David Vodicka
David Vodicka is the director and owner of independent label Rubber Records (started 1987) and music publisher Rubber Music Publishing (started 1995), one of Australia’s pre-eminent independent music companies. During the last 20 years the label has achieved numerous awards and chart successes with groups such as Cordrazine, Even, 1200 Techniques, Jet and the Casanovas. He is also principal of entertainment law firm Media Arts Lawyers and has had extensive experience with almost 20 years practice representing musicians, artists, performers, composers, recording, production, management and publishing entities. He is a passionate advocate for local music and creative industries and presently is chairman of the board of AIR (the Australian Independent Record labels association), Vice President of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), a current board member of MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) and ARIA (Australia Recording Industry Association) and is a past board member of the PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia).
MUSIC EXCHANGE Q&A
The benefits that may be gained by attending Music Exchange.
1) Which internationally acclaimed bands have you worked with?
On Label – JET, LISA GERRARD, CASANOVAS
As an Attorney –
Artists include AIRBOURNE, SAVAGE, OPERATOR PLEASE, DEAD CAN DANCE, PRESETS, CUT COPY
Film Composers include BURKHARD DALLWITZ (Truman Show), FRANC TETAZ (Wolf Creek), LISA GERRARD (Gladiator, Ali, Whale Rider)
2) In what capacity did you work with these bands?
On Label – signed & A&R’d acts
As Attorney – business affairs and deal negotiation
3) Regarding your work in the music industry, what is the biggest mistake you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
Not signing JET long term. I learned to always get things in writing.
4) Of which achievement are you most proud?
Releasing records for over 20 years on my label Rubber Records and the fact that the label still thrives in such a tough market.
5) In a nutshell, what are the primary requirements needed by a young band who want to enjoy a successful music career?
Luck, timing, talent, and ambition.
6) Who is your favourite SA band at the moment and why?
Farrell Purkiss (spelling?) because I like his records.
7) In your opinion, what is the significance of something like Music Exchange to the South African music industry?
Hopefully it will become a meeting place to exchange ideas and information and empower those who attend it to grow their businesses nationally and internationally
8) Overall, what needs to happen to the South African music industry in order for it to make more inroads into the international market?
Knowledge and support are key. The music industry is a risky business but those entrepreneurs who invest the time and effort in developing their network and knowledge base will be better placed to take advantage of support when it is provided.
9) Which specific area of the music industry will you be discussing at Music Exchange and what benefits do you expect to be gained by your audience?
I will try and specifically address issues and opportunities facing the independent label sector, but in truth I am happy to answer questions on any area in which I might be able to provide information people want.