The full program for this year’s Indie-Con has officially been unveiled, with more than 80 speakers set to present across 18 wide-ranging sessions.
Indie-Con 2023 Speakers Unpack The State Of Independent Music
The AIR-backed event will return to the idyllic Mercury Cinema in Adelaide (Kaurna), kicking off at 2pm on Wednesday July 31 with a panel of trade associations and representative bodies. Green Music Australia will deliver a keynote straight after that, followed by a panel that aims to answer the question, “How do labels create social impact and cultural change?” Another keynote will follow – this one hosted by YouTube – before Support Act present a panel on “navigating life online”.
The conference will continue on Thursday August 1, with highlights on the program including roundtable chats with the nominees of two 2024 AIR Awards – Producer Of The Year and Music Video Of The Year – as well as a panel exploring “new opportunities for the independent sector”, one debating whether AI is “a threat or an opportunity”, an “album case study” into I Love You by Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, and a panel looking at the current state of music festivals and touring.
Wrapping things up on Friday August 2, there will be a panel offering content creators advice on “how to get seen and heard”, a session shining the spotlight on six incredible indie labels, and the sure-to-be-spicy Music Industry Debate. Altogether, the events aim to cover every corner of the Australian (and global) music industry, with the roster spanning representatives from over 50 different companies.
Head here to see the full program for Indie-Con Australia 2024. Conference passes can also be purchased here, while AIR members will be able to take advantage of discounted prices; if you aren’t already a member, you can head here to find out how to sign up.
As always, this year’s Indie-Con will be followed by the MusicSA-backed Scouted event, where on the evening of Friday August 2, attendees will have their minds blown by a showcase of emerging and unsigned talent from South Australia’s local music scene. Head here for more info on Scouted.
Meanwhile, AIR recently announced that as of Monday July 1, its membership fees will be significantly reduced. Where associate members would normally have to pay $300 GST per annum, they’ll now pay $175 (saving $125). The new fee for full members will also reduce from $600 to $375 (saving $225), while the fee for Australian distributor members will reduce from $1,500 to $900 (saving ($600).
Of course, membership for independent Australian artists will remain free. Head here for more info on all types of membership and eligibility.
