WAMCon Focus: Andrew Fuller

Organisation: Clearview Legal Counsel Pty Ltd / myEntertainmentLawyer.com - Principal, Owner

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? I started playing in bands in Perth - Spank, Pete Stone, The Mission Blue - and then joined the WAM board in the early '90s while studying a law degree. Then I moved east.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? The rise of playlists as a viable income stream for recorded music in a streaming environment. The micro payment strikes back.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Hopefully a change to the lockout laws in Sydney to reinvigorate the cultural scene and specifically the music scene.  

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Get a good grounding in general commercial law and then specialise within the entertainment field, as you'll be able to add far better value to your clients' businesses/rights with a broader experience.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WAMCon? I believe I'll be doing a few things which haven't been confirmed yet. I know I'm appearing on the Music Biz Think Tank panel about running your creative practice like a business.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? It's relatively simple to set up a sustainable music business or creative practice with some fundamental knowledge and concepts and good advisers.

What do you personally hope to take away from your time at WAMCon? Seeing some killer acts - I'm right into Hideous Sun Demon and Mt Mountain, as well as Abbe May, Timothy Nelson, The Floors, Davey Craddock and Verge Collection. Bring the rock.

Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? See above. Add Make Them Suffer to the list.