Australia’s much-appreciated proponents of exporting Aussie music to the world, Sounds Australia, were able to celebrate the last-minute securing of much-deserved federal funding last year by launching a mission into South America with a crack squad of local industry operators.
With the support of The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Sounds Australia ended up organising quite a crew to head along on this vital mission to learn what they could in aid of Aussie artists, and create some valuable partnerships within the South American market.
The full dream-team included Andrew Stone (Chugg Entertainment), Ashley Gay (Xelon Entertainment), Clara Iaccarino (Perth International Arts Festival), Jaime Gough (Native Tongue Music Publishing), Maggie Collins (BIGSOUND), Matthew Rogers (We Are Unified), Monique Rothstein (Positive Feedback), Scot Morris (APRA AMCOS), Stuart Rogers (Sydney Festival) and Warren Costello (Liberation Music).
There were plenty of business opportunities gained, as the delegation made its way to a range of conferences and events across Chile, Argentina and Brazil, but there was also time for a bit of fun as the team sussed out the increasingly-important South American markets – from Maggie Collins’ birthday celebrations, to the hunt for a great coffee.
“In order to establish and strengthen long-term, two-way business connections in South America,” Sounds Australia said of the endeavour, “the team aims to identify and secure local partnerships, navigate and negotiate new markets, especially with respect to managing tour logistics, production and presentation values, promotion and marketing, along with media, community and audience engagement.
“Building these relationships is key to Australia’s success in these emerging markets over the coming years and the proposed SOUNDS AUSTRALIA South American Trade Mission will present a meaningful reconnaissance opportunity, setting a strong foundation for reciprocal business and cultural outcomes.”
We’re very glad to know that Sounds Australia will be able to continue its mission to promote great Aussie music for at least another four years, and you can heck out some of the highlights from the trip below.
Sounds Australia’s South American Mission
“Beautiful murals are everywhere in South America, it’s a good backdrop to discuss and explore creative work such as music.”
“The beautiful room facing the sun in Club De La Union, where we did all our meetings at Fluvial conference in Valdivia.”
“Maggie and tea cup with Australian emblem at the Australian Embassy in Buenos Aires.”
“Clara and Matt at the networking pool party in Buenos Aires held by FaroLatino.”
“The first good coffee of Sao Paulo, Brazil! These guys had a station at the SIM SP conference and Willy, the owner, lived in Brisbane for four years which is where he got the inspiration to make good coffee.”
“Maggie’s birthday dinner and family photo at Exquisito! in San Paulo.”
“An incredible singer songwriter, Nelson Reis from Oh Lee Records who is based in London and Porto, Portgual and who performed at the opening of the most amazing studio we’ve ever seen – Audio Porto in Port Alegre, Brazil – where we flew in for 18 hours! #speedy”
“Snap! Maggie, Clara and Monique at the opening of Audio Porto.”
“Monique sitting on a ‘Women In Music’ panel in Valdivia, Chile – alongside Francisca Venezuela, one of the biggest pop acts in Chile.”
“Maggie Collins sitting on a radio panel at SIM San Paulo, Brazil – casually repping triple j.”
“Went to an incredible venue called Casa Do Mancha in San Paulo, Brazil which was half venue / half house party. This is where BanaNada 2017 was launched, an awesome festival.”
