The music business is changing rapidly. From the dynamics of retail and the impact of the digital sales, to converging mobile technology, the very definition of what it means to be a ‘record label’ is changing…. AIR presents the 3rd annual Australian Independent Label Summit, supported by IODA (Independent Online Distribution Alliance) on Friday 5th October. This full day forum brings together forward thinking, innovative music professionals from all corners of the industry to discuss, debate, and determine the commercial stability, business practices and trends that will determine the future of the music industry. Independent Labels, get ahead of the pack!

• Find out what you should know to launch your own label in 2007

• Explore new revenue streams in mobile technology and brand alignment.

• Dissect the viability of new business models for independent labels.

• Get insight from experts at the forefront of the digital music industry.

• Network with industry professionals from Australia and the rest of the world. *All Season Pass Holders and Friday Day Pass Holders may attend the Summit

PROGRAM

10:30am: THE BIG PITCH – Online and Mobile Music Market Hear from a number of leading digital and mobile companies talk about their business and why they want yours. Offers a great chance to get an overview of some of the key service providers dealing with music in the digital space, and how independent labels can benefit. Following lunch, delegates can attend one of the following sessions

2:00pm: Break Out Panel A: Brand Association and New Revenue Streams Increasingly, artists, labels and festivals are turning to brands as a new source of revenue. And with the leverage and audience engagement available via such relationships, business is additionally seeking out this value. But despite the seemingly mutual benefits, does this form of business really keep music at the heart of the industry? Is it selling out or simply the way of the future?

2.00pm: Break Out Panel B: Get Mobile! Will mobile revenues provide the much needed windfall for the music industry? As a result of converging software and hardware platforms in technology, mobile phone revenues are predicted to hit in excess of AUD $17 billion by the year 2011. What do labels and artists need to do right now to secure their rightful slice of this revenue? What are some of the current barriers for the independent sector?

2.00pm: Break Out Panel C:New Business Models for Independent Labels Changes in the recording industry have provided an exciting new business environment in which independent labels and artists can reach larger audiences, but which is invariably built on series of micro payments rather than the lump sum payments. What business models are currently working in this new environment and what are the best ways to adapt successful structures to suit your target audiences.

2:00pm: Break Out Panel D: Indie Label 101 Never before has it been easier for musicians to record, produce and release music independently, but despite this, nearly 90 percent of all releases never sell more than 1000 copies. Discover how you can improve the odds in your favour. Explore the logistics associated with being a self releasing artist from managing your finances, recording, publicising and promoting to the all important selling of your music.

About AIR The Australian Independent Label Summit is presented by AIR (The Australian Independent Record Labels Association), as part of AIR Pocket – our national music industry skills