2026 TALKS PROGRAM
Independent Music Exchange returns this June with a new program of free panel discussions exploring independent music culture today. Across the weekend, artists, label heads and community builders will share practical insight into running labels, supporting underrepresented voices and building audiences internationally on their own terms.
The weekend will also feature a special in-conversation event with legendary producer and On-U Sound founder Adrian Sherwood, reflecting on decades of boundary-pushing music and independent culture. Taking place across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, all talks are free, all ages, with no RSVP required — first in, best dressed.
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Independent Music Exchange returns this June with a new program of free panel discussions exploring independent music culture today. Across the weekend, artists, label heads and community builders will share practical insight into running labels, supporting underrepresented voices and building audiences internationally on their own terms.
The weekend will also feature a special in-conversation event with legendary producer and On-U Sound founder Adrian Sherwood, reflecting on decades of boundary-pushing music and independent culture. Taking place across Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, all talks are free, all ages, with no RSVP required — first in, best dressed.
HOW TO RUN AN INDIE LABEL
Saturday 6 June | 11AM–12PM
A practical walkthrough of starting and sustaining an independent label, covering everything from releasing music and making records to building an audience, finding your identity and navigating early stumbling blocks. Aimed at anyone curious about starting a label, releasing music with friends, or creating space for sounds and artists they believe in.
Saturday 6 June | 11AM–12PM
A practical walkthrough of starting and sustaining an independent label, covering everything from releasing music and making records to building an audience, finding your identity and navigating early stumbling blocks. Aimed at anyone curious about starting a label, releasing music with friends, or creating space for sounds and artists they believe in.
PLATFORMING UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES
Saturday 6 June | 1PM–2PM
A conversation about ethics and responsibility when working with artists and communities who are often underrepresented, focusing on how to move beyond surface-level inclusion towards genuine, sustained support.
Saturday 6 June | 1PM–2PM
A conversation about ethics and responsibility when working with artists and communities who are often underrepresented, focusing on how to move beyond surface-level inclusion towards genuine, sustained support.
IN CONVERSATION:
ADRIAN SHERWOOD (On-U Sound)
Sunday 7 June | 11AM–12PM
Presented by ACMI and RISING, legendary On-U Sound founder Adrian Sherwood joins the Independent Music Exchange for a rare conversation with Michael Kucyk, reflecting on 44 years of radical sound and underground music.
ADRIAN SHERWOOD (On-U Sound)
Sunday 7 June | 11AM–12PM
Presented by ACMI and RISING, legendary On-U Sound founder Adrian Sherwood joins the Independent Music Exchange for a rare conversation with Michael Kucyk, reflecting on 44 years of radical sound and underground music.
TAKING INDEPENDENT MUSIC OVERSEAS
Sunday 7 June | 1PM–2PM
How independent artists and labels connect with listeners internationally, develop audiences over time, and find their champions beyond Australia on their own terms. Moving away from the idea of “breaking” overseas, this session looks at how music gradually finds its people through labels, radio, touring, friendships, recommendations and scenes forming across different places.
Sunday 7 June | 1PM–2PM
How independent artists and labels connect with listeners internationally, develop audiences over time, and find their champions beyond Australia on their own terms. Moving away from the idea of “breaking” overseas, this session looks at how music gradually finds its people through labels, radio, touring, friendships, recommendations and scenes forming across different places.
