The Music Real

The team chat about the value of Agreements in our industry.

Until the lockdowns, few working musicians ever needed to applying for grants. Thanks to the greatest business interuption in the history of our industry, music artists are on a steep learning curve to try and apply for some assistance from the Government. Michael and Nicki chat about things for you to consider when applying for Grants.

There is a ton of stuff to do off stage before you even get ON STAGE to perform. This episode is all about clever ways to manage your time and put systems into place to get more time back.

Michael and Nicki look at the under utilised functionality of LinkedIN in your Music Business.

Mark and Nicki deep dive into how Social Media builds value into everyone's business - the Venue and the Artist. They also look at why some Artists seem unwilling to promote their shows and get on board Social Media in their music business.

Michael, Mark and Nicki look how to show up as a live music artist by reviewing the psychology and idealogy behind staging an event in every gig that you do.

Nicki and Michael review what is needed when you market a Feature Tribute Show and come up with the definitive check list.

Nicki and Mark look at the various ways that Music Artists manage their Books.

The Pushy team talk about the easy way to use G Suite to manage all aspects of your Music Business.

Michael, Mark and Nicki chat about the various aspects of invoices, offering tips on how to address a variety of potential issues. All designed to get you paid faster and more efficiently.

Nicki and Michael from the Pushworth team discuss how digital fits into your 21st century Music Business model.

One of the most important things in your Music Business. And it's all about reading, being able to read a room and create a night and create a memorable experience. Its about creating an EVENT. Join the Pushworth team as they discuss all the ways to create an event.

Nicki, Michael and Mark discuss all the aspects of a live music show that are considered when the team pitches to a client.

Nicki, Michael and Mark step Music Artists through an easy seven step process for their Music Business.

In the Music Real Episode 167 my guest is La Boite Theatres executive director and incoming CEO Zohar Spatz. Zohar talks about how lockdown impacted La Boite. We explore the newly funded La Boite Artist Company and we address the changes now happening in the Arts Economies around the globe as a result of the COVID interruptions. Time for representation, relevance and transformations in our industries and Zohar and her team at La Boite are setting the bar high indeed. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/12/16/zohar-spatz-the-importance-of-community/

In the Music Real Episode 166 I chat with Mik Auckland Director, Programming and Presenter Services at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Mik was involved in delivering some of the world’s greatest productions, including the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games so has a keen perspective on all things entertainment and culture. We look at how HOTA managed during and post Lockdown and hear his thoughts on suitable pathways forward to better support the Arts Economies in Australia. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/12/08/mik-auckland-home-of-the-arts/

My guest is renowned Playwright and Sydney Festival Artistic Director and Australian Arts and Culture Thought Leader, Wesley Enoch. We hear about the upcoming Sydney Festival in his own words “Sydney Festival 2021 is all about kick starting the Australian arts sector by injecting more than $6 million into the pockets of those who have done it tough,”. We talk about the value and importance of art in our society especially as it enters recovery. We explore 21st century audience needs and how Arts Economies can diversify and future proof. “Artists are about finding the vocabulary for the future” Wesley Enoch. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/25/wesley-enoch-artists-are-about-finding-the-vocabulary-for-the-future/

In the Music Real Episode 164, I chat with New Zealand Publicist and Music Artist, Aly Cook who has never been so busy. Post COVID, she has been busy releasing a plethora of new music. Aly shares about working with Community Radio Stations across Australia and New Zealand. We talk about the importance of acknowledging the volunteers that man these stations. We hear about the lesson that BB King taught her and review the business practice of GRACE. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/24/aly-cook-business-is-busy-post-covid/

In the Music Real Episode 162 I chat with Tal Chalak, Promoter and Music Industry Consultant and currently the organiser of Sunday Setlists at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville Sydney. We have a frank conversation about what is happening for Venues across Australia as the country gradually reopens its pubs and clubs and music venues. Together we explore the impact that the COVID lockdowns have had from a venue and promoter perspective as Tal offers guidance and tips for indie artists wanting to build their brand in the live scene post COVID. And more importantly, Tal highlights the incredible opportunity that these lockdowns have afforded many aspects of this sector. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/17/tal-chalak-real-talk-about-the-value-of-venues-in-the-music-industry/

In the Music Real Episode 161 I have the honour of speaking with Senator Sarah Hanson Young, Senator for South Australia representing the Australian Greens. Sarah recently stood up in Federal Parliament and asked for an update on the Arts Package delivery with her now infamous words “Is It Because Its Zero?” Sarah’s portfolio includes Arts, Media and Communications and she is an avid supporter of the Arts and Entertainment sectors in Australia. The Greens Plan to Let’s Recreate Australia” has a three-pronged approach to support and aid in the recovery and rebooting of an annual $112b economic contribution by these sectors. Make sure you head to Sarah’s website to sign the petition and help get our voices heard by Federal Government. It was such a privilege to speak to someone as passionate as Sarah is about our industries. We are grateful for her voice. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/17/sarah-hanson-young-is-it-because-its-zero/

In the Music Real Episode 160 I chat with theatre administrator, writer, and arts advocate, Howard Sherman who has worked with American Theatre Wing, O’Neill Theatre Center, Geva Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals and Hartford Stage. And as the US columnist for The Stage newspaper in London, with his writing appearing in Slate, The New York Times, the Guardian, and American Theatre Magazine, Howard talks all things Broadway. Howard introduces us to his book scheduled for release in Jan 2021 – Another Day’s Begun: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in the 21st Century. When it comes to being a passionate supportive Arts advocate, Howard’s voice is being heard across the globe as he shares his thoughts. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/08/howard-sherman-another-days-begun/

In the Music Real Episode 159 My guest is Nick Hampton, author of the new Australian Music Industry memoir Nick of Time My Life and Career All On The Record. After almost 5 decades in the Music Industry, Pye Records in London, CBS Records in London and Paris and EMI records in Australia, Nick offers his insights and shares stories about his adventures. Nick was instrumental in establishing the fund-raising for charity body Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia with The Art of Music initiative and given the challenges facing our industry today, Nick shares his thoughts about the value of music. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/07/nick-hampton-in-the-nick-of-time/

In the Music Real Episode 158 I chat with Sally Anne Gross and George Musgrave, the two authors of the book Can Music Make You Sick. Lecturers at the University of Westminster, Sally Ann and George walk us through the process of writing and researching the book and what it means for the future of a global industry that is experiencing the greatest challenge in its history. This is a ground breaking book for anyone who is currently in the music industry and wondering where the hell it is going thanks to 2020 lockdowns which has decimated their industry AND for those who are thinking of making music their life work. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/11/06/sally-anne-gross-and-george-musgrave-can-music-make-you-sick

In the Music Real Episode 157, I have the honour of speaking with Dr Russell Kennedy, Neuroscientist, Medical Doctor, Speaker, Comedian and Author who has recently published his book Anxiety Rx. We talk about the COVID crazy in Victoria BC in Canada right now and then explore Russ’s work with Anxiety. Russ speaks from his experience as a music artist and comedian and addresses some of the psychological drivers for live performers and musicians and offers high level strategies to assist Arts Workers as they face the most challenging time in history. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/27/dr-russell-kennedy-arts-is-a-vehicle-that-allows-your-inner-child-to-be-seen-and-heard/

In the Music Real Episode 156, I talk with Australian Country Music legend, James Blundell about returning to live gigs, what lockdown was like for him and his vision for our industry. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/27/james-blundell-creating-a-consistent-uplifting-reality/

In the Music Real Episode 155 my guest is Michael Stangel, host of the vlog Three Months to Live, Music Artist, Producer, Artist Manager and candidate for Kardinia currently running for the greater Geelong City Council election. We talk about recent guidelines announced by the Victorian Commission for Gambling & Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) advising live music is no longer allowed to take place in venues and explore the language of the guidelines and how it applies to live music. We talk government support, diversification and what is needed both financially and mental health wise to ensure we are not facing an extinction level event. We hear about Mike’s election platform which includes Music and the Arts and most importantly learn about his philosophy for life which has helped him to survive some of life’s greatest challenges. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/25/michael-stangel-making-music-more-accessible/

In the Music Real Episode 154 our guest is Karen Harding the Director and Founder of Sounds On The Couch and the Couch Mag. Karen talks about her initiatives during COVID setting up a live streaming channel for emerging artists, podcast, training programs and an on line mag to support emerging artists through their career journey. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/25/karen-harding-sounds-on-the-couch/

In the Music Real Episode 153 I chat with Councillor Jonathan Sri who is a writer, musician and community worker who was elected in March 2016 as Brisbane's first ever Greens city councillor, representing the Gabba Ward.Jonathan produced the Gabba Ward Shutdown Album 2020: The Art of Hibernation which was released in September. We talk about the impact of the lockdowns on the Creative, Arts and Entertainment industries, government response and how local council in Brisbane is finding creative ways to support these industries. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/23/councillor-jonathan-sri-the-art-of-hibernation/

In the Music Real Episode 152 I chat with Global Marketing Consultant, Brendan Williams, an Aussie expat currently living in Copenhagen in Denmark. Brendan walks us through the European summer, discusses how the lockdowns in Europe and the UK have impacted the Hospitality and Music industries and then what is facing them now that they have entered their second lockdown. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/22/brendan-williams-as-europe-enters-its-second-lockdown/

In the Music Real Episode 150, I speak with Jessie Parker general manager of one of Australia’s biggest music festivals, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. We talk about what her festival in 2020, what 2021 looks like, the impact of loss of live shows across the industry and a vision for the future https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/22/jessie-parker-st-jeromes-laneway-festival/

My guest is Maria Amato CEO for Australian Independent Record Labels Association, otherwise known as AIR. We discuss the recent 2020 AIR Awards, Women in Music Mentor Program and chat about how to best approach the opportunities facing our industry with Maria sharing her wisdom and many insights. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/22/maria-amato-australian-independent-record-labels-association/

What is it like to write, record and produce your next single while in lockdown? In the Music Real E148 we chat with David “Messy” Mescon, producer in Nashville, Jade Holland, Music Artist in Regional Queensland, Australia and Executive Producer, Manny Kyriakidis in Brisbane, Queensland. We talk to the team about Jade’s latest single “Do It Right” and how it all came together across time zones. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/20/do-it-right-with-jade-holland-and-david-messy-mescon/

In the Music Real E147 I meet Kitch Taitu’uga Wesche Samoan Cultural Facilitator / Music Producer/ International Song writing / Film maker /beatbox looper otherwise known as Kitch. From the moment that he opened our interview with a traditional blessing until we said goodbye. I got goosebumps and I knew this would be a very special discussion. With everything that has happened to our industry this year, it was a pleasant change to talk about the healing power of music. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/16/kitch-taituuga-wesche-the-healing-power-of-music/

In the Music Real E146 I chat with Singer, Songwriter, Mark Callaghan, lead vocalist for the iconic Australian band GANGgajang and legendary music industry stalwart. We discuss Mark’s new single “Sydney Nights” a wonderful anthem capturing pockets of Australian history. “Sydney Nights by Mark Callaghan (GANGgajang, The Riptides) rekindles memories of Sydney in the mid 1980's when the city was alive with music and Australian bands were striding the world stage.“ Mark offers his thoughts on the current state of the Australian music industry in terms of government assistance, how to navigate primarily as business owners through the recovery and rebuild. We also talk about the changes that we as an industry face now. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/15/mark-callaghan-sydney-nights/

In the Music Real E145, I chat with Stuart Field, Managing Director for Oztix the iconic Australian music industry ticketing company. We talk about how when lockdowns happened and everything stopped for live music that ticketing agencies like Oztix were over the top busy processing cancellations and refunds for shows that could no longer happen. We talk about the impact on Music Industry businesses across Australia, review Government Assistance for the sector, how our industry can future proof and most importantly how to stay connected and continue to make noise about this possible extinction level event for our industry supply chains. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/14/stuart-field-oztix-its-important-that-we-all-sing-from-the-same-hymn-book/

In the Music Real E144, I chat with Cath Palfreyman PR Manager for Nando’s in Australia. Nando’s teams up with Support Act to provide 15000 meals to help feed Support Act’s grant recipients. In 2018 Nando’s Australia launched NanDonation, an initiative that secures food from Nando’s restaurants that was otherwise headed for landfill and redistributes it to charities across Australia. To date, over 300,000 meals have been provided to disadvantaged locals in need. Since April, Nando’s have contributed $4.5 million worth of food to frontline Healthcare and Emergency Service workers and have generated an additional 1 million meals to Foodbank. We hear about how Nando’s have been supporting the Music Industry in their global Music Exchange workshops and look forward to the recovery of the global Music Industry. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/07/cath-palfreyman-from-nandos-australia-music-is-a-great-connector/

In the Music Real E143, I chat with Australian Musician, Singer and Composer, Sarah Styles. Sarah runs Wheelie Good Productions – a professional all abilities performing group using a new music theatre format allowing all abilities to star together on stage regardless of the limitation. Sarah shares how she and her son are doing a panel at this years sci fi convention, Conquest 2020, on sci fi and mental health. With two on line courses, speaking gigs and Wheelie Good Productions this is one very dedicated Arts professional whose honest discussion about Mental Health is so vital for everyone in this industry. This is a beautiful raw honest discussion about the challenges that so many Music Artists with health challenges face. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/06/sarah-styles-giving-me-a-voice

In the Music Real E142, I chat with Global Thought Leader Mike Clark of Dent Global to offer a fresh perspective outside of the traditional music market blueprint. Mike explores ways to transfer skills, pivot, adapt, leverage and position yourself in your music business as part of a community wide roadmap to recovery. Mike also talks about the macro economic opportunity that faces us in the next decade. Make sure you check out his website and follow him on Social Media as Dent offers some great free workshops which will truly inspire you as you rebuild your music business. And kudos to him, this was a zoom interview where, like so many parents, Mike just deals with it with incredible grace and humility. 😊 https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/05/mike-clark-what-if-this-was-a-gift/

In the Music Real E141, I chat with Australia’s most famous stand-up comedian, multi award winner and the hardest working speaker in this country, Vince Sorrenti. We start with his lockdown story and what it was like to cancel, postpone and reschedule event bookings. In Vince’s own words: “It’s been brutal!”  We talk about adapting to digital and how this will change the face of future of events. Vince shares the irony that now is the perfect time for comedy. And finally Vince shares his optimism about where the green shoots have started to sprout. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/05/vince-sorrenti-we-need-people-to-come-back-into-the-market/

In the Music Real E140, I chat with Federal Member for MacNamara Josh Burns MP who partnered with Ben Steel, documentary film maker for The Show Must Go On, to produce a short film called Arts in Lockdown. Josh shares some very real stories of Arts Businesses in his electorate. We talk statistics, jobs, grants and the very real challenges ahead for the Arts Economies in Australia. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/04/josh-burns-mp-we-need-our-artists-to-be-there-at-the-end-of-this/

In the Music Real E138, I chat with two of the organisers of the Be An Arts Hero campaign in the US. Matthew Lee Erlbach writer actor filmmaker from Chicago and New York and American singer actor Brooke Ishibashi. They talk about the past two months bringing together a group of volunteers across the US to activate the incredible Be An Arts Hero Campaign across all Arts and Culture Sectors. #savethearts #ArtsWorkersUnite #ArtsHero #BeAnArtsHero https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/02/be-an-arts-hero-the-us-campaign-to-savethearts-with-matthew-lee-erlbach-brooke-ishibashi

In the Music Real E139, I chat with QLD Telstra Young Business Woman of the year and Commonwealth Banks Australian of the Day and Owner of the iconic Queensland Music Venue, the Zoo, Pixie Weyand. We talk lockdown, recovery and today’s announcement about changes to restrictions in Queensland.

In the Music Real E137, I chat with Dr Eve Klein, award-winning composer, mezzo soprano, sound artist and academic. Dr Klein is currently leading a music research cluster at The University of Queensland where she is guiding postgraduate composers on the creation of virtual reality and augmented reality concert works and operas. We talk about how the events of 2020 will influence the direction of the global music industry, the transformation of future tertiary learning design and explore possible future diversification of industry skillsets in order to pivot and adapt and survive until live shows return to their pre COVID levels. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/10/01/dr-eve-klein-new-opportunities-for-arts-and-music-workers

In the Music Real E136, I am thrilled to be speaking with American Celebration Artist, Jeanne Fleming who is the Artistic and Producing Director of the Village Halloween Parade in New York. This year would have been the 47th annual parade. But 2020 has had other plans for all of us and it has sadly been cancelled. We talk about all the aspects of the parade that have made it such an iconic event worldwide. We also hear about how New York is going right now post COVID. Jeanne has created memories for millions of New Yorkers and tourists over the past few years and like so many Festivals and Public Events across the globe, not being able to deliver the parade in 2020 is almost unthinkable however in the true tradition of the parade, Jeanne and the organisers have quite a few surprises up their sleeves so stay tuned. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/29/jeanne-fleming-cancelling-the-nyc-halloween-parade/

In the Music Real E135, I chat with dancer, author and Australian Arts Thought Leader, Kate Histon who recently celebrated 20 years in Dance Dynamics in Byron Bay. We talk about what it was like to move dance classes online during lockdown and the very real emotion and anger of a long-term Arts business being interrupted. Kate shares her vision for her students, discusses her Elevate Dynamics workshops and gives us a sneak preview for her Women in Business workshops. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/29/kate-histon-20-years-and-covid/

https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/28/drewboy-from-lockdown-to-new-single-at-first-sight/

In the Music Real E134, I catch up with the very busy Australian Music Artist and Television Personality Drew Boy who is also the Co Founder and Chair Person for the charity, Kick On. Drew is also an ambassador for Polished Man this year and his new single At First Sight will be released this Thursday 1 October. We hear about Drew’s lockdown and his own personal journey that led him to establish Kick On. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/28/drewboy-from-lockdown-to-new-single-at-first-sight/

In the Music Real E133, I chat with co-founder & CEO of STREAT, Bec Scott. Truly inspiring interview where Bec shares her thoughts on pathways for business to move more into social enterprise. We hear about her enterprises and collaborations like STREAT, MOVING FEAST and CRATEFUL developed by her young son. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/17/bec-scott-social-enterprise-in-the-time-of-covid/

In the Music Real E132, I chat with Music Festival Producer and Golden Wami Award winner Phaedra Watts who has dedicated the last 12 years to the iconic and much loved Nannup Music Festival. We chat about the Festival in 2020 right just as lockdowns began as well as the question mark over 2021. Phaedra is on the Women in Music Mentor Program 2020 Advisory Committee for the  Australian Independent Record labels Association so we talk strategies for women in the music business. We also shine a light on more opportunities for First Nations music. https://themusicreal.com.au/2020/09/17/phaedra-watts-and-the-iconic-nannup-music-festival/