Since its inaugural event in 2008, the Australasian Worldwide Music Expo, more commonly referred to as AWME, has grown into one of Australia’s premier music conferences.
AWME is a four-day musical extravaganza that aims to “create and develop opportunities for local and international audiences and industry professionals and to build recognition and understanding of music and culture from this region” and to “contribute to the development of the local music sector through fostering stronger ties and networks with individuals and organisations in Australian and overseas markets”.
The event attracts some of the world’s most prominent and influential festival bookers, talent agents, record labels, arts organisations, and media workshops, making it the perfect opportunity for industry professionals and music fanatics alike to come together and create networks as well as lasting friendships.
The massive meeting of musical minds covers myriad events, including conferences headed by industry leaders on topics from local touring, to running international festivals, as well as an impressive list of both local and international musicians performing in and around Melbourne’s best live music venues.
With so many of these amazing things happening around Melbourne we decided to hand-pick some different events we feel our readers will benefit from checking out or click here for the full AWME Program.
Ash Grunwald Promises “Pure Authentic Blues”
We were lucky enough to chat with this year’s AWME ambassador, Ash Grunwald, who provided the best, and most obvious reason to attend the conference: Australia has a killer blues and roots scene. The Melbourne singer-songwriter confirmed this to our Tone Deaf writer, stating “Australian blues acts are really, if anything, a bit more bluesy.” He continued, “I think the positive way of answering that one is that some of the Australian acts, because we have that distance and blues isn’t from here, we can reflect from outside of that culture, back on it and have a real appreciation for the old style.”
The prolific Aussie bluesman will be performing alongside fellow blues-based Canadian outfit Digging Roots on Thursday, 13th November at The Hi-Fi. If you dig the blues, look no further.
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Learn The Secrets Of Running A Festival From Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, Meredith & More
You’ve read this 100% correctly, AWME will play host to directors and bookers of some of the most internationally renowned and sought-after festivals, including Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, Rajasthan International Folk Festival, as well as Aussie kingpins Bluesfest, Falls Festival, Meredith / Golden Plains, and WOMADelaide.
This amazing open forum will see the esteemed guests discuss what makes a “good” music festival, drawing from their experiences on how key events maintain a balance between new/emerging versus established/heritage artists as well as delving into the world of boutique festivals and their place in the market today.
It will no doubt fill every seat in the house and is unequivocally one of the best opportunities to learn from worldclass industry leaders.
Be A Part Of The Best Live Music Events Of 2014
AWME by night spills out into some of Melbourne’s most iconic live music venues, transforming the performance stages into evenings of insane parties celebrating some of the most unique sounds in blues, roots and world music.
The greatness of an AWME gig is the unity between artists performing. Each event sees a shared appreciation for each musician on the bill. This isn’t just some headliner with a couple of supports.
Examples of this include the stellar lineup of the heartbreaking and sass-fueled Ms Murphy, New Zealand’s “electric blue witch hop” Estère, the Motown-inspired Louis Baker, and the incredible two-time South African Music Award nominee Bongeziwe Mabandla.
A night out with AWME is anything but basic.
Discover The Incredible World Of Indigenous Hiphop
Homegrown hip-hop has definitely found its place in the hearts of Australians over the past decade or so. Originally led by pioneering acts like the Hilltop Hoods, Australia’s hip-hop scene is currently experiencing its golden age.
With the genre finally taking off, this particular conference is solely dedicated to all things hip-hop and will be led by a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists discussing the impact hip-hop has had on their lives and communities and the significance of Indigenous hip-hop on the world stage.
This is sure to be a very informative 50 minutes that will see emcees Briggs, Miss Hood, Mau Power, and Tjimba Possum-Burns reveal all.
Catch Local Artists Before They Blow-Up Internationally
It’s no secret that these types of music conferences are one of the best places to scope up-and-coming local talents. That’s why there’s over 500 delegates descending on Melbourne for the four-day music celebration.
In recent years we’ve seen the likes of neo-soul priestess Ngaiire score a slot at the Mecca of all music festivals, Glastonbury. Additionally, a performance by Nicky Bomba impressed the right international heads, earning him a place on the bill at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Fest.
With massively exciting acts like BONJAH, the Pierce Brothers, and Timberwolf, all of whom are garnering a healthy amount of well-deserved buzz. Who knows what local acts could be up in the international lights next?
Short On Cash? There’s Free Gigs Too!
You read it right, live music fans. Yes, there is an extensive list of incredulously talented musicians performing throughout the week, but not all of these shows are going to cost you a pretty penny.
In fact, there are seven different gigs you could and should check out for free, from the charming jazz-pop tunes of soulstress Chelsea Wilson to the worldly sounds of Italian-turn-Aussie Santa Taranta to Mista Savona Soundsystem’s grooving reggae and dub beats as well as a strong cast of DJs.
You don’t need an exploding wallet to have a great AWME live music experience.
