BIGSOUND 2019 Speaker Focus: Courtney Fry

Position/Title: Music And Culture Editor, Pedestrian.TV at Pedestrian Group

How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? Long-time listener, first-time caller. I've been in love with music my whole life and at 14 tried to figure out how I could get paid to be around bands and music. Lots of hard work and HECS debt later and here I am.

What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? The way that streaming has actively challenged the way that music is produced and consumed. I mean, who would have thought that cassettes would come screaming back en vogue as much as they have in the last few years?

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Streaming monopolising the consumption of music, the way that stan culture will use its power, and the ways that artists can utilise that power. We're already seeing a lot of big artists' fans snapping up well-marketed merch, which is where a lot of the profit is for artists.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? It's going to be tough but if you're dead-set on something, stick with it. Remember to know and own your worth, work damn hard to produce something you're proud of, and make as many friends as you can – and DON'T burn bridges because it'll likely sting you later.

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? I'll be chatting around the relationship that music has with youth-focused media, what works to get the attention of the nation's youth, and ways Pedestrian.TV supports both independent and established artists.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? Definitely going to try and get my eyes on Butternut Sweetheart, Milan Ring, Tones & I, Nerve, Tasman Keith, and pay my respects at the altar of Crowbar.

What advice do you have for BIGSOUND first-timers? I'm a first-timer too this year so let's hold hands and jump in together.

Assuming you've been previously, what's your favourite BIGSOUND memory? And which artist was your standout performance? I remember having huge FOMO of friends at BIGSOUND in the past when they were texting me about Stella Donnelly, Amyl & The Sniffers, and G Flip. So I'm really keen to make some memories.

When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Why Should Media Give A Fuck About Australian Music?, Alice Room, Cloudland, 1.45pm.