FastForward conference strikes global partnership with Kobalt recording company AWAL

On the eve of its inaugural staging in Sydney (April 12—13), the future-focussed FastForward has struck a global partnership with Kobalt’s recording company AWAL.

AWAL is a 21st century alternative to traditional record companies, providing services as distribution, marketing, A&R, funding, PR and release management to artists and labels without their giving up control or ownership.

Its roster includes Lauv, R3HAB, Tom Misch, Bruno Major, The Wombats, VÉRITÉ, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Yung Lea.

The year-long deal covers the Sydney meet, as well as FastForward: London in September and flagship event FastForward: Amsterdam in February 2019, as well as any additional events launched during the year.

Founded by London-based Chris Carey (former global insight director at EMI and Universal) and curated by his data company Media Insight Consulting, FastForward started as a one-off conference in Amsterdam.

It made an immediate connection with its program of future looking topics for the music industry and with ideas thrown by middle-to-upper executives who were still hungry and forward thinking.

Carey deliberately caps the events to 150—200 so that the topics can be discussed more intensely and in two-way dialogues, and so that networking afterwards can be facilitated.

Now, in its third year, the team runs events in Amsterdam and London, as well as Sydney. Delegates travel from 25 countries.

Speaking of the partnership, Carey said, “FastForward was developed from the idea of wanting to make real change to the music industry.

“We have engaged with an audience of disruptive, entrepreneurial young music executives who want to shape things for the better.

“When I look at AWAL I see an organisation that is modern, dynamic, and smart.

“They are not standing still; they are driving change, and we are delighted to be working together with them to build a stronger music industry.”

AWAL president Paul Hitchman added, “AWAL is committed to helping the next generation of artists and creative entrepreneurs understand and navigate the fast-changing music industry.

“Together we can drive positive change and create the industry of the future with artists empowered to maximise all of the opportunities open to them worldwide.”

Delegate passes for FastForward Sydney can be purchased here.

The Music Network is a presenting partner of the event.