BIGSOUND 2022: Joe / Dumaresq's Experience
"People in the music industry are uncommonly giving with their time. My experience at BIGSOUND 2022 can be best described as an education in the power of reaching out and asking!"
Music Tasmania invited a few members to BIGSOUND this year, and Joe Kneipp aka Dumaresq was one of them! Here's what he had to say about his four huge days in the Fortitude Valley:
Tell us about yourself, your music and why you wanted to go to BIGSOUND?
My name is Joe. I live in Hobart, and play under the moniker ‘Dumaresq’, and have been releasing music independently since 2019. I would describe myself as an album artist – stylistically, my songs are a bit all over the shop, but I would say they most often resemble alternative rock, with some ambient and shoegaze influences.
I wanted to go to BIGSOUND to be able to network with other industry professionals and promote myself a little bit more as a solo musician. I have been lucky enough to play with/tour for other artists extensively as a session musician (including previously playing on the BIGSOUND lineup in 2019), but I have never had the opportunity to promote my music.
In April 2022, I was lucky enough to feature on a single with Tim Shiel (ex-Gotye member) through ‘Spirit Label’, and I think that this release put my (still extremely small/indie music) on somewhat of an industry ‘map’, so I was looking to parlay this into some meetings at BIGSOUND.
Owing to this, my favourite thing about BIGSOUND was the delegate portal and networking with industry professionals. I was astounded by how willing people were to chat and coffee, and I feel I received some helpful advice!
What did you get out of it?
Certainly, many new connections within the industry and a better understanding of the music industry's machinations.
Who inspired you?
It would be hard to pin down one person or artist in particular, but I generally found many of the conference speeches very moving.
Who did you meet?
I met with people from the Harbour Agency, Sanicki Lawyers, Sony Music, Sunshine Coast Council, Otago University, Groovin’ the Moo festival, the New Zealand Independent Labels Association, the Australian Arts Council, Redeye Distribution, and Spirit Label – and that list is non-exhaustive!
What did you learn?
That people in the music industry are uncommonly giving with their time. My experience at BIGSOUND 2022 can be best described as an education in the power of reaching out and asking!
Did you discover new music? Who was your highlight/s?
I very much enjoyed seeing my friends in SAFETY CLUB perform, whom I’ve known from living in Brisbane a few years ago – they were a highlight. Regarding discoveries, I thought Pink Matter and Brekky Boy were fantastic live.
Will you apply to play at BIGSOUND next year?
Absolutely – although I had a great time, I did notice that from the performer's perspective, there was a dearth of Tasmanian artists. I will be looking to apply to play in 2023, hopefully with the support of Music Tasmania!
I am extremely grateful to Music Tasmania for sponsoring my trip to BIGSOUND 2022. Organisations like Music Tasmania are critical in helping Tasmanian artists like myself access opportunities that are more easily afforded to musicians in other states and territories. The organisation's members were friendly and welcoming, and I will seek to collaborate with Music Tasmania in my future endeavours!