Face The Music Speaker Focus: Leanne de Souza

Company: Association of Artist Managers (AAM) - Executive Director

How did you first become involved in the music business? It was Brisbane in 1992, I wanted my musician boyfriend to do more gigs (to pay his rent). I set up a booking agency with a $20 bank deposit and started making phone calls.

What's your area of expertise and what experience do you have? I spent over 25 years managing artists and retreated two years ago. I love my part-time job now working for the artist management community, via the AAM, to protect, promote and develop skilled artist managers.

What topics will you be mostly talking about at Face The Music? I am moderating a panel for business start-ups - a range of music businesses that are only a few years into it. I will tweet up a storm at anything management related! @ausaam

What's been the biggest change in the music business you've seen over the past 12 months? A sense of optimism again. It has been a long time since the pain of the digital disruption to the income streams hasn't been biting deeply and personally for many.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Global streaming service providers need to be held to account to protect, celebrate and advocate for Australian content in global lists. They benefit from this market and need to show some corporate and cultural responsibility.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Never stop listening to and loving music. Be kind to people and look after yourself. Have fun.