BIGSOUND 2016 Speaker Focus: Ben Dennis

Organisation: Myriad Management, Director

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? I began by volunteering at Warrandyte Festival in my hometown as a 13-year-old stage manager, from there I got into DJing and working in the club scene where I met a bunch of helpful people.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? Corporations offering big money exclusivity deals with specific online streaming services for artists during their release period have become more and more prevalent.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? The amount of leverage companies like Apple and Spotify will have over release periods and will it make it harder for listeners and fans to access their favourite album/single premieres.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Go out and meet as many people as you can at shows and other events like conferences. Don't be full on but make sure you maintain communication with your peers post event. 

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? Our panel will be discussing electronic music and the ever changing face of the industry and why it is a unique field.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? I am hoping that people will learn that electronic music isn't that different to other genres and its integration into mixed genre/alternative festivals has well and truly occurred and is here to stay and slay.

What do you personally hope to take away from your time at BIGSOUND? If I take away a searing hangover from BIGSOUND that means I have had a drink with many lovely people within this industry and that's a great thing.

Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at BIGSOUND? I'm looking forward to getting the red-hot tip from some peers on some acts I don't even know exist yet! They are always the most exciting ones. 

When and where is your panel/interview? 8 Sep, The Judith Wright Centre, 2.00pm.