EMC The Reboot Highlights

I was just blown away by everything that everyone has been doing during the pandemic. It was the first time everyone got to share what they hid away and what they got stuck into while we couldn’t do tours and while we couldn’t do shows. There are so many creatives in the country and people that came to talk from other countries that really blew mind

WHAT SO NOT

Electronic Music Conference (EMC) returned with its first physical conference in more than two years, hosting ‘The Reboot’ on Tuesday, April 5, at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum. More than 220 people attended keynotes, in-conversations, panels and masterclasses held across eight spaces surrounding the Electric Keys exhibition. This one-day program, led by artists and creators, featured What So Not, Nina Las Vegas, Milan Ring, Sally Coleman (Big Sand), Luude, Ninajirachi, Human Movement, dameeeela, Reuben Styles, Millie Sykes, Setwun, The Meeting Tree and Cabu. 

Joining them were some of the world’s most forward thinking music and event tech pioneers including MODA DAO, Aslice, Nightlife, Musiio, and Billfold, plus the unveiling of SYNC – the VR club prototype created by EMC in partnership with creative technologist Georgie Pinn.

EMC’s ‘The Reboot’ examined the pressure points, blind spots and opportunities for creators and businesses in Australia’s electronic music sector, post-pandemic restrictions. The most promising sentiment echoed by the industry, panellists, creators and participants was that, despite adversity, Australia’s electronic music scene is bubbling with newfound optimism, new talent and new cultural movements. 

TAKEAWAYS FROM EMC’S ‘THE REBOOT’ ONE-DAY CONFERENCE:

• To remove barriers and support the next generation of diverse artists, established individuals and industry organisations must work together to facilitate meaningful mentorship.

• Despite the pressures of a stretched workforce, the energy feels palpable as the industry reopens. Creators are reclaiming the music space with two years worth of forward-thinking projects, embracing past learnings for a more equitable and diverse future. 

• IRL experiences, connecting with people at gigs and maintaining in-person connections after an event has taken on deeper social and cultural significance.

• On-going mental health education and advocacy focussed on accessibility and inclusion is critical for the electronic music sector living with COVID-19. 

• The urgent need for First Nations led mental health space with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander practitioners and non-Indigenous mental health care workers experienced in First Nations cultural protocols is needed to support the mental wellbeing of First Nations people in the creative industries. 

• The industry needs to reflect the rapidly changing footprint and real-time needs of the music community for a healthier and more holistic industry. 

• An annual health check on Australia’s clubbing industry can help government and policy makers understand the sector better and can support advocacy for targeted support. 

• Data, evidence and insights can improve the narrative about club culture in Australia and spotlight the intelligent, pioneering workers in this industry.

EMC ‘The Reboot’ was supported by Australia Council for the Arts, NSW Government through Create NSW, City of Sydney, Powerhouse Museum’s NSW Creative Industries Residency Program, Ableton, Roland, Pioneer DJ, Nightlife, Jands, Billfold, Klipsch and Atomic.