BIGSOUND: Matthew Rogers

Business: Unified

Position/Title: General Manager

How did you first become involved in the music business? I worked in music retail at Skinnys and Butterbeats, was on air at 4ZZZfm, ran a street marketing business for music clients, played in a band and generally hung out with a lot of music industry crew in the Valley for many years.

What do you perceive to be your area of expertise, and how did you gain experience in this field? I am a music lawyer and I manage the operations of Unified. My main areas of expertise are ensuring the operations of our business, including financial and legal functions and staff management are compliant and functioning smoothly. I completed a law degree and went in to practice as a music lawyer. This gave me a very strong foundation from which I could develop other skills to oversee our business.

Is this your first BIGSOUND? I have been attending BIGSOUND since the first year; I met a number of future employers and clients there.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? Strengthening existing relationships with media and other key partners. Helping to generate interest in one of the artists we have showcasing. Looking to gather as much intelligence on overseas label developments from international delegates.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? The value in building a community in helping you to build a career as a musician or business. The community is at the centre of our business and helps us get our music and merchandise out and build the bands’ careers.

What are you expecting to take away yourself from your visit to BIGSOUND? Hopefully a new cafe... devastated that Flamingo has closed... No, I hope to take away some new and strengthened relationships. Hanging out at a coffee shop or bar can often do more for your business than 50 emails.