Behind the stage lights is a whole industry most people never see. On 17 June, ALL EARS: FOCUS AUSTRALIA 2026 pulls it into view: how music actually reaches international audiences, and how artists protect musical pieces that they put their heart and soul into. Leading figures from the Australian and Vietnamese music industries join for panel discussions, have one-on-one conversations with you and artists like Mỹ Anh and Australian singer-songwriter Matthew Ifield can share the stories from backstage, at VinUniversity, Hà Nội.
📍 Venue: Peace Room, VinUniversity, Hà Nội
⏰ Time: 09:00 – 12:00 | Wednesday, 17 June 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Free entry (RSVP required) – Limited capacity
THE PANELS
🎙️ Panel 1: Beyond Borders: Music Export Insights
What can taking your music international actually open up for an artist? Not just new audiences, but collaborations, touring, and directions a home market may not be able to offer on its own.
Mỹ Anh's own path is a close example. As an independent artist, she releases and promotes her own music, and has steadily found her way into international collaborations and shows. Her journey shows the road outward isn't reserved for artists on major labels.
And how far can a release actually travel? Sarah Guppy, who has run promotional campaigns for artists globally, will share how far you music can reach when it's promoted the right way. Andie Tran of The Orchard brings the distributor's view: how a track gets onto the platforms, pitched for playlist placements, and run campaigns at international scale.
Speakers:
Michael Choi – CEO, InQ International; International Relations Officer, VCIDA
Andie Tran – Director, The Orchard Vietnam
Sarah Guppy – Founder & Director, This Much Talent; Director, Record Store Day Australia
Matthew Ifield – Artist
Mỹ Anh – Artist
🎙️ Panel 2: Know Your Copyright: Revenue / Use / Protect
Why does an artist need to understand copyright? Because it's how your work earns, and how you keep control of your own creativity. For an independent artist, even with labels and teams handling this behind the scenes, understanding your own rights still matters significantly.
So what does music copyright actually consist of? A piece of music usually carries two parallel sets of rights: authors' rights, tied to the composition itself, the melody and lyrics; and related rights, tied to the any specific recordings. It's a distinction many new artists don't fully grasp, yet it decides who earns from what. Matt Tanner, with more than three decades in music publishing at Concord Music Publishing, brings the view from the authors' rights side. Andie Tran of The Orchard speaks to the recording side, the related rights, which is what a distributor works with directly.
And how does the revenue actually work? A track can earn through several channels: streaming, licensing, and commercial use. Kirsty Rivers, who has held roles at APRA AMCOS, one of Australia's major rights management organisations, speaks to how those earnings are collected and distributed back to artists. Catherine Haridy, CEO of the Australian Music Centre, brings the perspective of an organisation representing over 1,000 composers and sound artists.
All of it toward the final question: for a working Vietnamese artist today, and working across borders, what does this mean in practice?
Speakers:
Andie Tran – Director, The Orchard Vietnam
Matt Tanner – VP of A&R, Concord Music Publishing ANZ
Catherine Haridy – CEO, Australian Music Centre
Kirsty Rivers – General Manager, Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO)
Both panels are moderated by Dong Nguyen, Founder & CEO of Hot Panda Media.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Opening remarks Performance by the VinUni Harmony Music Club Panel 1: Beyond Borders: Music Export Insights Panel 2: Know Your Copyright: Revenue / Use / Protect Live showcase with Mỹ Anh & Matthew Ifield Networking
📌 TICKET NOTICE:
The event is completely free, but capacity is limited, so an RSVP is required. Secure your spot today.
Register at: hpmlink.com/aefa26/hpm-ots-web
ALL EARS: FOCUS AUSTRALIA 2026 is organised by Hot Panda Media. Co-organised by Turning World, This Much Talent and Wenona Lok. In partnership with The Orchard, VMDO and VinUniversity. Supported by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.