Position/Title: Owner of Northside Records
How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? As a music lover/collector, then a DJ, then a radio host. Then in 2002, I started Northside Records as there was nowhere for groove music to call home in Melbourne. We made a home and what a funky home it is! Come get down.
What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? Lots of hate poured onto streaming. People realise that it is unsustainable as a way for musicians to live. There must be alternatives - and that there are. Enter record shops. (Again).
What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? People being taken over by the need to dance to funky music in public. We have to provide spaces for them to get down. For them to find that music and have that music. Just as well there are record stores. We are prepared for the future!
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Do what you do primarily for the groove. Think not of yourself but of the groove. Give in to the groove. Be the groove.
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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? My words will be about RECORD STORES. Spaces and places that are dedicated to music and dedicated to you. Alerts will be sounded about Record Store Day. It's an amazing worldwide celebration of these stores that still provide community spaces and funky places. We will mention the way that you the artist can connect with stores and also how labels can register their activities for Record Store Day.
Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? THE RECORD STORE TALK. Of course. There are lots of good friends playing too. DRMNGNOW, Adrian Eagle, Gordon Koang, Mojo Juju, P-UniQue.
What advice do you have for BIGSOUND first-timers? Find the funk.
Assuming you've been previously, what's your favourite BIGSOUND memory? And which artist was your standout performance? My favourite BIGSOUND memory was finding the amazing local jam on Tuesdays in Brissie, about five years ago though.
When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Vinyl Revival, Cellar, Cloudland, 3.45pm.
