UK’s Jen Long leads second round of Face The Music speakers

High profile UK media presenter and label co-founder Jen Long leads the second round of speakers for Face The Music.

The conference and showcase event is held November 14 and 15 at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Organisers said that Long fits in with the conference’s DIY theme, which earlier saw renowned artist, music journalist, industry commentator and recording engineer Steve Albini announced as a keynote.

In Lang’s case, her BBC Radio 1 program unearthed unsigned and undiscovered artists and her record label Kissability’s roster includes Brisbane’s DZ Deathrays. She also manages two bands, writes for the UK music press, coordinates International Cassette Store Day and serves as Music Editor at ticketing agency DICE.

The second announcement also included John Wardle (National Live Music Office), Ange Henley (Angela Henley Publicity), Rhett McLaren (The Hills Are Alive / Unified), Pete Williamson (Sabretusk), Tim Dalton (Collarts),

Zac Abroms (Viceroyalty), Tom Harris (Whitesky), Shane Wickens (The Push) and Sarah Guppy (This Much Talent).

Artists including Helen Croome (Gossling), Evelyn Morris (Pikelet), Drew Wootton (The Panics) and Stu Grant (Primitive Calculators) will talk on topics such as the importance of regional touring, gender in music, building the right team and collaborative songwriting.

These names join previously announced speakers including I OH YOU’s Johann Ponniah, Daddy Cool, APRA AMCOS’ Kirsty Rivers, Music Victoria’s Patrick Donovan, Chris Johnson of Amrap and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, Moshtix’s Harley Evans, Dave Batty of Custom Made / Artist Voice Spark & Opus’ Briese Abbott and Sounds Australia‘s Millie Millgate.