Industry Development

SONG OF THE YEAR

WAM's annual songwriting competition

SOUND CHECK

Grow | Learn | Discover

HIGHER NOTE

Building careers and connections for self-managed artists and emerging managers.

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WAMCON – THE WA MUSIC CONFERENCE

WAMCon continues to be one of the leading career development opportunities for WA artists and industry professionals, providing a vital and valuable opportunity for the WA music sector to network with and learn from national and international industry experts.

Having run annually for over 16 years the two-day conference features a full line-up of local, national and international industry representatives sharing their expert insights across a program of panels, presentations and networking opportunities targeted to the needs of the WA sector. Over the years, WAMCon has drawn a dynamic range of industry heavyweights including booking agencies, record labels, publishing companies, sync agencies, music media, artist management companies and more, providing WAMCon ticket holders with direct access to experts from every corner of the music industry.

SOUND CHECK – WORKSHOPS PROGRAM

An initiative by WAM to provide frequent and forward-thinking educational and networking opportunities for members of the WA music industry, WAM Workshops run throughout the year, often taking advantage of opportunities that arise and can be used to benefit the music industry.

The Sound Check Series is designed to provide a free, safe, and interactive way for the community to voice their questions and receive informed advice from an Industry expert, whilst also engaging with one another. The series will be covering a range of topics, from business accounting to mental health, with additional topics introduced as the webinar series continues. Each session, participants will join an expert for a one-hour discussion from a guest expert or panel. Each webinar includes the opportunity to ask questions and ‘check-in’ with others who may be experiencing similar struggles at this time.

SONG OF THE YEAR – SONGWRITING COMPETITION

One of the organisation’s longest running programs is the annual Song of the Year competition. WAM works alongside Healthway to promote the Act Belong Commit message through the competition by encouraging songwriters to reflect on the relationship between music and their mental health, and the benefit of living the message.

First established in 1989, the annual Song of the Year Competition, coordinated by WAM and presented by Act-Belong-Commit, invites songwriters, musicians and bands across Western Australia to submit their songs for a chance to win across multiple categories. The songs are anonymously and independently judged by an expansive range of music industry experts. Each year an Awards night is held to announce the winners and showcase some of West Australia’s best home-grown talent. The competition presents a rare exposure opportunity for WA songwriters to showcase their talents to industry practitioners, with the option to receive direct feedback on their submitted songs. Previous winners of the competition have included iconic WA acts Stella Donnelly, Beni Bjah, Kučka, Little Birdy and Abbe May.

HIGHER NOTE WORKSHOP

The Higher Note program provides unprecedented access to some of Australia’s most experienced industry representatives in a unique and intimate boardroom setting – allowing attendees to easily ask questions, seek personal career advice, and build valuable connections.

Aimed at self-managed musicians and emerging managers serious about kicking their career up a level, Higher Note is a bespoke two-day workshop program. The two-day intensive program features learning sessions presented by industry experts on everything from strategy, publicity & social media, business management, touring and much, much more.