This one-day forum is designed to provide 15-25 year-old musicians and aspiring music workers
with professional development advice from some of the brightest minds in the creative industry.
Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, attendees will gain valuable insights and make
connections within the local industry. M.I.C.S On Youth (Music Industry Connections Southside)
the event will take place on Saturday, August 31, at JMC Academy in South Melbourne with
showcases held at The Prince Bandroom and The Espy Basement.

M.I.C.S On Youth aims to bridge the gap between young talent and the professional world by
offering practical tips on a variety of topics. These include songwriting, bookings, touring,
marketing, all-ages gigs, financial literacy, management, musician’s rights, audience
development, production and recording, and film, advertisement, and game synching.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers from the creative industries, including:
● Jack Howard (Hunters & Collectors)
● Grant Gillies (GAGA Music)
● Ecca Vandal (TBC)
● Michael Parisi
● Chris O’Neil (APRA-AMCOS)
● Simone Shinkel (MUSIC VICTORIA)
● Jean Francois PONTHIEUX (So Frenchy So Chic)
● Francois Tetaz (Grammy Award-winning producer for Gotye, Kimbra)
● Jan Skubiszewski (Producer Cat Empire, Dan Sultan,Composer)
● Chrissie Vincent (Publicist, chair of The Push)
● Moira McKenzie (artist/music lawyer)
● Alan Long (Rock Academy, Rawkus All Ages shows)
● Patrick Donovan (Live Music Lead, City of Port Phillip)
● James Power (Venue booker Prince Bandroom, Social State Entertainment)
● Nick Marson (Production manager, Untitled Group)
● Cassie Walker (International Women’s Day music week)
● Sarah Hamilton (Golden Hour, One of One)
● Matthew O’Gorman (Triple M Homegrown, British India)
● Founders of Fenix360, a revolutionary new social media platform for artists

In addition to the sessions, there will be opportunities for some attendees to submit song
memos and press releases for advice and feedback from industry experts.

The forum will culminate in showcases featuring the best young bands from the area. The
over-18s showcase will take place at the Prince Bandroom on Saturday night, while the
under-18s will perform at the Espy Basement on the following day.

“Southside has a rich history in the creative industries,” said event producer Anna Vermooten.
“Our goal is to create a platform that facilitates growth and meaningful connections within the
music industry and its adjacent activities. Let's show our creative, motivated, and talented youth
that we have their backs, and help them become a united and collaborative force.”

Itchy Fingers are a four piece 50's & 60's Rock'n'Roll, Rockabilly, Rythym & Blues band from Melbourne. Formed in 1992 the band has been gigging for the last 30 years +, performing at various Festivals, Pubs and clubs, dances, Hot Rod Shows, Car Club events and private functions. This has seen them travel interstate and throughout Country Victoria