Panel and masterclass
// 6pm: Music Biz for Beginners panel with BARKAA, Rice Xu, Gen Fricker and Danii Mariner
// 7pm: Marketing and PR masterclass with Matt Jordan (MFPR, BARKAA)
There are many journeys in the music industry and no one right way to get started. Really, it’s about finding what will work for you and building the knowledge and skills you need to get there, your way. From 6pm, a panel of powerhouse players will share their own experiences building their careers and businesses from the ground up - from setting goals to overcoming setbacks, staying true to yourself and building confidence and connections along the way.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from:
- Malyangapa, Barkindji woman BARKAA, hailed ‘the new matriarch of Australian rap’
- Comedian, writer and broadcaster Gen Fricker (Melbourne Comedy Festival, triple j, ABC TV, Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian)
- Manager, entrepreneur and event producer Rice Xu (Tai Tuivasa, HSU events, Hydrogen Water H20)
This panel will be hosted by Danii Mariner, international touring hip hop and Indonesian dancer, and founder and director of charity 92Communities.
From 7pm, join our masterclass for practical guidance and tools to help you take your message to the world. Matt Jordan (MFPR) will explore how you can build a brand that feels authentic to you and your community, and how to capture and keep attention in this busy world.
This is also a great chance to meet MusicNSW local Coordinator Kelly Hellmrich and share how MusicNSW can support you and music in Western Sydney more broadly.
BARKAA
Artist
Malyangapa, Barkindji rapper BARKAA has swiftly become one of the most respected voices in so-called Australia’s hip hop community. She recently won Artist of the Year at the 20th annual National Indigenous Music Awards after a sold-out run of live shows - including a stunning performance at Sydney Opera House during VIVID LIVE, plus headline dates including Eora’s The Lansdowne and two nights at Naarm’s The Curtin. Her debut EP Blak Matriarchy celebrated Blak motherhood across six tracks of powerful manifestation, and scored accolades from the likes of The Guardian, Rolling Stone Australia, NME, 10 Magazine, features from triple j, community radio and more.
Gen Fricker
Comedian, writer, broadcaster
Gen Fricker (Ng?puhi/Australia) is a comedian, writer, and broadcaster. She has taken her solo shows to Sydney’s Just for Laughs and the Melbourne Comedy Festival. A familiar voice on triple j radio, she has hosted shows like Lunch, Drive, as well as Netflix's Big Film Buffet podcast. Gen is currently developing a historical comedy about Joan of Arc and is a staff writer on ABC’s Gruen. Her credits include a Paramount+ comedy pilot and script consulting for Ubisoft. On screen, she has appeared on Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, The Cheap Seats, and The Cook Up. Gen’s print work has been featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, and Yahoo News.
Rice Xu
Tai Tuivasa, HSU Events, Hydrogen Water H20
Rice Xu is a dynamic force in entertainment and business, known for her multifaceted career as a manager, entrepreneur, marketing expert, and event producer. She manages UFC star Tai Tuivasa and is a key player at HSU Events, renowned for its innovative productions on the biggest stages in the Southern Hemisphere. Rice also co-owns the cutting edge company Hydrogen Water H2O. Her spirit shone through in her role in promoting the unique cultural event, Rolling Loud Festival. Rice’s diverse ventures and relentless drive position her as a true industry changemaker, continually pushing boundaries and setting new standards in music and business.
Danii Mariner (Host)
92Communities
Danii Mariner, born in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a versatile dancer trained in hip-hop and Indonesian dance. With a 20-year career spanning Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Europe, and America, she has taught, performed, and competed internationally. As a member of the all-female crew Deja, Danii won the World of Dance competition in Brooklyn, NY, and has performed with renowned artists like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and JabbaWockeeZ. A principal dancer with Suara Indonesia Dance for over 15 years, she shares her culture through her art. Danii also founded 92Communities, the charity arm of 92WRLD, using her extensive experience in community services to empower youth. Her dedication to culture and community is central to her work, as she continues to inspire and support others through her initiatives.
Matt Jordan
MFPR, Barkaa
Matt Jordan is making his mark in the music industry as the publicist for Barkaa, one of Australia’s most powerful hip-hop voices and a strong advocate for women in music. With over 26 years in the fashion industry, Matt is the Director of Mother & Father Public Relations (MFPR), a communications agency specialising in fashion, lifestyle, and technology. MFPR provides services including social media management, celebrity endorsement, and event management, and is a strong advocate for social change. Recently, MFPR worked as the communication agency for First Nations Fashion + Design, including their historic debut at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week. Matt has also conceptualised and executed game-changing communications campaigns for Dunlop, Tourism NT and fashion label Bless’d Are The Meek.
MusicNSW works on the unceded land of the Gadigal people. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend those respects to the First Nations peoples of NSW and beyond. Always was, always will be.
MusicNSW is supported by Create NSW and APRA AMCOS.