Established in 2008, the Australasian Worldwide Music Expo has become the undisputed premier world and roots music industry conference of the Southern Hemisphere. Calling Melbourne its home over four days in November, AWME, bring in a lineup featuring an array of local and international heavyweights.

Leading AWME 2014 was Melbourne’s Grammy-nominated future-soul favourites, Hiatus Kaiyote; roots hero and recent LA Crticis Award winner, Ash Grunwald; multi-talented Indigenous music icon, Bart Willoughby; buskers-turned-indie-music successes, the Pierce Brothers; RnB maven, Ms Murphy; nu-wave brass ensemble, Bullhorn, and the very talented Indigenous MC, Jimblah.

Post the AWME celebrations, we caught up with some music industry figures and musicians who performed, spoke at and enjoyed the conference to find out what their AWME 2014 highlights were, here’s to next year.

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Rusty Thorpe | Bluesfest

“This year my highlights at AWME were The awesome Cajun food at the Ding Dong and seeing Marlon Williams perform at Ding Dong. Chelsea Williams’ set at The Curve Bar was also a highlight, I also loved the MSO and Bustamento night at The Hi-FI, and finally seeing and meeting with more industry than I thought possible (gee I musta’ worked hard !)”

Regan Lethbridge | BONJAH guitarist

“For me the highlight of AWME was having so many influential people in the industry under one roof. You walk away after catching up with old friends and making lots of new ones.

The international delegates this year were really impressive and it really helps put independent bands in front of them. It gets better every year and BONJAH were stoked to be involved. I also managed to catch sets from Pierce Brothers, Timberwolf, and Rita Satch who were all amazing. Apparently Mojo Juju was incredible too. Full credit to AWME organisers and here’s to 2015.”

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Adrian Basso | 106.7 PBS fm Manager

“I always look forward to AWME, as it’s a great way to find out what’s happening both locally and on the international stage. To pick out some highlights, I would have to start by putting in a plug for PBS’ live broadcast from the Curve Bar at the Arts Centre where we interviewed many of the artists that were part of AWME – a broadcast studio in a bar is always a fun combination.

Sticking to community radio, the CAAMA record label launch on the Friday was an engaging moment, culminating in a wonderful desert reggae performance from Tjintu Desert Band – it’s great to see a strong indigenous presence being celebrated. Then on Saturday the Wantok showcase featuring the wonderful local talent of Frank Yamma, Radical Son and THA FEELSTYLE from Samoa was another great example of what we have here and just across the sea.”

Alastair Burns | Heartstop Music

“Well of course my highlight was seeing Marlon Williams dominate a sold out crowd at Ding Dong Lounge with just a guitar and his voice.

Hiatus Kaiyote killed it at the HiFi, I lost my voice within a day and I had dumplings in China Town three nights in a row. Pretty much all you want out of AWME”

Si Jay Gould | Manager, Hiatus Kaiyote

“Highlight was definitely the meeting sessions with promoters, bookers, agents and artists from around the world. Dropping into other worlds in a focused environment and being able to speak directly with the creatives and decision makers from some of the best festivals and culture makers is a invaluable.”

Pat Pierce | Pierce Brothers

“This is our first time at AWME and the amount of shows was incredible. BONJAH and Timberwolf nailed their sets and the Ding Dong Lounge was pumping.

Finally getting time to have some beer with those legends and swap stories was probably the highlight for us!”

Timberwolf | Solo Musician

“As a developing artist, one of the huge highlights for me was being given the opportunity to talk face-to-face with inspirational figures within the music industry. Another one was sharing a stage with some really talented musicians as part of a special showcase, plus featuring on a lineup alongside Ash Grunwald and Hiatus Kaiyote was pretty humbling!”

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