CHANGES' Music Passport program is your ticket to the US

CHANGES, the inaugural music, tech, talk and ideas discussion funded by the Victorian government, has announced its Music Passport program.

Ths year it will tap insight from US executives on the musical relationship between America and Australia, and the current state of play in the international music industry.

Music Passport: Live America

Carly James of Paradigm Talent Agency, booker Michelle Landry of Bowery Presents, Lorrae McKenna of Our Golden Friend and Stacey Wilhelm, senior manager of SXSW’s music program, will discuss the opportunities and successes of Australian acts venturing to the US.

Music Passport: Syncing America

This looks at the potentially lucrative art of licensing and publishing across media in the States.

Sub Pop Publishing general manager Gareth Smith, Danielle Levy of Big Deal Music, Pulse Music Group A&R director Markell Casey and Mushroom Publishing’s Zoe Coverdale uncover current and future licensing trends and what artists should be looking for when trying to find their place in the broader media landscape.

Music Passport: State of Play

Music business consultant Bill Wilson and Christopher Muratore, co-founder of music analytics company BuzzAngle Music, will look at the $5 billion US market and explain why it’s never been easier - and more important - to take opportunities overseas.

Music Passport is part of the Victorian government’s $22.2 million Music Works, which specifically targets a country to improve relationships with in order to get better yields.

Martin Foley, minister for creative industries says, “Our multifaceted Music Works initiative aims to strengthen our industry at all levels – from artists and venues to labels, managers and those working behind the scenes.

“The Music Passport stream focuses on supporting local musicians and music businesses to forge international connections and create new opportunities.

“I encourage all CHANGES delegates to find out more about the program at this year's summit and explore new ways to ensure your music 'works' in Victoria, and right across the globe."

Music Passport joins other CHANGES initiatives to discover the international market.

These include Ditto Music’s Launch Your Music Globally workshop, Songkick’s Meredith Croy’s talk on audience connection via tour marketing, and a fireside chat with Brisbane’s Cub Sport about their overseas success.

CHANGES is held on July 4 and 5 at the ACU Melbourne Campus.