BIGSOUND 2016 Speaker Focus: Stuart MacLeod

Organisation: RTRFM 92.1, General Manager

How did you first become involved in the music business and how did you end up where you are today? Saved up money to buy a computer. Saw a guitar hanging in a music shop. Fell in love. A spur of the moment decision that changed my life forever in the most delightful way possible.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? The exponential growth of streaming services and the shift of focus from mass marketing to individual marketing. People have realised that having 50,000 Facebook likes doesn't mean a thing unless you connect directly with people.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Something has to break with streaming services. There's a lot of big fish in the water, I feel one will have to go under soon. Also, they need to rethink royalty models. Artists aren't happy.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? If you're starting a band, utilise community radio! It's incredibly important and effective when you're starting out. And play lots of shows, make friends/connections. And listen to good music.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? Ha ha, ahh I haven't really thought about it. I guess I'll just speak about music and community radio, and the future of that connection, which I still feel is strong and will always be.

What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? That community radio provides local support for music, arts and culture that cannot be found elsewhere. It's also an incredible way to discover new and unique music from around the world.

What do you personally hope to take away from your time at BIGSOUND? As small a hangover as possible. One can only hope.

When and where is your panel/interview? 9 Sep, The Judith Wright Centre, 2pm - 3pm.