Name: Johann Ponniah
Business: I OH YOU
Position/Title: Founder
How did you first become involved in the music business? I interned for a management company in Melbourne/slept on people's couches for a while until I was eventually given a job.
What do you perceive to be your area of expertise and how did you gain experience in this field? I'm not sure that I'm an expert in any field but I work on the label and tour-promoting sides mostly. I've been lucky enough to have had some fantastic mentors who have guided me through both fields and answered more than one of my many stupid questions.
Popular culture tells us that the music industry is all about hedonism, drugs and partying - how true is this in your experience? I guess we'll find out at BIGSOUND.
In this time of technological change how do you see the dissemination of music changing in the future? Is there still a place for physical product? I think there will always be a place for physical product, although there is no denying that it's probably becoming more of a collectible item these days. The digital world is something that I find extremely exciting regarding the widespread accessibility of music.
Some pundits espouse that the future of music is electronic-based - in your opinion is rock'n'roll passé? Definitely not. Good music (no matter what genre) will always conquer.
Do you think it's a good or bad time to be starting out as a musician? It's a great time, the artists have so much power these days - that's a truly fantastic thing!
What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Work hard and be passionate.
What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference? Which parties have the free drinks/food.
What are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel/interview? I'm not sure what my panel is yet so I'm not really sure to be honest. They'll most likely learn that public speaking is not one of my strong points.
What do you personally hope to take away from your time at BIGSOUND? Good times, good music and a solid hangover.
