Great Australian Wave

Popkomm, in Germany

2010-07-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

There is a bit more info about Popkomm coming out. If you are interested in going check it out. I know a few bands that have been announced, a few pearls!!

Cheers,
Steve

Popkomm 2010 in Berlin -
From 8 – 10 September in and around Berlin Tempelhof Airport - Explore music!

The Location
The history of Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, also known as the “Mother of all Airports”, continues! Since its decommissioning it has been used as an extraordinary event location providing an unrivalled charm that Popkomm is taking advantage of to present its new concept.

Berlin Music Week
Under the umbrella organisation Berlin Music Week (6 – 12 September 2010) the international business platform Popkomm, the Berlin Festival, all2gethernow, Berlin Music Commission and Clubcommission Berlin all provide a stage for the international music industry and cultures.

B2B Marketplace
In the B2B Marketplace, under the apron at the old Gate A1 with a gorgeous view overlooking the Berlin Tempelhof airfield (now a public park), many German and international music related companies from the analogue, digital and live sectors will be represented including Universal Music, Rolf Budde Musikverlag GmbH, AMV Talpa GmbH, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT GmbH, PIAS Germany GmbH, Al!VE AG, Hoanzl Vertriebs GesmbH, H’art Music Vertrieb GmbH, Cargo Records GmbH, Intergroove – Tonträger – Vertriebs - GmbH, MusicTrace GmbH and Sonicbids.

Country pavilions from Germany (VUT, DMV, Popbüro Stuttgart, Popakademie Mannheim), Denmark, Canada, Austria, Sweden, USA, Norway, Finland, South Africa, The Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and, for the first time, India will be at Gate A2. Jazzkomm, together with other exclusive presentation areas, can be found at the entrance hall gallery.

Congress
The Popkomm Congress powered by a2n takes place on the 8 and 9 September at Berlin Tempelhof Airport. More than 20 individual events will be presented covering the entire spectrum of the music business:
ROLES & IDENTITIES - BUSINESS MODELS - MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION - POLITICS & CULTURE
COPYRIGHT & LICENCING - MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY - ARTS & MAKING MUSIC
A selection of confirmed speakers
Tim Clark (ie:music) - Will Page (PRS) - Kevin Arnold (IODA) - Rupert Hine (Producer) - Jill Sobule (Artist) - Shamal Ranasinghe (Topspin Media) - David Maher Roberts (The Filter) - Peter Sunde (flattr)

Popkomm Showcase Festival
The Popkomm Showcase Festival is the platform for new acts and live music and the marketplace for bookers, promoters, managers, agents, labels and publishers.
Business & Showcases @ top locations in and around Berlin Tempelhof Airport on 8 and 9 September from 2pm – The showcase event with over 60 acts in 10 locations featuring a wide-range of musical genres such as folk, metal, indie and electropop in unique settings including a church and revue theatre.
As part of the Showcase Festival our festival partners The Great Escape, Almost Famous and Primavera will have their own stages.

Networking and Meeting
New: The premiere at Popkomm 2010: The Popkomm Networking Agents
With their musical background knowledge and professional experience our Popkomm Networking Agents will make sure that our networking events run smoothly.
Popkomm offers:
- International Speed Meetings
- Networking Receptions
- Networking Get-Together

For the first time Popkomm presents the Film Producers Lounge, a networking event for the film industry related music sector organised by Just Temptation. This is the ideal place for music labels and publishers, musicians, composers, music studio owners and post production studios to meet and network with each other.

Also worth noting are the International Music Managers’ Forum (IMMF) and Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) networking events.
Details of other events can be found on our website http://bit.ly/bJxThO - Stay networked!

Online Directory and Popkomm Guide
Meet exhibitors face to face at the gates or the keynote speaker in the Delegates Lounge Café. Online registration makes it possible for you to arrange appointments with your business partners. The Online Directory of all participants can be found on our website www.popkomm.de from the end of July. The deadline for your entry in the Popkomm Guide is 31 July 2010.

B2C Marketplace - Popkomm Music City
Parallel to the international music business in gates A1 and A2 concerts, lectures, film screenings, an art exhibition and loads more music related events take place in the entrance hall.

Entry is FREE for everyone from 8 – 10 September from 10am – 6pm.
With the Public Day on 10 September 2010, Popkomm opens its gates for the first time to the general public (Entrance to the B2B-Marketplace with the Popkomm and Berlin Festival Ticket).

Tickets
4 - Day – trade visitor tickets for €198,32 (plus German VAT) can be purchased from our ticket shop here: http://bit.ly/auNFY2.
The ticket gets you into the following:
B2B - Marketplace from 8 till 10 September, Networking Events, Jazzkomm, Popkomm Congress powered by a2n, Popkomm Opening Party with the presentation of the New Music Awards on 7 September, Listing in the Popkomm Guide and Online Directory of Participants, Popkomm Showcase Festival @ Tempelhof on 8 and 9 September, Berlin Festival @ Tempelhof (10 and 11 September), a2n_camp, a2n_congress & a2n_forum from 6 till 11 September 2010. The ticket is also a pass for free local public transportation for the 4 days.

Popkomm Ticket holders also get entrance to the Berlin Festival and festival visitors can also visit the Popkomm on Public Day (10 September). Main act at the Berlin Festival is FATBOY SLIM!
More info here: www.berlinfestival.de

Popkomm 2010 in Berlin -
From 8 – 10 September in and around Berlin Tempelhof Airport - Explore music!

Popkomm time again!!!

2010-06-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

As you may know I have set up Australian Showcases in the past for Popkomm. It is where The Vagrants met many great contacts and helped to set up showcase for great Aussie bands to strut their stuff.

Here is the advance press release, hope it helps,
Cheers,
Stephen Iorio
Renate Ludwig
and the rest of The Vagrants
new website for us TOO..
www.thevagrants.com
--------------------------------------

Popkomm 2010 – Updated concept and driving force for the international music industry:

After a year of reinvigoration and collection of hot new contacts, Popkomm is making a comeback in 2010 with new date, strong partners and a new location

Gathering B2B marketplace, showcases, panels, discussions and a new B2C area, Popkomm introduces all facets of the music industry to international music business professionals

In 2010, Popkomm is an integral part of the first “Berlin Music Week” (6-12 September 2010)
www.berlin-music-week.de

Popkomm Festival:

The Popkomm Festival is the section covering live music at Popkomm. Staged in Tempelhof from 8 to 10 September 2010, it is a prime meeting place for people from all age groups: Berliners, tourists and Popkomm attendees.

Popkomm presents the new live formate: The Day Stages

A platform for new show acts & live music
The marketplace for bookers, organisers, managers, promoters, agents, labels and publishers
The Day Stages – business & day showcases @ top locations near Airport Tempelhof

Popkomm is an exclusive partner of Primavera Sound Pro & Berlin Festival

More infos about the Popkomm festival under http://popkommlive.com/feed/

Your 4-day Popkomm ticket includes:

- unlimited access to B2B & B2C marketplace areas at Airport Tempelhof from 8-10.09.10
- access to all networking events
- access to the Berlin Music Week congress (panels and discussions) powered by a2n
- access to all Popkomm special events (opening party, awards…)
- access to Berlin Festival (10-11.09.10)
- access to the Festival @ Tempelhof – international showcase events & day stages
- company listing in the Popkomm guide and online database
- public transportation

Price: 156,- EUR Early Bird (incl. VAT)
236,- EUR (incl. VAT)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry but I don't think Austrade will be there...

www.youtube.com/thevagrants

2009-10-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

The Great Australian Wave is now over... but The Vagrants will Rock Dresden 2 nite

What unbelievable turnouts to our gigs WOW, we have done the hard yards for the last 5 years and now it is paying off. The venues have been packed and totally rocking.

We love Germany and have had such a great responce that it is truly amazing. THANKS to everyone for their help the fans for the support, Warner Chappell, STF Records, EMG Music, Cora North Bookings, and my friends that have helped with a place to stay, bookings, food, vans, back line and just being there!!! Thanks.

Renate Ludwig on the vocals has been in fine form and mesmerizing. Great to watch.
Gigs at www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

The new vid at www.youtube.com/thevagrants

Cheers,
Steve iorio
Renate Iorio
--
Stephen Iorio
steve@thevagrants.com.au
www.thevagrants.com.au
www.blindbeatroot.com
www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

Ausse band opportunity in Germany

2009-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Any band that is playing on the Great Australian Wave that wants a gig in Dresden on Nov. 1st should let me know. I MAY... have a spot coming up.

If anyone (AUSTRALIAN BAND) has interest in playing a showcase in Dresden on the first of November let me know. E mail me a link to your band site.
steve@blindbeatroot.com
It is early days and nothing is definite, but it would be at....
http://www.mymusic-expo.com/html/en/index.php

Cheers,
Steve
www.thevagrants.com.au

Tracer on the bit Euro tour!!!

2009-08-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Red Hot South Australian band TRACER will not only be tearing up the stage on the Great Australian Wave but also will be staying and playing in Europe for an extended period. Check out all of the dates at...
Tracer www.myspace.com/traceronmyspace

They now have dates in Germany, England, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Denmark!!! Good on you boys.
Steve
www.thevagrants.com.au

Going to Germany, Insert A 2 N instead of Popkomm

2009-08-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Quick one, if you are going to Germany during the time Popkomm was supposed to be on register on this site for updates.

Introducing: all2gethernow. They are trying to take up the slack left by Popkomm this year.

all2gethernow is a platform for all those interested in music, creativity and culture and the environments enabling their production, distribution and consumption.

http://www.a-2-n.de/

steve
www.thevagrants.com.au

Death Mattel are off the Great Australian Wave!!!

2009-08-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Just to let you know, Death Mattel has pulled out of the Great Australian Wave for personal reasons.

Although I was personally very much looking forward to seeing them play and the reaction they get in Europe, this does make things easier in some ways. The changeovers will be easier, and the marketing more focused.

As soon as any of you have accommodation booked (look at www.blindbeatroot.com for help), let me know where you are staying and some contact details. Safety, contact, and logistics are all helped when we share our info.

Make sure you contact the venues, Austrade and Stefan Jedele at Austrade in Frankfurt.

Cheers,
Steve
www.thevagrants.com.au

Letter to bands in the Great Australian Wave

2009-07-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Letter to my band playing the Great Australian Wave. Some good info on the showcase and also on venues.
---------------------------------
Hey guys,

We will be keeping you more updated now. You will start getting heaps...
Things have been SO changeable, and I hate to say one thing and then have to do another. That is what keeps happening to me, and I have had to keep up. We have had a couple of pretty stressful weeks, and it was just nice to get all of your e mails. Here is the info and the outline you asked for, but if you need more, just ask. We are "almost" back to normal now and I will try my best to be better with info for everyone!!!

The definite bands are:
Tracer, Worldfly, Death Mattel, Eden James, and Mijo Biscan of Lamplight

Tracer www.myspace.com/traceronmyspace
Death Mattel www.myspace.com/deathmattel
Eden James http://www.myspace.com/edenjames
Worldfly www.myspace.com/worldfly
Mijo BIscan of Lamplight www.myspace.com/lamplightmusic

The Definite Dates are:

Sept. 15th Cologne, the MTC Club,
Zülpicher Str. 10
50674 Köln, Germany
+49 221 2404188
http://www.angelfire.com/de/mtcpage/

Sept. 17th Berlin,
KATO KULTURBAHNHOF KREUZBERG GmbH
Im U-Bhf. Schlesisches Tor
10997 Berlin
Fon: 030 - 6112339
http://www.kato-x-berg.de/main.html

Sept. 18th Lubeck, Germany, Sounds Night Club,
Discothek SOUNDS
EMail: info at soundsclub.de
An der Untertrave 81 - 83
23552 Lübeck
(0172) 540 50 50
http://www.soundsclub.de/

Sept. 20th Amsterdam
Winston Kingdom
www.winston.nl
Warmoesstraat 131
1012 JB Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 20 6231380

I will give everyone a playing time and we will do it so the loudest rock is last, so that people with quiet acoustic music don't follow thrash metal. The times are unimportant at a showcase, it is all down to you guys having a time to play to get important local people there to see you!!! Really you should be able to play at 1pm in the afternoon for a showcase and get the important persons that you need to your gig.

Mijo Biscan (Lamplight) has kindly agreed to do the stage management. He has been to Popkomm and knows a few things about touring in Europe. We will also have a couple of other people that are doing the merch, door, etc.. So life will be made easy on you all where possible.

IF those of you that haven't send us a stage plan could send one thru immediately that would be great. We will have the sound check order and times to you when we get all that info.

Cheers, see you SOON!!!

Steve

--Stephen Iorio
steve@thevagrants.com.au
www.thevagrants.com.au
www.blindbeatroot.com
www.myspace.com/vagrantsmusic

We Are Hunted, comes to the rescue!!!

2009-07-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY DAYS!!!

Since the withdrawal of funding for the Great Australian Wave by Arts Victoria so many people have come to the aid of independent Australian Bands that it is just totally UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

The relatively new and very cool website
http://wearehunted.com/
has pledged their financial support of the Great Australian Wave(GAW)!!! WOW, thanks and I think all the bands heading to Europe will certainly be impressed. They just approached us and said they want to help. This is just what the doctor ordered and we are all over the moon.

It is a new music site that listens to online discussion, sentiment and sharing to chart the 99 most popular songs online each day. We Are Hunted which was developed with Native Digital, is basically the music chart for the digital generation, tracking the 99 most popular songs online each day across blogs, social networks, forums and P2P networks.

See what these guys have written....
http://www.digital-media.net.au/Article/Wotnews-and-Native-launch-local-music-hub/476539.aspx (08/04/2009)

Cheers,
Steve Iorio and Renate Iorio
www.thegreataustralianwave.com
www.blindbeatroot.com
www.thevagrants.com.au

http://www.blindbeatroot.com

2009-07-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

I am back!!!
After 3 weeks of stress I am back on the ball again. I hope you are all still in the helping spirit, because some bands will need some help!!!

Some brave bands have decided to go to Germany in spite of the failure of Popkomm and the Arts Victoria grant withdrawal.

Tracer, Worldfly, Death Mattel, Eden James, and Mijo Biscan of Lamplight will be playing in Cologne, Berlin, Lubeck and Amsterdam between September 15th and 220th. See the website for details:
http://www.thegreataustralianwave.com/

Hopefully there will be a few more dates getting added.

Cheers, and thanks for all the support so far!!
Much appreciated,
Steve Iorio and Renate Iorio,
www.thevagrants.com.au
www.blindbeatroot.com

JL Music Publishing, letter of support Great Australian Wave

2009-06-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Brilliant!!! Thank you.

We have been officially denied now, with no recourse. But I do have one thing that has kept me sane. The thought that SO many people have come to my defense. It is really heart warming.

Cheers,
and the support is hugely appreciated.
Steve Iorio (and Renate).

On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 12:18 PM, Helen Page (JLP) wrote:

Dear Minister Kosky

I would like to express my concern over the removal of Arts Vic Funding for a "Great Australian" initiative, The Great Australian Wave.
Whilst Popkomm may have been cancelled, the GAW will and should still go ahead.

Steve and Renate of Blind Beatroot, put their heart and soul (and finances) into this initiative, an initiative which makes a powerful contribution to the promotion of Australian Music internationally. Many of the bands who have committed to touring have made many personal sacrifices and financial commitments, something which is a challenge for any musician, and not a commitment to be taken lightly.

The Great Australian Wave will go ahead in a revised format without Popkomm, and the reality is the opportunity for exposure is now even greater, with targeted show cases planned throughout Europe. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Great Australian Wave to become an independent showcase throughout not only Europe, but the rest of the world. The bond between the Australian Music and German Music Industries is a strong one and is something that requires nurturing to maintain and sustain that relationship.

I have kept this brief as I would assume you have been inundated with recommendations to reinstate the funding.

I have a great deal of faith in the Arts Funding Systems in Australia and sincerely hope that this rash decision be reversed before any more harm is done to the Australian Music Industry and to the individuals, organisations and bands involved.

Yours sincerely

Helen Page
Director

JL Music Publishing Pty Ltd
www.jlpublishing.com.au

German Promoter, support of Great Aus. Wave and The Vagrants

2009-06-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

Date: Monday, June 29, 2009, 12:57 AM

To whom it may concern,
my name is Anja Blume. My team of popkillazz presents has worked with the great Australian band called The Vagrants for the last 2 years. We achieved a lot and the interest in the band is getting bigger and bigger.
We have heard that you pulled the funds from the project "The Great Australian Wave" since the Popkomm was cancelled. We think it is the absolutely wrong approach. All bands involved put a lot of money, time and effort into this project but not only that they put in their HOPE for a better future for their music and the general presentation of Australian music in Europe. We see the Australian music growing all around Europe. We truely believe in this concept and all the organisers of this great project and we hope you do as well.
The Popkomm would have been a great opportunity for everyone but there are more and others. We are more than willing to help and support as many showcases as we can once the bands arrive. Please rethink the issue and give your support.
With best regards, Anja Blume

James Spiteri speaks out on Blind Beatroot

2009-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is James Spiteri, and have known Steve and Renate from Blind Beatroot for many years. I had met Steve whilst I was studying Music Industry at Victoria University in 2002. Steve was doing work for PBS radio station and at the time representing a quality local band. Immediately I approached him as I knew he had knowledge and experience that was limited in the industry, and I could certainly learn a lot from him. I was a young university student wanting exposure and experience within the field,and this was my chance. Steve gave me the opportunity and brought me on board to give me an insight to the industry. Due to my eagerness, he then took me under his wing and taught me as much as he could offer, with no return to himself other than self gratification and the chance to see me shape and succeed in a professional manner.

7 years later I still greatly admire and am inspired by his work ethics, his determination and passion to help others. He has made a strong and a definitive imprint into not only the Australian Music Industry, but also the European market. In both 2006 and 2008,the band that I also am a member of, toured across Europe and the USA including performing at the 2008 Great Australia Wave. We were supported by Steve and Renate through Blind Beatroot, and without their help and extensive and ongoing support, wecertainly would not have accomplished what we had.

Steve’s networks, communicationskills (in multiple languages), organisation, passion and knowledge, are onlysome of his traits that are uniquely rare and hard to find. Not to mention his persistence to achieving and his determination is like I have never seen before. He is driven by seeing others achieve…and there certainly aren’t many out there like that!

For both Steve and Renate, of whom do what they do, with no financial backing other than what just feeds themselves, they have already succeeded in more ways than any could imagine. Withdrawing $10,000 from a project that represents Australians and Australian music? Withdrawing $10,000 from a business that isthe key to offering such an offer of exporting Australian talent? Withdrawing $10,000 in a critical time for an international future of Australian music?

What a lost opportunity for this country and its music industry.

Regards,
James Spiteri

Cousin Leonard support Great Australian Wave

2009-06-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Lynne

I write to you as one of the few artists chosen to perform on the Great Australian Wave showcase at this year's Popkomm-Berlin, and primarily as a letter of support for two Victorian people, Steve & Renata Iorio, who I believe are doing so much good for the arts in this state.

As we all seek to define new international pathways and networks in this exiting and groundbreaking time of change, it is clear that only the brave and one hundred percent committed are going to come out of this with new business opportunities to see us into a strong and exciting future.

As Steve & Renata (Blind Beatroot and The Vagrants) are continuing to honour their commitment to the artists on this year's program, by setting up several other industry showcases in Germany at the same time, and for the enormous amount of work that they have put into the event thus far, I would encourage you to give them all the support originally promised, to ensure that the channels that they are opening up between Victoria and Europe, remain open, viable and strong.

Regards

Marty Williams
MUSICAL : PERFORMER/ PRODUCER/ EVENT COORDINATOR
www.cousinleonard.com
www.myspace.com/martywilliamsmusic
www.thingreenline.org.au

Export Solutions put up a hand to save Great Australian Wave

2009-06-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Minister Kosky,
My name is Lina Lamont and I work as an Export Grants Adviser for Export Solutions in Melbourne. I have gotten to know both Steve and Renate over the last year and have admired both their enthusiasm and commitment to their music as well as being a wealth of knowledge and support for many Artists who are new to the music scene. As you would know they have been preparing for The Great Australian Wave Tour for the past six months and have spent both time and money in the process. The decision of Arts Victoria to cancel the funding at this late stage is both disappointing and disheartening. From other correspondence you would know that PopKomm is not the only event that Australian Performers attend abroad (as it only goes for three days) but many others as well. Many Artists would find it very difficult if not impossible to organise such an event on their own and really need both the financial support as well organisation support (given by people such as Steve and Renate Iorio).
Can I ask you to please reconsider your decision to cut funding from this project not based on PopKomms’ cancellation but based on the other performances and valuable contacts that they are able to make from this trip.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards,
Lina Lamont
Export Solutions Pty Ltd

Suite 512 / 566 St Kilda Road
Melbourne Victoria 3004
T: +61 (0) 3 9529 4888
F: +61 (0) 3 9529 5888
M: 0414 977 775
E: lina@exportsolutions.com.au
W: www.exportsolutions.com.au

Renate Iorio speaks out for Great Australian Wave

2009-06-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

For the attention of Lynne Kosky,

I am writing to convey my utter dissappointment and dismay over the decision made yesterday 25/6 to reverse the funding granted by your department to Steve Iorio of Blindbeatroot for The Great Australian Wave showcase at Popkomm. The funding of $10,000 dollars which was approved by the council was for VicRocks Strategic Partnership Program.

Although Popkomm was cancelled last weekend the Aussie showcase will go on!! Too many artists have already invested their time and hard earned dollars to make the trip to Europe to perform at this showcase.

Part of the guidelines for this grant “A subsequent and more detailed application will then be requested.” Was never requested. As the circumstances changed this should have been explored and Steve an myself should have had the opportunity to address the board before another decision was reached.
I believe that the board has made an uniformed decision. Vic Rocks believes it is too much risk now but have come to this decision without proper discussions with the event organisers Steve Iorio and myself.
Other people have organised showcases over the past few years and have received funding on more than one occassion when their track record was less than stellar.
We have proven ourselves over the past four years, with no funding, and have had great results from artists involved in what we do.
We have industry support in Germany for this showcase outside of Popkomm, which at the end of the day is what it is all about, "Bringing the Australian artists to the Industry"
I am not sure if you are aware of Popkomm or what it does or if in fact what we as BlindBeatroot do for Australian bands. I would like the opportunity to meet with you to explain the situation in full and see if this can be resolved.
Sincerely,
Renate Iorio
Blindbeatroot
www.blindbeatroot.com
www.thegreataustralianwave.com

Asleep in the Park's bass player Naomi, gives support to Great Australian Wave

2009-06-29T03:26:00.001-07:00

Dear Minister Kosky

My name is Naomi Brockenshire and I am part of the Melbourne based band, Asleep in the Park.

Over the past few years we have worked closely with Steve and Renate Iorio (Blind Beatroot), both here in Australia and overseas, and I can honestly say they are two of the most generous, hard-working and genuine people to grace Australia’s music scene. Their integrity never wavers, their work ethic is astounding and their humanity is a rare thing to find in this hardest of industries. The rescinding of the Vic Rocks grant for the Great Australian Wave Showcase is an appalling decision by Arts Victoria and one that should be rectified.

Asleep in the Park was part of Blind Beatroot’s Great Australian Wave at the Popkomm Festival in Berlin last year. The whole event was extremely well organised and executed with huge crowds attending all three nights, not a small achievement given that there were over 400 bands playing at Popkomm last year. It was an amazing experience and one that yielded some important results for my band.

Steve and Renate have time and again proven themselves to be an asset to the Victorian music industry, both as musicians and by helping other musicians. There are not too many people who can make such a claim. The government should be nurturing such individuals not punishing them. This money can and will make a significant difference in the life of those bands signed on to the Great Australian Wave. To deny them this money after granting it is outrageous. I urge you to give Steve and Renate the opportunity to prove the Victorian music industry, indeed the Australian music scene, has a future in Europe. Better yet show to them, and to all the tireless musicians out there, that hard work, dedication, persistence and generosity still have a place in our country.

I respectfully request that you direct Arts Victoria not to abandon the Great Australian Wave; the show will and must go on.

Yours sincerely

Naomi Brockenshire

Fair Go for Great Australian Wave

2009-06-29T01:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings Lynne,

I have been informed that recently Arts Victoria withdrew a grant which was already APPROVED for a very talented and enthusiastic promoter of musicians/bands from Victoria. I have worked with Steve Iorio before on matters of band bookings/mgmt and touring and am appalled that this grant has been revoked. He truly works very hard in organizing and promoting music without recieving any financial assistance whatsoever, and to finally get some recognition and help, then finds the rug pulled out from under him. At this point in time, I believe he has now lost many thousands of dollars in promoting acts going to Popkomm in Germany this year. So what if Popkomm gets cancelled. The musicians will still go and play their other dates which they, and Steve, have booked.

I ask you to reconsider the decision and give Steve back what he has so passionately fought for....a fair go for promoting Victorian artists!

Regards,

German Promoter, Veiws on Great Aus. Wave and The Vagrants

2009-06-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

To whom it may concern,
my name is Anja Blume. My team of popkillazz presents has worked with the great Australian band called The Vagrants for the last 2 years. We achieved a lot and the interest in the band is getting bigger and bigger.
We have heard that you pulled the funds from the project "The Great Australian Wave" since the Popkomm was cancelled. We think it is the absolutely wrong approach. All bands involved put a lot of money, time and effort into this project but not only that they put in their HOPE for a better future for their music and the general presentation of Australian music in Europe. We see the Australian music growing all around Europe. We truely believe in this concept and all the organisers of this great project and we hope you do as well.
The Popkomm would have been a great opportunity for everyone but there are more and others. We are more than willing to help and support as many showcases as we can once the bands arrive. Please rethink the issue and give your support.
With best regards, Anja Blume

Australian Trade Commission, Germany, Arts Vic funding pulled

2009-06-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Minister Kosky,

my name is Stefan Jedele and I work for the Australian Trade Commission in Frankfurt. In my role I am responsible for music in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - this included organising the Australian national stand and match makings at events like Popkomm over the last four years.

I have known Steve and Renate Iorio from Blind Beatroot for more than four years now and seen them grow their own band tours substantially over this time. For the last two years Steve and Renate have successfully organised showcases for both their own band (The Vagrants) as well as for other Australian - and in most cases Victorian - bands without receiving compensation or grants. Last year's three-night Great Australian Wave at Popkomm was certainly a highlight and very well received by not only the Popkomm organisors but also by the German and international music industry. Popkomm festival organiser Dirk Schade raved about Steve and Renate's professionalism, agents and label people commented on the high quality of the musical acts which they "do not always witness at other country showcases" (Mick Koeppe, A.S.S. Concerts). Blind Beatroot has also organised a number of Australian showcases outside of Popkomm - in other German cities and also in the Netherlands.

While the Popkomm cancellation is a sad thing one must acknowledge that Berlin is not THE music capital of Germany as one may perceive LA or New York to be for the US. Instead labels, publishers, agents etc are spread across five major cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Frankfurt) and also across many other smaller cities, e.g. Stuttgart and Mannheim. While having these few hubs, the German music industry is still rather decentralised - something you can see in almost any industry sector in Germany. One can find many world class companies in small country towns (e.g. the boutique label Bear Family Records or "heavy metal heaven" Nuclear Blast). What I am trying to get to is that it may well be more effective to have one Australian showcase in each of the mentioned five major cities than having three showcase nights at Popkomm.

At Popkomm there are more than 400 bands playing in 32 clubs over three nights - the chance to 'drag' a substantial number of agents or label people to your concert is much smaller than if you have a one-night stand alone showcase in each of the five cities. FYI, over the last years several other countries have successfully organised road shows outside of Popkomm to showcase new talent (e.g. France, Finland, UK and lately Iceland!!). Austrade could also be of assistance and try to arrange meetings on behalf of the participating bands, invite contacts to the showcases and help with promotion.

Personally I think that while the Popkomm cancelation is sad, Steve and Renate's plan to organise an Australia road show is a fantastic idea and I can only admire their positive spirit. They have been preparing for the 2009 Great Australian Wave for more than six months now, investing both money and a substantial amount of time and I think it should be in the interest of everyone to make the event happen in the new format. I believe that if we all combine forces The Great Australian Wave Roadshow will be highly successful.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the German music industry, previous Popkomms, my work in the music sector, etc.

Best regards,

Stefan Jedele

Stefan Jedele
Marketing Assistant
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
Australian Consulate General
Maintower, Level 28
Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 69 90558114
Mob: +49(0) 170-5715784
Fax: +49 (0) 69 90558119

Forfurther information on Austrade's services visit:
http://www.austrade.de
http://www.austrade.gov.au
http://www.musik.australische-kultur.de

Open Letter, Great Australian Wave to take on Berlin!!!

2009-06-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

Arts Vic abandons Great Australian Wave

Australians have been left for dead by Arts Victoria, but don’t worry the Great Australian Wave showcase of Australian musical talent in Europe will go on!!! The Aussie battling spirit will definitely prevail.

The biggest risk of failure right now to the showcase is that Arts Victoria has withdrawn its funding of the showcase after granting funding of the project only 2 weeks earlier. The letter written for funding approval dated on June 10th and signed by the Minister for the Arts Lynne Kosky MP was sent to Stephen and Renate Iorio. They have just received word today, June 24th at 5pm from Arts Victoria that they have withdrawn the funding for the Great Australian Wave.

Stephen and Renate Iorio have worked tirelessly to promote Australian musicians here in Australia and worldwide. They have run showcases, and helped blossoming talent with vital information, personal tuition, logistics, strategic planning, flights, grants for others, rental gear, and have done something very few others are willing to do; give out their valuable time, knowledge and contacts for free to aspiring musician in their quest to succeed in a very tough industry.

Arts Victoria have pulled funding because a German company call Popkomm has unfortunately decided not to run their annual music industry conference. Arts Victoria now think that there is too much RISK of failure in organising this event in Germany, but the board haven’t even spoken to Steve or Renate as to why they know this event is still viable. RISK? Because the bands are already committed to going, reneging on the funding promise means creating a bigger risk for everyone to fail.

The 12 Australian bands on the Great Australian Wave were to showcase there, as well as tour Germany and other countries in Europe. Stephen and Renate have been independently organizing tours and showcases with the band they play in, The Vagrants for 5 years and know the European market well. They have not received any funding from the federal government or the state government for any of their tours, or the tours and showcases they have arranged for other bands. It is appalling that they have never previously received help, but even without outside funding they have put on events to help other Aussie acts often at great personal expense of time and money. This touring and showcasing that Stephen and Renate call the Great Australian Wave in Europe has been the catalyst for many Aussie bands to get management, booking agents, record companies, distribution, publishing deals, promoters, and the all important contacts in Europe.

One very successful showcase organized in Germany was not at Popkomm. Although Popkomm is a great event, it is NOT the only show in Germany. When Steve and Renate found out that Popkomm was cancelled they spent days on the phone to assure bands they would not be left without an event to showcase at. They also spent days on the phone to contact venues, bookers, publicists and other music industry heavyweights to get their support of an Australian Showcase that would tour Germany in lieu of Popkomm. The reaction was astounding!!! Everyone would help, everyone would love to see the Aussie talent, and in true Australian spirit and determination, the Aussie bands still want to go and make the most of any opportunities that are available.

Since many people and bands have already put out money for flight tickets, rental, publicity and so much time and energy on the planning and logistics there was really no turning back. The only problem is now Arts Victoria (Vic Rocks) is pulling the funding that was promised to help all the Aussie acts!!! This doesn’t mean we will quit, NO WAY. The show definitely will go on. This does mean that we will have a much, much harder time of publicizing the tour and getting the professional equipment and personnel to make the event as successful as it might be.

I personally think that the risk to bands, and their futures are at stake here. I also believe that since private individuals like Stephen, Renate and all the Aussie bands that have started spending money that was promised in the grant approval letter from the office from the Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky MP dated on June 10th, that the Minister should live up to the promise, and signature, and help with what may seem like not much money to a government, $10,000, but is a serious lifeline for a battling musician who has already committed money to promote be at an event.

This needs to be turned over immediately!!! PLEASE help us, and pass this on to anyone and everyone you feel may be interested or can help. Make sure for continuity that the subject of the e-mail reads:
Arts Vic abandons Great Australian Wave

and of course send it on with your thoughts to the
Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky
lynne.kosky@parliament.vic.gov.au
(03) 9655 3300
The Office at Central Square Shopping Centre has now closed. Our new office is located in Suite 603 Level 1, 2 Main Street, Point Cook Town Centre, Point Cook 3030.
and
Arts Victoria
artsvic@dpc.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 8683 3100
Freecall: 1800 134 894 (toll free country Victoria only)
Fax: 03 9686 6186
Or go to the top (sixth) floor of The Australian Ballet Centre near the Arts Centre

Undercover.com.au - Your Daily Music Fix

2009-06-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

www.undercover.com.au - Your Daily Music Fix

Arts Victoria Withdraws Funding For The Great Australian Wave

by Paul Cashmere - June 25 2009
photo by Ros O'Gorman

Around a dozen Australian acts will be out of pocket because Arts Victoria has withdrawn its funding for The Great Australian Wave showcases for Europe in September.

As a result of the approval for the funding on June 10th, granted in writing by the Minster for the Arts Lynne Kosky MP, Australian artists booked non-refundable airfares for the trip days before the Popkomm music conference was cancelled.

While Popkomm was the reason for timing of the trip, the Great Australian Wave planned to showcase various Aussie acts around Europe.

Last Friday, Popkomm announced that their event in Berlin this year had been cancelled just over a week after the acts heard about their funding.

Arts Victoria had agreed to kick in $10,000 for the trip. Regardless of the Popkomm cancelation, the acts were still committed to the trip to make good other dates.

“I personally think that the risk to bands, and their futures are at stake here,” organiser Steve Iorio said in a statement. “I also believe that since private individuals like Stephen, Renate and all the Aussie bands that have started spending money that was promised in the grant approval letter from the office from the Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky MP dated on June 10th, that the Minister should live up to the promise, and signature, and help with what may seem like not much money to a government, $10,000, but is a serious lifeline for a battling musician who has already committed money to promote be at an event”.

Steve and Renate Iorio moderated the trip last year for Australian acts and had been working on the 2009 event for 9 months.

“Since many people and bands have already put out money for flight tickets, rental, publicity and so much time and energy on the planning and logistics there was really no turning back,” he said. “The only problem is now Arts Victoria (Vic Rocks) is pulling the funding that was promised to help all the Aussie acts!!! This doesn’t mean we will quit, NO WAY. The show definitely will go on. This does mean that we will have a much, much harder time of publicizing the tour and getting the professional equipment and personnel to make the event as successful as it might be”.

With thanks to Steve and Renate, Australian acts have been able to use their resources to secure management, booking agents, record companies, distribution, publishing, promoters and contacts in Europe.

The trouble now is the turn-around, Steve Iorio applied to Arts Victoria for the funding on March 1st and only found out he was successful a few weeks back. There is not enough time to go through the process of a completely new application.

Arts Victoria does a magnificent job of supporting Australian talent in the global environment. The decision to withdraw the funding because of the cancelation of Popkomm will unfortunately will have the complete opposite effect on the artists they are their to support.

Letters of Support, Popkomm, Great Aus Wave

2009-06-28T23:49:00.002-07:00

Dear All,

Popkomm was not supported by Austrade this year and it appears even the new Australian Music Industry representative was not going. Ozco ?????

I don't know what the problem was but the cancellation crystalized the threads of indifference. Steve was the only muscle being exerted re Popkomm.

So basically we are left with most governments supporting sxsw and not very much else, especially as a European focus; Midem a bit, but too up-market.

Clearly, the manner in which this problem has evolved has been poorly handled.

In this specific instance where people have worked hard, made sacrifices and put their money where their mouth was, have already done the preparation hard yards, else they would not have been a position to get a grant; it's a disgrace.

I'd actually like to see the contract in relation to the grant, as it might be interesting to see what legal right they have to do what they have done.

All in all it provides further evidence that governments and the other mob who have held the controls and levers of International Industry development and funding are all over the place and sloppy administrators.

Each state does what it likes, the feds the same and the winners are the old boy's club who offer little, hardly acquit themselves and call themselves 'peers'.

Their idea of having one person representing us all but controlled by them under such circumstances of state and federal government support is all the more galling.

Objective coordination and support is the answer, but in order to reach this stage we need to stop the Sydneycentric control of our Industry and ensure that sloppy government investment isn't all over the shop as indicated by this symptom.

We can make noises and be sure that if we do the idea of ever getting funding again fades, as we know. There is no one with any balls who is interested in getting this right and as such Industry development suffers.

We have to vault the ones who 'follow orders' and get to the pollies on a member by member basis, hopefully to the minister.

If we come from the corner of understanding and assistance we would be better off. If we go at it head on perhaps we would receive a lesser outcome.

We need to use both tools conversation and saber rattling I feel.

We will have to have a meeting to discuss our options, email will only work for certain views and is a pretty slow way to get ideas concreted.

Just my ideas and opinions, off the top of my dome ..

Support

2009-06-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

You have my support……

What ever has to be done we will!!!!!

Letter, Great Australian Wave, Arts Vic, Vic Rocks

2009-06-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

This apparently capricious behaviour is what undermines everyone's confidence in any system alleging to support the contemporary arts. These sods want the press release moment and the media coverage but not the bad PR when they drop the ball.

The bureaucratic response to the inquiry is regrettably typical.

Perhaps an FOI application would be timely.

Definitely the local Federal Member should be alerted and asked to ask a question either in parliament or within the Departme

Australian Trade Commission, Germany, Arts Vic funding pulled

2009-06-28T23:16:00.001-07:00

Forward letter to Arts Vic, Minister for Arts Lynne Kosky

2009-06-28T23:15:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Calling in for a bit of a favour here....

A friend of mine, Steve Iorio organises the Australian Showcase at Germany's Popkomm Music Industry Festival known as the 'Great Australian Wave.'
A Music Industry event much like South By South West in Austin, Texas. This year, due to many factors including the international financial climate' Popkomm has essentially been cancelled.

Steve and the many Australian bands booked to attend Popkomm this year had already outlayed a lot of time and big dollars for air fares, accomodation, promotion and the like and so decided to continue with the trip abroad in the form of an all-Australian musical / promotional road show. Steve and his partner Renate, like always, poured there time and expertise into ensuring this new plans success.

Unfortunately, at this point Arts Victoria decided to drop the bombshell that they would be withdrawing their funding, leaving the Great Australian Wave financially stranded.
Steve has asked if I, and any musicians I know could email the relevent powers that be to consider re-instating the previously granted funding so the Great Australian Wave can go forward with it's promotion of Australian music in Europe.

Please follow the linke below for more information and see the email I sent below for some inspiration. Please forward onto anyone else who you think might be interested in helping.

http://www.blindbeatroot.blogspot.com/

Write too:

Minister for the Art (state of Victoria)"The Hon. Lynn Kosky"
lynne.kosky@parliament.vic.gov.au

Ms Penny Hutchinson Director of Arts Victoria

penny.hutchinson@dpc.vic.gov.au

Jonathan Williamson, Vic Rock (branch of Arts Victoria)

jonathan.williamson@dpc.vic.gov.au

Regards,

Great Australian Wave, Political Storm Erupting

2009-06-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Johnathan, Lynne and Penny,

RE: Arts Victoria Funding for the Great Australian Wave

It has come to my attention that funding for the 'Great Australian Wave' as organised by Steve and Renate Iorio has been pulled amid cancellation of the Popkomm festival.
I am sure you are well aware of the work that Steve and Renate have done through Blind Beatroot, and the ongoing benefits that Australian musicians will reap from there ongoing commitment to nuturing the local Australian music scene. As a working musician myself, I have experienced first hand the selfless assistance offered by Steve and Renate and wish to pay back in kind the support thay have offered me.

I would like to add my voice to the chorus of concerned musicians calling for the re-instatement of funding to the great Australian Wave. The flow on effect from maintaining a yearly Australian presence in Europe through events such as the road show planned in lieu of Popkomm could be felt by Australian musicians for years to come. Please give Australian musicians and Blind Beatroot the chance to maintain such a presence and continue exposing Australian music to European audiences.

Regards,
Daniel XXXX

Please Explain, Popkomm Great Australina Wave, Arts Victoria funding denial

2009-06-28T23:01:00.001-07:00

OK, this is a bit too much over the top for me... but seriously, I keep getting these letters. So I though I would forward one that doesn't have so much swearing in it.

Cheers,
Steve
--------------------------------------------
I am writing in relation as to what Arts Vic has done in regards to recindering an already signed contract to Blind Beatroot regarding Popkomm.

Yes, we all know popkomm has been cancelled but now the fact is, Bling Beetroot have maintained their promise that selected acts will still go to Europe to perform, they have rung around, gained venues and have promised acts they will still tour overseas,either way. Atleaset they are doing their bit for Australian Music.

Which brings me to Arts Vic and the Govt.
I am really sorry to say this but, I see who wins your grants, you fund absolute rubbish. Same names all the time, and theyre boring and do not provide anything substantial in the way of major scale success. Lets hold back the ones who could really make it big..Lets hold back the companies who are trying to make this work...is that your thought process?

Then a Company comes along, 'Blind Beetroot' who tierlessly and for quite a few years has got off their proverbials and worked so hard for International noteriety for our own Australian talent in a totally unconditional manner, with no funding or help and its still not enough for Arts Vic and Govt mentality.

It seems that no one even cares that this is about International success and economical strength in the long run. Not just running around Australia like some that you fund.

Im really sorry but you guys (Arts Vic) are so dodgey...Blind Beetroot are still providing International work and promotion for many Australian acts and you push them aside like a piece of parsley on your dinner plate. Do you see it as OK for people to try so hard to make things work? Do you see it as OK that you cancel the signed, sealed and delivered funding and then do not provide information of who decided to take it back to the general public?

It is not the point that popkomm is now cancelled, it is the point that Blind Beetroot are holding true their word of International work, and it seems Arts Vic are not even interested in the work they do for the musicians nor is it even respected or supported.

Seriously, get over yourselves....youre in this for the few, not the masses...This is obvious by the ones that you do fund....

Anita Donolon

2009-06-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Original singer and co founder of one of Australia’s best exports has spoken out about ArtsVic back flip on supporting the Great Australian Wave just because Popkomm has been canceled and that is why they are pulling the funding.

“Labor is supposed to be for the arts and most artists voted for them in the last election. Now Labor are in power they are betraying those young hopeful and talented Australian musicians who mostly supported them. Because artists such as myself have had success here and overseas without any Government help, I know how much personal sacrifice a lot of artists go through, monetary and emotionally, trying to be the best that they can be and wanting Australia to be proud of them just like any Australian sportsperson who may be receiving government support and assistance. POPKOMM and the Great Australian Wave is a great opportunity to showcase Australian talent to the world! I am interested in what Peter Garret ex Midnight Oil singer and now a Labor Minister has to say about this.” Said Evans

Evans has been successful in becoming an independent international artist including securing a label deal in Germany and touring relentlessly throughout Europe.
Please direct all enquires below:

Anita Donlon
Founder: Independent Musos Network Inc