BIGSOUND 2012: Ken West

How did you first become involved in the music business?

As an Electromedia student at COFA in the late '70s I realised the more creative and amazing an artist was the less capable they were of achieving commercial success due to how they reacted to the world around them. I felt I could offer more as an artist amplifier than as an artist myself. This began as technical supporter to artist/musicians and soon led to producing events where artists could perform to large audiences…

I made a decision after COFA that I was starting again and gave myself a new four-year plan to learn as much as I could in that time and at the end of that time I needed to earn enough to survive or look at another career plan. I did everything for no fee as there was virtually no profit to be shared. Everything went back into the next project. Luckily around the end of that time I was able to believe I was good enough and believe enough in myself and the other artists I worked with (not for) that this was my calling.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference?

The high cost of talent and its impact on events.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview?

That will be up to the individual.

What are you expecting to take away yourself from your visit to BIGSOUND?

Maybe some free unqualified psychoanalysis and a complimentary pen.