2005 Big Sound Home

Big Sound '05 a huge success With over 3000 participants, 300 delegates, five days of non-stop forums and events, and more than 100 artists performing a the showcase gigs, this year’s Big Sound Music Industry Summit was without doubt the largest conference of its type ever staged in Queensland. What’s more, Big Sound ‘05 was possibly the largest gathering of international independent music industry professionals that Australia has seen. In total, more than 20 speakers - label managers, management, publicists, brokers - from the USA, Europe, UK, and elsewhere took part. While the final outcomes from Big Sound will continue to roll in, here are just some of the highlights of a huge week for the Australian independent music scene. Big Sound ’05 Highlights include:

• The largest gathering of interstate music industry professionals that Queensland has ever seen – close to 80 interstate speakers and participants.

• Meetings between international guests, Q Music and State Ministers – Arts, Education, Liquor Licensing, Fair Trade and Tourism.

• Launch of an Australian first change in state laws to allow the creation of a live entertainment precinct, which will give security to venues and artists (currently at the mercy of resident com[plaints) and will force developers to face stricter requirements when building new residential spaces in Fortitude Valley.

• Thousands of participants over the week within many different events, panels, showcases, venues and activities – all coordinated by Q Music.

• Building a local and global community - Due to the informal nature of the gathering and discussions, all delegates were able to engage in a relaxed and friendly environment, sharing information, contacts and ideas in a supportive and intimate environment. The inclusion of a large number of international and interstate guests meant that the conference was truly building local and global communities concurrently.

• Partnerships with AIR, MMF, APRA, many government departments and local councils.

• Byron Bay Electronica Act 'Kolliope' signed to Fogsongs Music Publishing with CEO Marshall Cullen.

• Sat Bisla and Jim McKeon from A&R Worldwide (one of the most respected artist development companies in the United States) confirmed their commitment to a future partnership with Q Music to share programming between Big Sound and their own MUSEXPO conference in Los Angeles.

• Derek Sivers from CD Baby (the largest seller of independent CDs online in the world) from Los Angeles, attended the conference and confirmed his commitment to opening an Australian office based in Brisbane.

• Minister for Arts and Education Anna Bligh confirmed her support for future export initiatives coordinated by Q Music.

• Deputy Lord Mayor David Hinchliffe expressed his support for a local music-hub, in which organisations such as Q Music and AIR would share office space with local music businesses, enabling a vibrant hub of industry activity.

• Over 100 artists showcased to international music industry professionals and packed venues.

• Coverage for local music sector in both national and state press.

• One on One meetings between almost every speaker and many participants at the conference.

• Over 300 conference delegates.

• The ‘Q Music and You’ feedback panel empowered Q Music members and guests to offer criticism, feedback and ideas for the future – an incredibly courageous move for Q Music to take. Criticism focused mainly on difficulties with speedy replies to phone calls and emails. Discussion also focused on whether Q Music should be supporting grass roots development or playing the role of peak body, working at the highest levels of industry and government.

• Luncheons and n