AWME 2014 will feature a whopping 58 live performances and 16 concerts in six venues across central Melbourne, while highlighting artists from all corners of the globe.
With such a tremendous amount of AWME offerings, it’s only natural to feel a little overwhelmed by it all. Well fear not, friends, Beat’s got you covered for all your AWME needs. It was pretty darn tough to compile a list of all the must-see events at the conference this year, but here’s a couple of killer events that you probably shouldn’t miss.
What Makes A Great Festival?
It’s a longstanding debate, the old ‘what makes a great festival?’ quarrel. Is it the live music or the punters? The food vendors or the portaloos? Presented by AWME, this specially curated conversation will feature an astonishing number of industry heavyweights, including Malcolm Haynes from Glastonbury Festival, UK, Peter Noble from Bluesfest, Robin McNicol from Bonnaroo, USA, Divya Bhatia from Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), India, Danni Colgan from WOMADelaide, Woody McDonald from Meredith Music Festival / Golden Plains and Richard Moffat of Falls Music and Arts Festival. This festival experts will explore a range of topics – how does one festival distinguish itself from the next? How do festivals maintain their relevancy? How do key events maintain a balance between new and emerging artists versus established and heritage artists? This intriguing panel will be moderated by John McAuslan of Minor Key Touring, and takes place on Friday November 14 from 2.10pm – 3.20pm in the Lower Playhouse Foyer, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Tjintu Desert Band
To put it bluntly, Tjintu Desert Band are fucking killer. These guys hail from Central Australia, and create a magical mixed-bag of tasty grooves that blend elements of reggae, dub, funk and rock, creating a distinct desert sound. Seriously – listen to this music while visualising the vast scenery of the outback amongst a star-filled sky and you’ll understand; this is powerful stuff. Colossal tribal choruses combine with roots and rock influences and feature Spanish inspired acoustic guitar and rock-reggae electric riffs, all supported by a consistent moving dub bass. Phenomenal. Be swept away on Friday November 14 at Shebeen from 12.00pm onwards.
The Shift In The Media Landscape
Ever wondered how media outlets keep abreast of the changing landscape within the music media industry? Are you across the ever-evolving trends and transformations across the vast media landscape? Have you ever felt the overwhelming urge to witness Beat’s Music Editor Cara Williams and Arts, Associate Music & Online Editor/Social Media Manager Tyson Wray bicker in a public forum? Well here’s your chance. This panel will feature Beat’s aforementioned editors alongside industry leaders Adrian Basso, General Manager, PBS 106.7fm, Si Jay Gould, Manager of Hiatus Kaiyote and Oscar Key Sung and Vanessa Bassili, promoter of Brunswick’s Howler Bar, who’ll all voice their views on how you can utilise contemporary media to best convey messages, information and engage with your audience actively and effectively. It all happens on Friday November 14 from 2.30pm – 3.20pm at the Amcor Lounge, Arts Centre Melbourne.
Transmitter Records Awme Closing Party
Everyone digs a party, right? Well this is gonna be one shindig you don’t want to miss. AWME have well and truly saved the best till last with this stellar bash, featuring the crème de la crème of feel-good party acts the town has to offer. Get your funkiest boogie boots on and burn a hole in the d-floor as Melbourne Ska Orchestra take the stage alongside Bustamento, The Ska Vendors andM ighty Duke & The Lords. It all goes down on Sunday November 16 at The Hi-Fi Bar from 7.30pm until super late, so throw your inhibitions out the window, forget it’s a school night and get down. Catch you on the dance-floor!
