Position/Title: Talent Buyer/Agent at ECO: 8106/Sicario Music
How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? I'm originally from Sydney and got my start at Speak N Spell, helping out on various things. I moved to Mexico City in 2013 and from cold-emailing people was lucky to get a job in my first week with Sicario where I've been their talent buyer since.
What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? Not solely the last 12 months but agents expecting the same artist fees as North American festivals and having to compete with that market. It's not feasible and stops a lot of acts making it to Mexico for shows. Also more festivals in the market competing.
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Within Mexico, apart from artist fees and more competition, it's media within our market. There is a shift in media support and several have also closed down so we have less and less options for promotion support and getting new acts heard on radio.
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Volunteer to work on shows or at festivals because that experience is invaluable and puts your face and name in front of the right people. Follow both internal and external markets, the promoters, what acts they book. Don't be closed-minded on an act just cause its not your style.
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What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference and what are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel? Hopefully discussing the market and giving awareness to Australian acts breaking into Mexico. PR and social media is extremely important as that's where most kids are finding new music these days.
Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? CHAII, Bad//Dreems, Louis Baker, DVNA, Japanese Wallpaper, Bakers Eddy, Flossy, City Rose, Kitschen Boy, P-UniQue, Little Quirks, Mojo Juju. I've been following some for a while and need to catch them live.
When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Latin America, Crystal Palais, Cloudland, 11.30am.
