In 2014 Evelyn Morris, better known as Pikelet, started a vital conversation when they called out Jimi Krtizler’s book Noise in My Head, Voices From The Ugly Australian Underground as just more tired “back-patting and exclusion of anything vaguely ‘feminine’ in subculture”.
That conversation quickly became LISTEN, an organisation, independent music label and all-inclusive community. The volunteer-run outfit have been massively active on social media and in the music scene, working at increasing visibility for marginalised people within and outside of the arts, as well as supporting and promoting female and LGBTQIA+ events.
In 2017 LISTEN launched a new website with a series of profiles focusing on Australian women and gender diverse musicians. After becoming a regular fixture at previous conferences, LISTEN members liaised with BIGSOUND organisers and compiled a proposal for panel discussions and speakers that they believed should be represented at the 2017 conference.
Thanks to their efforts the conference saw Udaravi Widanapathirana, Nkechi Anele, Sullivan Patten and more take part in panels. LISTEN Records also continued to grow over the last 12 months, Pikelet joining the roster alongside acts such as Biscotti, Simona Castricum, Hi-Tec Emotions and Stina Tester & Cinta Masters. The label started the year by taking over The Gasometer Hotel for a curated four-week residency.
