2017: Andrew Watt

Publication and podcast: Melbourne live music (1987–97) – From the pages of InPress magazine

Andrew's project explored the evolution of the Melbourne live entertainment scene during an important era for Melbourne and Victoria.

The decade 1987 to 1997 established Melbourne as Australia's live music capital and gave birth to the careers of numerous significant artists and behind-the-scenes personnel whose contributions had an impact into the future.

The street magazine InPress documented Melbourne's local performing arts in a real and unfiltered way – through interviews with the artists, advertisements and editorial comment.

Andrew's research identified the key points of evolution, change and milestones to create a definitive history of this time in Melbourne's contemporary music.

Andrew Watt holds a law degree, an economics degree and a Master of Arts (Creative Enterprise). He is the author of a music industry textbook and is a freelance contributor to the Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

Andrew has undertaken roles managing local and international artists, has worked as a venue operator and television producer, and was also the co-founder, editor-in-chief and publisher of InPress magazine.