CMC Rocks The Snowys

15 February 2010

Thredbo and country music don’t seem to be the most likely of matches. But, in regards to CMC Rocks the Snowys, the fit couldn’t be more perfect. Rob Potts – CEO of Entertainment Edge and Shaun James - general manager of XYZnetworks tell us all about bringing country to the Snowys.

What have been some of the trials throughout the years in attempting such an undertaking?

Rob Potts: It’s always a big risk and demands a huge amount of money, time and resources to establish a world-class music festival. You have to convince international acts that the event stands up, local non-country artists that it’s OK to play a country-based festival, and in the case of this event, learn how to work inside a National Park. Finally, putting together the key event team of event coordinator, site manager, production manager and artist liaison officer so that the festival has the right feel and vibe.

Can you run us through a brief history of the event and how it was first conceived?

Shaun James: CMC Rocks the Snowys was a joint concept developed by XYZnetworks, Chugg Entertainment and Rob Potts. Essentially the group saw a gap in the market for an event of this type that gave CMC fans and music fans alike a chance to experience two days of the best Country and Roots music. The fact that CMC films the event means that our viewers are able to experience the event throughout the remainder of the year.

How do you see the importance of the event in regards to spreading country to a wider market?

Rob Potts: Both Michael and I are great believers in the fact that good music is good music and the genre doesn’t really matter. There was a huge amount of controversy about rock and pop acts playing at the Tamworth Festival this year. We feel that you grow and develop artists by exposing them to new and different audiences, so country and rock fans will find new artists they may like by seeing them at these type of Festivals. We believe in encouraging cross-genre events and presenting as much good music as we can to as broad an audience as possible.

Why the Snowys?

Shaun James: It is an iconic location and provides all the necessary infrastructure for an event of this nature. A terrific venue site, a wide range of accommodation and services as well as all the resort has to offer with regards to activities beyond the festival means that it has become a real destination event for fans. The team at Thredbo have been fantastic to work with and continue to go above and beyond to support CMC Rocks the Snowys.

How have previous audience reactions been? Is there a fanbase for this in the Snowys?

Shaun James: Judging by the feedback we get each year and the continued increase in attendance the reaction has been great! Not only is there a local fanbase for this event we get a wide cross section from right across the country, inclusive of both metropolitan and regional areas.

Country music has increased in both awareness and popularity in recent times. What do you attribute this to?

Rob Potts: In recent times I think it has been down to the success of contemporary hot new big stars like Kasey Chambers and Adam Brand locally, The Dixie Chicks and Taylor Swift internationally, and the continued superstar status and Australian touring of acts like Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Gary Allan, SugarLand, Joe Nichols and Lee Kernaghan. CMC, as a 24/7 electronic medium with pictures, has also been massive for the growth of country music in Australia over the last six years and continues to be so.

Do you have any opportunities for new talent via this program?

Rob Potts: Last year, we introduced our secondary stage for just that purpose. Over the two days, we have 14 spots on this stage for up and coming acts and will be introducing both The Harrisons and BusbyMarou this year, who are virtually unknown at the moment. In addition to this stage, we have started up three bars in Thredbo Village this year that will have artists performing on Thursday night and then after the main stage closes on Friday and Saturday night, as well as on the Sunday. These initiatives are a lot about giving young acts a shot at being part of the event.

They can contact us via entertainmentedge.com.au

CMC Rocks the Snowys 2010 will rock Thredbo on 5th and 6th of March. CMC Rocks the Snowys marathon will premiere April 2nd on CMC.