Byron Music Festival Launches Byron Music Podcast
Byron Music Productions has launched the Byron Music Podcast – a series of discussions about music, culture, and wellbeing recorded live at the inaugural Byron Music Festival.
At Byron’s first ever music industry conference at Byron Theatre in June 2021, this was a music industry conference with a twist – uniquely drawing back the curtain for the public to be part of conversations that would normally only be held amongst those in the industry itself.
The conference gave audiences the unique opportunity to be part of conversations about how the industry works, what challenges it faces, and how to help support the future of music in our region.
Byron Music Festival Director Nick Sergi said, “I’m proud that we can bring these important conversations to our town and beyond. We covered huge topics that were well received and uncovered just how much the public needs to hear these stories. We hope this will result in a stronger bond between local artists and audiences, and a deeper understanding of why culture matters throughout society that ultimately leads to the arts being more valued”.
The program was a diverse line-up of keynotes, panel discussions, and performances from high-profile and local industry representatives and artists excited to share their stories and insights with the wider community.
Local musician and broadcaster, and conference panellist and performer Nathan Kaye said, “It was an honour to be a part of the Byron Music Festival Industry Conference. Each panel discussed vital issues that our local music industry and community face including the importance of arts in the community. And it’s the small to mid-level artists that struggle the most, get the least credit, but upon whose shoulders the whole music industry stands”.
BMF Operations Manager and co-programmer of the industry conference Monique Hartman said, “The conference component of BMF helped anchor the festival in the meaning behind what we do. It’s to bring the sense of community the creative industries need at this crucial time for the sector, and to build that community around Byron – the town that is renowned for nurturing the arts. It’s equally for artists and the wider community … demonstrating yet again how the arts bring people together”.
The first series has six episodes covering a range of topics including the value of the arts, empowering youth through music, mental health and wellbeing, conscious music making and consumption, and the future of live music.
The Byron Music Podcast is available to stream on the BMF website www.byronmusicfestival.com.au where you can also find a detailed description of each topic and learn about the panellists.
Byron Music Podcast is produced by Alain De Carne and Monique Hartman for Byron Music Productions Pty Ltd at Alleyway Studio and partially funded by Create NSW (CASP Program).
The series episode and panels list is:
Ep 1
THE VALUE OF ART & CULTURE TO OUR REGION
Peter Wood, Naomi Moran, Nathan Kaye, Leigh Carriage, Chair: Louise O’Connell
Ep 2
EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH THROUGH MUSIC
Christian Tancred, Mark Robertson, Jarmbi, Chair: Naomi Moran
Ep 3
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: HOW TO BE A CONSCIOUS MUSIC CONSUMER
Leanne de Souza
Ep 4
REFLECT & REIMAGINE: HOW THE PAST CAN SHAPE OUR FUTURE
Rusty Thorpe, Jenny Bannister, Tanisha Cook, Narayan Wallace, Chair: Leanne de Souza
Ep 5
SOUND HEALING: SUSTAINING WELLBEING IN MUSIC
Lissie Turner, Kyle Lionhart, Louise Sawilejskij, Chair: Sarah Howells
Ep 6
MUSIC CHANGEMAKERS: IN CONVERSATION WITH THE TAMBAH PROJECT
Ed Foster, Kyle Lionhart, Nidala Barker, Billy Otto, Chair: Emily Toner