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Interviews
JB Seed - Artists are not isolated!
The JB Seed started as an idea which sparked enthusiasm and it is growing into a formidable part of Australian music culture. Danielle Caruana and partner John Butler have built strong foundations for the JB Seed and have seen it continue to grow since they first hatched the idea five years ago. “John and I have been struck by the generosity of the Australian music culture. As an emerging artist, you are not isolated. Emerging artists are supported by the artist that they aspire to.”
Many successful artists like Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins for example, have jumped on board in an effort to extend the support given to deserving artists. Collectively, this growing organisation is giving emerging artists leverage to move forward on their projects. “We are looking for people who spend hours in dedication honing their craft. It can’t be some passing fad for them, it must be something that they are driven to do. We want those who are following through on their ideas and are creative in their approach.”
It became clear very quickly that at the heart of the JB Seed, there is a strong mission to find and help the ‘most’ deserving artists. Danielle’s enthusiasm is captivating as her committee is clearly driven to separate the good from the bad. “It’s not good if you’re not concise with what you are doing. There are musicians who say ‘Look, my music is great, the industry should come to me!’ We can’t fund a project if they show a lack of thought for what the outcome will be.” Danielle suggested that people need to think about what they are doing strategically. The JB Seed application forces you to ask questions like, why are you doing it? How are you doing it? Where are you doing it? When are you doing it? What is it going to lead to?
People who do not live in the main cities of Australia will argue that they are by default disadvantaged. The JB Seed is unique as is not biased towards applicants who come from larger cities. “In any community, no matter how big or small, there is an audience and there are artists.” The funding and support that is on offer is available equally to everyone actively creating opportunities to present art to their community, regardless of where you are from or what city or town you live in. “Being regional does present challenges, but it definitely presents opportunities as well.”
The three day, intensive management workshop is a great opportunity for emerging managers learn from top experts in the Australian music industry. It was initially set up so that emerging artists were able to gain insightful information that would enable them to be more strategic when approaching their work. “By default, the workshop creates a national network. All of a sudden, a manager that may come from Townsville now knows managers from Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth for example. This network was not planned when we started; it is a bonus addition and an amazing thing.” While there is no ongoing mentoring after the workshop, all emerging managers are encouraged to swap contact details and develop a strong network.
The music industry draws many people in as it is, for most people, about having fun with friends, travelling, meeting people and of course doing what people love, which is to play music. The dream for artists can come to a short, crashing end if they find it too hard to have their art support them. In frustration, an artist can quickly give up and conclude that the industry is simply too hard. The JB Seed is there to support those who have the attitude to never give up. “Even if you are unsuccessful with your application, you can always try again the next year.” Danielle pointed out that regardless of the industry you are working in, nothing great will come from quitting. Recently, the world has been inspired by the diligence, perseverance, strength and charisma of one man who proved that against all odds, you can do what seems unachievable. “Barack Obama is in the white house. Nothing is impossible! ”
