BIGSOUND 2016 Speaker Focus: Rich Moffat

Organisation: Way Over There, Band Booker

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? Hustled my way in… no clue, no experience, but lots of hard work for minimal pay for a long long time.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? I love the streaming world. Artists getting paid for the real consumption of their music. Listeners re-energised in their passion for music, both new and old. We are about to enter a golden age.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? The live scene is at a low ebb — it is harder than ever to run a sustainable venue or festival. The scene needs support from government and agencies rather than lockout laws, restrictions and sound limits.  

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Build a community around what you do, both in the real world and in the online world. Everything in the online world should be to inform, not sell. Be unique and interesting

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? We all need to understand how to protect and foster creativity and community. Live music brings people together.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? I hope people avoid doom and gloom discussion about changing market and embrace the inevitability of change.  Change brings opportunity.

What do you personally hope to take away from your time at BIGSOUND? New friends.

Which acts are you most looking forward to checking out at BIGSOUND? The Belligerents, Dorsal Fins, Gabriella Cohen, The Gooch Palms, Lanks, Mallrat, Sampa The Great.

When and where is your panel/interview? 7 Sep, The Judith Wright Centre, 3.30pm.