Mark Neal steps up as WAMfest director, Claire Hodgson to coordinate WAMCon

As West Australia’s peak music association WAM starts to work on its three main events, that showcase the state’s music this year, two announcements were made this morning.

Mark Neal has stepped up to the role of WAMfest director after helping to deliver the last two WAM events.

Neal started out as a manager and musician from the Great Southern region, he ran his own indie label, Blue Grey Pink, started the Beaufort St Songwriters Club, booked acts for The Sewing Room, managed Noah Dillon, curated community radio RTRFM’s Tuesday Out To Lunch and worked on all-ages event Hyperfest.

“WA is full of great music! It’s exciting and it’s diverse, Neal said.

“..This an excellent musical community and I want to honour it by providing an overall better festival experience for everyone involved.”

The festivities will kick off with a regional edition of WAMFest first. This event will be taking place in October, before the main action in Perth on November 1—3.

Those who want to showcase should send expressions of Interest here.

Claire Hodgson will be the coordinator of WAMCon again for 2019, WAM also confirmed.

Revealing that, “There will be a greater focus on sustainability, community and creativity this year,” Hodgson said, adding there would be “practical, bespoke and future-focused sessions to support music makers and businesses to get their music to the next level.”

WAMCon will be housed at the State Theatre Centre of WA on November 1 & 2.

Meanwhile, the WAMAwards are held once again at the Hyatt Regency Perth on October 31.