Face The Music Speaker Focus: Aidan McLaren

Company: The Hills Are Alive Group - Co-Director and Founder

How did you first become involved in the music business? Started out as a drummer in self-managed, original bands in my teen years and through my 20s. Promoted my first show aged 17. Co-organised my first festival at 25.

What's your area of expertise and what experience do you have? Curating and booking festival line-ups. I have programmed The Hills Are Alive Festival for ten years, NYE On The Hill Festival for five years, and consulted on many other events.

What topics will you be mostly talking about at Face The Music? Creating and sustaining a music business. Festival Curation. Artist Management. Record Label A&R.

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? The re-emergence of the financial value of recorded music, predominantly through the acceptance and mass take-up of streaming services by the general public.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? The mental health of those involved in the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Get started. Promote your first show. Volunteer at a festival or community radio. Offer to help out your friends' bands in whatever capacity. Treat people well. Never stop learning. Start small, dream big.