Lorrae McKenna Appointed Indie-Con Australia Conference Programmer

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has appointed music industry veteran Lorrae McKenna as the new programmer of its Indie-Con Australia conference. 

McKenna, who has served on the AIR Board for the past eight years, will step down from her position to take on the role, bringing more than two decades of experience in Australia's independent music sector. 

The appointment comes as Indie-Con prepares for its 2027 edition, which will take place in Adelaide from July 28th — 30th, alongside the Australian edition of A2IM's Indie Week. 

McKenna is the owner and director of Melbourne-based independent record label and artist management collective Our Golden Friend, as well as grant consultancy agency Golden Grants. 

Her current management roster includes Romy Vager, Robert Baxter, Ella Ion and Coldwave, while Our Golden Friend has worked with artists including RVG, Way Dynamic, Chitra, Peak Twins and Elizabeth. The label's most recent signing is Sour Worm. 

Throughout her career, McKenna has focused on developing sustainable careers for independent Australian artists, building international industry connections and creating opportunities for collaboration. 

“I'm incredibly excited by the opportunity to step into the role of Indie-Con Conference Programmer,” McKenna said. "I've had the great privilege of meeting so many incredible people who work in music from all over the world, and I'm thrilled to be able to take my passion for connecting like-minded people and creating space for important conversations to the next level in this role. 

“AIR's Indie-Con Australia conference has grown into such an important event for the Australian independent music community, and I'm thrilled to be involved in its future and success.”

AIR CEO Maria Amato welcomed the appointment, highlighting McKenna's understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent artists and music businesses.

“Lorrae has always been a passionate and strong advocate for the independent sector,” Amato said. “She has a great understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing independent music businesses and artists, and will bring a wealth of fresh ideas for topics, conversations and speakers.”

Amato added that she looked forward to working with McKenna to continue developing the conference. 

The appointment follows Indie-Con Australia's 10th anniversary, marking a decade of growth since the event began as a small industry gathering in Adelaide. 

The annual conference has since developed into a major meeting point for Australia's independent music sector, bringing together local and international industry representatives to discuss emerging opportunities, business challenges and the future of independent music. 

The 2027 event will be held in Adelaide, Australia's UNESCO-designated City of Music, in conjunction with A2IM's Indie Week Australian edition.

Early bird tickets will go on sale in February 2027, with further conference announcements to follow.

For updates and early access to tickets, visit air.org.au/subscribe,