BIGSOUND 2012: Jessica Ducrou

How did you first become involved in the music business?

My first job was in retail at Red Eye Records back in the late '80s. I set-up the punk rock album section, met my future business partner Joe Seg at Homebake and got a great perspective on how the music industry works.

What do you perceive to be your area of expertise, and how did you gain experience in this field?

I guess putting together live shows at small pubs through to large outdoor events. I started as a venue booker at the Lansdowne which helped me understand basic deal structures and saw firsthand each band's attendance results. It was invaluable experience when moving from venue booking to becoming a music agent.

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

I'm on a couple of panels – Regulating The Live Side Of The Australian Music Industry and Are Artists Getting Paid Too Much?

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

It's always good to hear about particular experiences which obviously shape our opinions. I think panels that represent working music industry types can give some good insight of what's happening right now. A bit of a temperature check.

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

An opportunity to see some good music and catch up with friends.