound Summit will be taking place this year from Thursday November 7 to Sunday November 10.

While there are many reasons for the change in venue and date this year, the main issue had involved Sound Summit’s funding. This has forced Sound Summit to rethink its financial sustainability and its position as a festival to be able to continue to provide distinctive, challenging and engaging content.

Sound Summit is constantly evolving, and this move to Sydney is just one of the ways that the festival will transform in 2013. This will allow for maintaining growth and sustainability and we believe that Sydney will be able to provide us with a strong platform to achieve these goals.

The Sound Summit team feels that with all this in mind, the conference aspect of the festival this year will create a more widely relevant and important dialogue to contribute to the current music climate.

In brief, the 2013 Sound Summit will be a defining point in the festival’s identity and personality since separating from This Is Not Art (TINA) in 2011. The next two years and beyond will see more changes to the festival with 2013 standing as the deciding era of change.

The first Call Out for applications for the 2013 Sound Summit will be open on Tuesday May 21st. If you are interested in participating in this year’s festival, we encourage all potential applicants to contact the team to discuss your ideas. Initial ideas through to complete programs are welcome!

For more information head to the website www.soundsummit.com.au.

MusicACT and Centenary of Canberra are proud as non-alcoholic punch to announce the C100 flagship youth event SMELLS LIKE CENTENARY SPIRIT.

Smells Like Centenary Spirit is a battle of the bands style event for people aged 14-22 years. It will be held in the ACT region with heats across four weeks in September culminating in the final concert on Saturday 16 November 2013.

The winner will receive a range of prizes, including The Youth Live Artist of 2013 award to be presented at the MusicACT Annual Music Awards on Saturday, 23 November 2013; the chance to perform at national all ages festivals Groovin the Moo 2014 and Bastardfest 2014 (dependant on band’s genre) (dates - TBC); as well as personal introductions to contemporary music industry figures including publishers, labels, managers, booking agents and more.

There are also a stack of opportunities to get involved with the big finale on Saturday 16 November. You can let us know who you’d like to see as a national/international headliner, what type of activities would make the event special and what youth focused stalls you reckon would work a treat simply by filling out some boxes on the super snappy SLCS site www.smellslikecentenaryspirit.com.au.

If you fancy yourself a bit of a gun when it comes to behind the scenes stuff or a dab hand with Photoshop, we’d also love to have you on board. Let us know if you’re interested in assisting with production, events management or icon/logo design by emailing slcs@musicact.com.au. The aim of Smells Like Centenary Spirit is to have young people getting practical experience in every step of the way, and having an absolute blast while they’re at it.

It’s time to step out of your bedroom, garage or garden shed and onto the stage and into the spotlight, oh devastatingly talented youth of the capital! We look forward to hearing your music and ideas!

Links:

www.smellslikecentenaryspirit.com.au

Facebook event page

Contact:

slcs@musicact.com.au

Registrations:

Registrations are now open! Head to www.smellslikecentenaryspirit.com.au to enter. 

Rock on Canberra!