BIGSOUND 2019 Speaker Focus: Christopher Kevin Au

Position/Title: Manager of Triple One

How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? I started blogging on Tumblr around seven years ago, before I somehow landed a job in journalism and began focusing on hip hop and club culture. I began developing tight relationships with artists in this field, which eventually landed me a managerial role with Triple One.

What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? The industry is really starting to take note of hip hop artists from a grassroots level. Major labels, promoters and bookers are really starting to invest in underground and niche artists who have traditionally been shunned or ignored.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? NSW police and government intervention in music events, especially hip hop events. Our state has been plagued with venue, festival and gig shutdowns; this should be a serious concern to anyone working in any genre of music in NSW.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Don't just depend on the internet! If you want to make a name for yourself in the music industry, don't forget the importance of real-life relationships. Everyone gets flooded with emails, go out to gigs and network the old-fashioned way. A strong, mutual conversation goes a long way.

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? The relationship between artists and brands. I hope that artists/managers will walk away thinking about more creative ways that they can expand their audience and forge relationships outside of music.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? Kobie Dee, Milan Ring, Kymie, Raj Mahal, Rebecca Hatch, Lauren. and 3K. Nerve is a hometown Brisbane boy and also one of the most versatile in the country. Johnny Hunter for some guitar music, too!

What advice do you have for BIGSOUND first-timers? Have a schedule and stick to it. And don't burn yourself out on the first night.

Assuming you've been previously, what's your favourite BIGSOUND memory? Meeting the President of Nowra, Nooky, in 2018.

When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Rethinking The Relationship Between Band And Brand, Moon Room, Cloudland, 3.30pm.