Music Biz 101: A conversation about getting started in the industry, hosted by Robbie Buck.

Petersham Bowling Club presents Music Biz 101! 

A free symposium designed to help YOU! 

Thinking about getting into the music business as either an artist or Industry professional and wondering where on earth to begin? 

We've gathered together four legendary music industry professionals to chat about their experiences and get some key advice for you to help you get your start. From starting out as an artist or in your chosen industry role, getting gigs and booking yourself to the best business practices, touring, building sustainable relationships and developing income streams. We'll chat with our panellists about how they've managed to not only get their start in the industry but survive and thrive. 

Music Biz 101 Will be hosted by Australian Radio pioneer Robbie Buck. Robbie got his start on late-night community radio in his hometown of Lismore and has hosted shows on 2SER, SBS, Triple J, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio & more. 

Our panellists! 

Caitlin Harnett: Caitlin Harnett & her band The Pony Boys have been kicking the dust off their heels since 2015. This has led them beyond the borders of their home county (Inner-West Sydney), around Australia and on two tours to the US. On top of their own sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne over the last couple of years, they have also appeared at numerous Festivals including Boogie Festival, Meadow Fest, Festival of the Sun, Out On The Weekend, Ninchfest, Riverboats and Tamworth Country Music Festival. The band released their debut album “Late Night Essentials” at the end of 2020. The record was named Album of the Week on FBi Radio and 2SER and, following a launch tour in 2021, they were named Best Live Act in NSW at the National Live Music Awards. In Australia, they have also supported the likes of Orville Peck, The Nude Party, Tony Joe White, Hurray For The Riff Raff and The Felice Brothers.

Lulu Rae: Lulu Rae runs Brain Drain - a specialist PR and management agency that works alongside artists and creative projects across the Australian landscape. Currently, label managing for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Rice Is Nice Records, and Heavy Machinery Records.

Brian Taranto (BT): BT has been hanging around the music industry since 1985 – mostly involved in band and festival merchandising, but also a concert promoter, art director and publisher of musical kid's books. Having worked at Australian Tour Merchandising (ATM) for eight years, he eventually established a new merch company Love Police in 1995. Love Police recently merged with ATM with BT as Managing Director, running offices out of Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Mushroom Group Of Companies. In 1997 he started Love Police Touring which has brought out international acts including Wilco, The Black Keys and My Morning Jacket. And recently launched Love Police Records and Tapes, a record label. 

Reg Harris: Reg got his start as a young muso in an under-18's Battle of the Bands comp and hasn't looked back! Reg has a wealth of experience from venue booking "World Bar" in its heyday (If you know, you know!) to hosting duties on FBI Radio and more recently as the FBI Music Director. He's worked for Apra Amcos, Soft Centre, and Secret Garden Festival and is now wearing the hat of Music Festival Program Manager for the first-ever SXSW happening in Sydney later this year. 

With thanks to our mates at Inner West Council, we are thrilled to bring you the first Music Biz 101.