For many musicians, understanding live production and working with techs can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This Sound Advice is all about the power of knowledge - giving you the essential info you need to confidently navigate tech specs, sound checks, and more, next time you hit the stage.

Join Oxford Art Factory in-house sound engineer Astrid Holz and front-of-house engineer for the Hoodoo Gurus Marshall Cullen as they show you how to navigate sound equipment in music venues. From understanding a PA, to the live mixing process, these two industry experts will go back-to-back, sharing their expertise around everything audio. The discussion will be paired with a practical run through of a standard PA, where you can see it in action.

Afterwards, Holz and Cullen will dive into good practices when preparing for a live show and how to work well with venues and techs. From understanding tech riders, to preparing for soundcheck, take home prime knowledge that’ll make you ready to play the best live show you possibly can.

The day will wrap with a Q&A, where you can ask questions about audio, live shows and everything in between.

Early-career artists and women and non-binary practitioners in music who are interested in gaining more knowledge in audio and live gig standards are encouraged to attend.

About our speakers

Astrid Holz (Sound Engineer for Oxford Art Factory)

Astrid has over 20 years of experience in the Australian music industry as a sound engineer and session drummer. After receiving a Bachelors degree in Media and Music at UNSW and an advanced Diploma of Sound Production at JMC Academy, she went on to work FOH and MONs positions at numerous venues in Sydney. Holz has taught Audio Production at both UNSW and JMC Academy, and has performed as a session drummer for many Aussie acts including Jack River, Horrorshow, Urthboy, RACKETT and more. With such an eclectic mix of work experience, Astrid possesses a unique set of skills that allows her to understand, and inform others, of how to put on a high quality live show.

Marshall Cullen (FOH for Hoodoo Gurus)

Marshall Cullen is a tour manager and front of house sound engineer, recently returning from the 2024-2025 Hoodoo Gurus World Tour. With over 40 years experience touring the world with Paul Kelly, Todd Rundgren, Silverchair and Sarah Blasko, supporting Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith and more, Cullen has built a reputation as a true master at his craft. Having founded Damien Gerard Studios in Balmain in 1985, Foghorn Records in 1992, Fogsongs Music in 2001 and Soundslikecafe in 2003, Cullen possesses over 40 years of experience in the industry, with expertise in areas such as record production, management, A&R, live touring, recording and more.

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