“Success is achieved when ambition and talent are in sync”: Turn Up Sunshine Coast conference wraps

The Turn Up Sunshine Coast Music Industry Conference wrapped up another year to a packed ‘The Lind’ Theatre at Nambour.

The event got off to a good start with Division 10 Sunshine Coast Councillor Greg Rogerson acknowledging the financial wealth the music industry contributes to the region and announced Council’s commitment to the establishment of a dedicated entertainment precinct for Nambour within the next 12 months.

In his keynote address, Glenn Wheatley reached back into a 50-year career of playing music, managing and developing acts to superstar status and pioneering initiatives as the FM radio format in Australia.

Wheatley stressed the importance of writing or finding the right song.

“Find your own groove, believe in yourself, be savvy with technology, find a mentor, be resilient, never give up and remember, success is achieved when ambition and talent are in sync”, he advised.

In conversation with veteran music retailer and author Barry Bull, Ted Gardner shared entertaining and colourful stories about his days on the road with Frank Zappa, Jane’s Addiction, Tool, The Verve, Queens of the Stone Age, and his early days with Men at Work and the U.S. Lollapalooza Festival.

Gardner observed, “This conference is required in this area.

“I look forward to coming back next year to watch this small but essential music conference grow organically.”

Woodford Folk Festival Director Bill Hauritz, in conversation with the conference programmer Eloise Gallagher, advised

acts applying for bookings at festivals, to remind themselves they are asking to “become a part of a festival community.

“Focus on what you can give the festival as a musician, and let your music speak for itself”, he said.

Panel topics included The importance of brand building and image making and How music can shape the culture of a city.

Other speakers included Rhoda Roberts (Head of First Nations Programming, Sydney Opera House and Festival Director, Boomerang Festival). Seth Clancy (Oztix), Andrew Stafford (Pig City), Ragnhild Ohren Nordset (JMC academy and LIPA) and Phil Smith (Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance).

Delegates also heard showcase performances from Sunshine Coast artists Nicole McKinney, Mason Hope and Doolie.

The Turn Up conference is already confirmed to return next October for its fifth year.