Australian Music Week Strikes Closer Ties With Canada

Co-founder Geoff Trio of Code One has toured many Canadian acts Down Under over the past decade. Aside from a formal link-up with Canadian Music Week, Andy McLean of the East Coast Music Association and Robyn Stewart of BreakOut West and the Western Canadian Music Alliance will speak at the meet.

Of 70 speakers announced so far, those from the live sector include Lisa Whytock of Showcase Scotland Expo, Bluesfest director Peter Noble, Scott Mesiti, head of the Australian operations of the UK’s MJR Group (and co-director of Australian Music Week), John Wardle and Damian Cunningham of the Live Music Office, Woodford Folk Festival’s Chloe Goodyear, Dave Wilkins and Peter Fricker of the Sydney Blues & Roots Festival and music export initiative Sounds Australia director Millie Millgate along with booking agents, artist managers and venue operators. There will also be a buyers’ program.

Artists showcasing include those with a global presence, including country music singer-songwriters Catherine Britt and Luke O’Shea, indie acts Tenderfoot and Mat McHugh of The Beautiful Girls, rock bands Lepers & Crooks and I Am Apollo, and folk-pop performers Demi Louise and Ella Fence.