WAMCon Focus: Caleb Williams (UNIFIED Music Group)

Caleb Williams (Senior Artist Manager, UNIFIED Music Group)
How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? I started carrying my friends bands gear when I was 18. They started doing some tours and needed a tour manager. From there I met other bands and people on tour. I worked for not very much money at the start to get the experience I needed in the industry to a position where I felt comfortable stepping into management.
What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? I think the ever changing world of the record industry and the massive shift to streaming as the major way people are connecting with music. We have all seen this coming for a long period of time but now it's at a place that is really helping royalty revenue for artists. This is massive positive for the artists and labels. It also helps management and acts be able to reach fans in many different ways.
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? The amount of artists that can tour successfully now is creating a massive saturation in markets. Venues have to be booked a year in advance in some cases to get your ideal tour routing. With bands having so many different ways of reaching people via social media, streaming, Youtube and downloads now it can create a log jam at venues. But it that really and issue or is it a healthy industry? 
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Be honest! I think management companies have had a bad reputation for ‘ripping off’ artists for a long period of time and although I don't totally think that's true, I think always being honest and upfront with your dealings and your artists is the best way to get respect. 
What's the secret to success in the music industry? I would say as above. I think honesty and hard work. Of course it's an industry where you need a little bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time really can help. But always be willing to learn from any situation and don't be afraid to put your hand up if you make a mistake and own it. As long as you learn from it. 
What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WAMCon? Deal-making within the industry and the best and worst ways to go about it. 
What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? Hopefully they will get some insight into the different approaches to what goes into getting the deals done within different aspects of the industry. I'm really looking forward to hearing what the other people on the panel say as well! 
What do you personally hope to take away from your time at WAMCon? I'm looking forward to learning as much as possible from the speakers and panels. Also really looking forward to meeting with people from inside the WA music industry. It's always good to catch up with a few old friends in Perth as well! 
Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? To be honest, I'm looking forward to seeing as many acts as I can and making my mind up which ones I liked best post the Fest. 
Check out the WAMCon website for all the details.