BIGSOUND, Big Returns: Four Ways Canadian Music Businesses Struck Gold in Australia in 2013
CIMA’s Canadian Blast initiative showcases Canadian talent to the world, while offering Canadian music industry professionals an opportunity to create business opportunities in international markets. This September, Canadian Blast took a trip to Australia with 10 Canadian music companies. Here’s what happened:
1. Connections.
Canadian companies had over 200 meetings at BIGSOUND with over 363 contacts, 252 of which were new. These new networks will form the foundation of any touring, cross-promotional, marketing or representational deals for Canadian bands. CIMA directly facilitated these meetings through a “speed-dating” session, where Canadian labels are offered the opportunity to interact with key professionals from the Australian and New Zealand industry for short intervals, and provided contact information to follow up with any promising leads.
2. Business.
Canadian music companies started or finalized 93 deals in Brisbane this year, expected to result in a significant amount of potential revenue over the next several years. Most of these deals brought international festival, gigging and touring opportunities to Canadian music companies, which will help our artists find new markets abroad. However, new publishing, distribution and other deals were also started or finished. This revenue is not only good for Canada’s music industry, but our economy as well, helping support jobs and attracting investment into Canada.
3. Music.
Perhaps most importantly, BIGSOUND exposed people from all over the world to Canadian music. Over 400 people came to see the Canadian Blast showcase, featuring performances from Yukon Blonde, Saidah Babah Talibah, Sidney York, The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer and Your Favourite Enemies. Several of these Canadian bands were invited to join other showcases, play at private parties and much more, expanding the scope of their opportunities.
4. Media.
In total, 63 media opportunities were fostered at BIGSOUND, with all five Canadian band showcasing at BIGSOUND received positive media coverage, oftentimes from multiple sources. itsmykindofscene.com wrote on Saidah Baba Talibah: “I left with a huge smile on my face…” On The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, rhythms.com.au wrote, “if you have not heard of them, you soon will.” Scenewave raved about the energy levels brought by Yukon Blond, and Sidney York was called “an awesome band.” Your Favourite Enemies even got a shout out about ”the amazing hair of both guitarists,” in addition to being noted as skilled rockers. This sort of coverage will be critical to launching these artists in the Australian market.
CIMA’s “Canadian Blast” initiative is all about getting Canadian talent heard worldwide. Make sure to register with any of our relevant Canadian Blast missions for an opportunity to produce similar results for your company in the future.
For more information on BIGSOUND 2013, check out our Event Page or our President, Stuart Johnston's interview on the event.
