BIGSOUND 2016 Speaker Focus: Paul Mason

Organisation: Australia Council, Director, Music

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? Playing in bands > venue booker > festival programmer > Sydney Uni Union > FBi board > got interested in government and policy > community radio > set up Amrap/AirIt > Chair MusicNSW > ABC > Australia Council.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? Major policy and funding commitments for contemporary music from South Australia and Victorian governments; continuing international demand for our artists; the start of structural change in state and local government attitude to live music.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? It's always the 'unknown unknowns' that really bite you, isn't it ?

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Make good music.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? The increased role of government in supporting and promoting contemporary music.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? A bit about how government works, what's happening that affects artists and industry, what the opportunities are, what could happen next?

What do you personally hope to take away from your time at BIGSOUND? Music, meetings.

Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at BIGSOUND? Andrew Tuttle, Tigertown, Bec Sandridge, Jack Grace, A.B. Original, Birdz, Teeth & Tongue, Emily Wurramara, Ainslie Wills, Fascinator, Gawurra, Mere Women, Luke Peacock, Woodes plus more.

When and where is your panel/interview? 7 Sep, The Judith Wright Centre, 3.35pm.