4—6 August 2021

COVID-19 will try and try again to disrupt our calendars, but we simply will not allow it.

The latest event taking a stand against the wiles of the spicy cough is the three-day Indie-Con, which explores the ins and outs of independent music industry, and the Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards, which celebrates the strengths of the national scene.

When news came hefty social distancing restrictions would remain beyond South Australia’s seven-day-lockdown, the intended in-person occasion swiftly transitioned online.

The conference kicks off Wednesday, 4 August, with presentations exploring relevant topics such as how indie labels can make use of emerging technology, live streaming platforms and licensing, NFTs, as well as two virtual networking opportunities with peers and speakers.

More conventional topics such as the release cycle, deconstructing A&R (aka artist and repertoire) and tours are explored too.

The speakers are varied, with talking heads coming from music rights management organisation APRA AMCOS, recording industry association ARIA and music distribution service Single Music, and more.

The AIR Awards will be streamed online on Thursday, 5 August, and will include performances by Adelaide’s-own Wolf & Cub, Sydney’s DMA’s and rhythm ensemble Emma Donovan & The Putbacks.

Awards will also be handed out for the categories of Best Independent Album of the Year, Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year, Best Independent Song, and more.

Celebrate a year of independent excellent music releases by tuning into the AIR’s YouTube next week via this link.

More information about the conference can be found here.