BIGSOUND 2019 Speaker Focus: Poppy Tohill

Position/Title: Manager at CRS Management

How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? My inroad into the music industry was through music journalism – starting my own blog and interviewing artists. From there I spent three years volunteering for numerous management, publicity and broadcasting companies before being offered my job at CRS just as I finished up at high school. 

What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? The increased importance of touring. Because of the nature of streaming services nowadays, and the increased number of people releasing music, artists are touring more to keep their fans engaged through live performance and experiences. And the fact that more people are coming out to shows! 

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Finding economically and environmentally friendly ways of touring. With the increase of touring, that has caused a considerable strain on our already struggling climate and environment. So I'm interested to see how artists react to and consider this issue in the future (FEAT. Initiative is doing incredible work FYI).  

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Networking is key! It sounds cliche, but the whole, "It’s not what you know, it's who you know," isn't far from the truth. Networking can seem daunting but you never know how those you meet now may end up helping you in the future. 

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 big and beautiful beast that is Los Angeles and why so many artists from Australia and New Zealand are currently relocating to the United States. I hope to help shed some light on what LA has to offer artists, producers, managers and wider industry professionals as well as discuss some of the more difficult realities of moving there.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? Tones & I, Greta Stanley and Chakra Efendi! I've heard a lot of great things about all of them and am really intrigued to see what they can serve up on the stage. 

What advice do you have for BIGSOUND first-timers? Network like your life depends on it. Utilise all of these amazing people being here and the knowledge they've brought with them. (And get out there and discover some new artists too!) 

What's your favourite BIGSOUND memory? And which artist was your standout performance? I am in fact a first-timer! However, last year I was FaceTimed the entirety of G Flip's set at BIGSOUND and it was the best thing ever. 

When and where is your BIGSOUND panel? 6 Sep, I Heart LA, Rainbow Room, Cloudland, 11.45am.