Outback Queensland Tourism Association’s Post

My last post resonated with so many of you. It’s been amazing to read your responses and connect with you all. Let’s take it a step further—why does only listing a concert’s WHO and WHAT fall short? According to the American Psychological Association: Emotions are conscious mental reactions subjectively experienced as strong feelings, typically directed toward a specific object and accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes. A compelling sales message—paired with exciting visuals that resonate with modern audiences—taps into emotions, values, and desires. Most people buy concert tickets based on emotion first, then justify their decision with logic. Something like... "Discover a night where elegance meets edge. Experience live classical music that’s as bold and vibrant as you are. Thoughtfully curated for your world, this isn't just a concert—it’s a new way to elevate your nights and expand your cultural vibe." Your new ticket buyers are thinking, "I’m a cool person; I do cool things; the symphony is thinking about me and my needs; I can post about this cool thing on my social channels; going to the symphony will elevate my social status, and it sounds like I’ll really enjoy it!" Attract cold audiences while high-fiving those who have been with you all along. It’s a win-win. The WHO and WHAT matter—but in 2025, the WHY fills your concert hall. Onward!

https://lnkd.in/dsPACs56 Should we all just listen to Sarah Vaughn and react interracially the way Bethany Hickman ( The Vocalyst ) does? Just concentrating on the mastery of SV. No sign of any B/W restrictions. Common ground here is of course MUSIC! More widely applied, music could and will be the key for finding PEACE in the world... SARAH's voice is so divine, that it could be defined as a intercalactical? She's not the only one, thousands of skilled vocalists of course in the past, present and more coming... Bethany's whole presence when connected to Sarah can be described with one word: LOVE ! So my thinking here is a chain, conflict-->war-->music-->one common thing(agreement with a single thing between arguing parties, like undeniable admiration of SV's voice) --> common ground-->more good music->seeds of peace planted-->more musica--> negotions starting --> music ----> PEACE and UNITY! Perhaps naïve, but the way the world is shaping now, something radical has to be invented.... I have an idea on this. It has to be done TOGETHER from the beginning. In the end there will be more deeper and profound understanding of the life on EARTH. 🌍 🌎 🌏 🌐

All the Nova Music Festival survivors I've helped to tell their stories share four things Luck. Like so many stories from the holocaust, terror attacks or assaults, where you happened to be made all the difference Resolute faith. An unwavering belief and determination that they would survive even while confronting the most brutal facts of their immediate reality. Grit. Every one is no longer in the same emotional or physical state they were in immediately following 7/10. Most have done therapy/are doing therapy. One put herself into therapy within the week. The story arc we usually build is from fear to determination to hope. It's the classic story arc for survivors of traumatic events. On a side note, I'll add: Stories that address horrendous events must bring out the resilience of the speaker in order to serve and protect them. But the other thing these survivors share is this: Fury. Without exception, these people want those around them to wise up. If you're using expressions like, "Am I being held hostage?" or "It's not exactly a life and death decision," in a casual way, someone in the room has just been whipped backwards in time and space. Or worse The people who say, At least. At least you didn't get raped At least you, etc Yes, said one, I didn't get raped. I only saw five friends get riddled with bullets as I ran past. I buried 14 friends that day. Don't tell me at least. Want to be a more sensitive listener? Take 'at least' out of your vocab and focus on their resilience.

Alicia Keys + Native Instruments are releasing a virtual instrument of her famous piano sound (A Yamaha CP-70 + her effects). Now, anyone can get her sound with this plugin. Ten years ago this would have been a big story and somewhat noteworthy, but because of tech advances we expect things like this. You can now get any sound you want: the natural reverb of Carnegie Hall? John Bonham's drum sound? Alicia Keys' piano? Just cue it up. It's a win-win. Creators can get a sound they love; Alicia Keys a new (if modest) revenue stream. The next version of this? Native Instruments doesn't need to build anything. Alicia Keys licenses her stems to an AI model, and creators use text or sounds to prompt a sample into existence. #musicindusty #musicbusiness #artists #recording

It’s not just our characteristics (such as our gender, socioeconomic background, religious beliefs and many others) that make us diverse. It’s also the things we do. The functions we hold. Being a strategist, a musician and a trainer have all helped me with the great privilege I’ve had over the past few months to present live concerts with the brilliant folk at BBC Symphony Orchestra. It’s been nerve wracking at times but each performance has provided a learning and growth opportunity for me by drawing on all those different skills I’ve developed over the years. And it was lovely today to also have an unexpected hello up the balcony from Clive Bolton too! If you have never heard live orchestral music but think it might not be for you, perhaps give it a try. You can go and see any of the BBC Orchestras and Performing Groups in their studio recordings for free (click here for upcoming concerts and other broadcasts https://lnkd.in/dd9dietx) or see them in concert halls around the country for virtually nothing. Participating in the arts (even just as an audience member) help our brains work in different ways and give different perspectives. Try it. You may well love it. #diversity #inclusion #belonging #music #orchestra #classical #presenting #presenters #whatmistakewillimakeonthemicrophonetoday #growth #development #learning #diverseperspectives

Trigger warning: off topic. But be happy - it's not about drumming this time (music though...) but how to relax. How to excel. How to do both in a satisfying way: last week I have been giving in to my GAS (gear acquiring syndrome 😉) buying a superb orchestra library. And guilty as I felt I needed to do something with it. Quick. Satisfying. Challenging. Whatsoever, I wanted to see/hear a result that gives back visibility of the capable these days. Not that it's lost but I wanted to see something happen, that – in this way – only me was able to do. Believe me, there are lots of things only I am capable to do, probably not the ones I am most proud of, but let’s stick to the topic. Arranging orchestral voices, seeing when the one side is complemented by the other. Find matching divisi with a tonal story yet waited to be told. Bah – a bit much of Rosamunde Pilcher, but close…so take a listen. And to be honest: I wanted to show off anyway. I mean, come on – we are on LinkedIn…

💬 "How do you reach the world without them knowing you're there?" This past week, Rolling Loud—a massive secular music festival—saw something extraordinary: Christian hip-hop artists taking the stage, sharing their music, and even delivering moments of worship. Artists like No Big Deal and John Keith didn’t just perform; they shared the gospel, unapologetically and boldly, in a space where you’d least expect it. No Big Deal gave a word. John Keith brought his pastor-level knowledge of scripture to life. And in one of the most unexpected moments, worship broke out in the crowd. Hands were raised, hearts were moved, and seeds were planted. This wasn’t just a performance. It was a movement—a radical example of how faith can break through traditional boundaries. 🎤 Here's why this matters: → Faith doesn’t belong in a box. God is moving in spaces we wouldn’t imagine. → Art is a tool for connection—whether it’s rap, worship, or storytelling, it has the power to inspire transformation. → Ministry isn’t limited to churches; it’s alive in festivals, concerts, and everyday conversations. → We don’t need to separate the sacred from the secular. We’re called to go into the world, not away from it. What struck me most is the pushback these artists faced for stepping into a secular arena. But if lives are being touched, does the method really matter? 🗣️ Let’s challenge the narrative: How can we embrace unconventional ways to share our message and make an impact? #FaithAndArt #CHH #RollingLoud #MusicWithAPurpose #GospelInAction

1. Write the songs you want to hear. 2. Play the shows you want to see. These sound basic, but the truth is they are more challenging than they seem for most of us to accomplish. Sit and think about the songs you wish existed in the world, then take the time to write the hell out of them. Write the best song that no one’s ever heard before. Then, do it again and again until you have an album. There is a glut of average in the world. Make meaningful music, and you will give yourself the best chance to find a meaningful audience. The same goes for your live show. What escape do you want to create for your crowd? People want to leave your concert in awe. You want them to exit the venue and WANT to tell their friends about what they missed. So, write the songs you want to hear and play the shows you want to see. If you do, you’ll find the audience you want to find.

A Symphony for the Soul Tonight, I’ll attend the symphony alone. Just me, the music, and the quiet space for reflection. In the busyness of life, where decisions, responsibilities, and commitments demand so much of us, taking intentional time to pause feels essential. When the orchestra begins, I expect it to stir something deeper—something words often can’t touch, but music effortlessly reveals. Each note will serve as a reminder: solitude is not emptiness; it’s clarity. It’s a moment to recalibrate, to hear the whispers of purpose, and to reconnect with what truly matters. This evening is not about escape; it’s about returning. Returning to the core of who I am, the values I hold, and the faith that sustains me. It’s a moment of freedom and strength—an opportunity to reflect and grow in the stillness. Whether in music or in business, there is power in stepping away from the noise. Moments of quiet reflection lead to renewed focus and greater impact. Tonight, I’ll let the symphony guide me, because even in the quiet, I know I am never truly alone.

How they lost their voice (among a 100,000 crowd) This will be as cheesy as it gets, but I attended a concert this weekend that wasn't about big lights or a huge audience. It was about seeing dreams come true. ↳ (I warned you!) The artists weren't newbies. But it was their first time in front of such a massive crowd. And their reactions made the concert about something else: Some had tears in their eyes. Some giggled with their bandmates. Some stood speechless, hearing the crowd sing. (Can you imagine 100,000 people singing your song?) For a moment, I could see that this whole experience was beyond their music: - The hard work. - The rejections. - The doubts. - The tears. All of it left behind the scenes. And on the stage? They were celebrating their journey. So what does this have to do with me or with you? Anything. And everything. Sometimes we get lost in the everyday. In the struggles. In the grind. But like those artists, we each have our own stages. And it’s not just about the spotlight. It’s about those moments that make it all worth it. We might not have an audience of 100000, but let’s celebrate our journey in the same way. (At least from time to time). P.S. Speaking of concerts, do you remember your 1st one? The reason I ask in the comments 👇