One of One Melbourne - Event Recap

By Nikki Wishart, Music Curator at Qsic

Reflecting on One of One

As an artist myself, I always find it valuable to step into spaces like the One of One Melbourne breakfast, where women and non-binary people in music can come together, share their stories, and reflect on the challenges we face and the progress we've made. This event felt deeply personal for me, as it was a chance to connect with people who understand what it's like to navigate an industry that can be both empowering and daunting. The conversations weren’t just about acknowledging obstacles—they were about finding ways to collaborate and create lasting change for everyone involved.

What struck me most about this year’s event was how personal the conversations felt. It wasn’t just about networking or talking shop—it was about sharing experiences. From rising artists to industry veterans, everyone seemed to acknowledge that the future of the music industry relies on unity. Whether it’s across gender, culture, or even international borders, we need to come together to push the boundaries of what's possible. In many ways, that was the theme I took away with me: collaboration is not just important, it’s necessary.

Women in Music: Strength in Unity

A powerful statement came from ARIA and Brit Award-winning artist Tina Arena, who emphasised that progress in gender equality benefits everyone. “We need to work together to move forward,” she said, highlighting the importance of collective effort. It was a reminder that fostering inclusivity is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all levels of the industry.

Tina also spoke about the need for ongoing discussions around industry structures. She shared how, as a young woman in the music industry, she faced significant challenges, including being underestimated and having to fight for her creative vision in a predominantly male-dominated space. Despite achieving great success, Tina recalled how she had to assert her authority and navigate around barriers that were often placed in front of her simply because of her gender. Her experiences were a testament to the resilience it takes to break through the glass ceiling in an industry that often favors men in leadership roles. Advocacy from established artists like Tina helps pave the way for emerging talent, ensuring a more sustainable future for music creators. When influential voices lead the conversation, it encourages positive industry-wide change.

The Experience of Women of Color in Music

Another important discussion revolved around the intersection of culture and gender. Many women of color in the industry shared their experiences, highlighting the need for greater representation and support. The Australian music industry has made strides in inclusivity, but there’s still room for growth in ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued.

Representation matters—not just on stage but in all areas of the industry. Creating opportunities for diverse talent at every level helps shape a more inclusive and dynamic music landscape.

Collaboration Across Continents

One of the most exciting ideas discussed was the potential for record labels to work together across continents to expand opportunities for artists. Imagine an Australian label partnering with an international label for a joint release, allowing artists to reach new audiences more effectively. In today’s global streaming era, such collaborations could be a key driver in elevating artists beyond their home markets.

What Qsic is Doing to Help

At Qsic, we’re passionate about supporting diverse voices and creating more opportunities for artists. As a tech-driven music curation company, we work with major brands to shape the music experiences heard across retail, fuel and convenience, liquor, and more. This means we can play a role in introducing new and emerging artists to a broad audience.

We are committed to:

• Curating diverse playlists that spotlight a wide range of artists, ensuring their music reaches a broad audience.

• Encouraging brands to embrace inclusivity in their music choices.

• Supporting emerging talent by providing visibility in spaces where their music might not otherwise be heard.

Events like One of One remind us why this work is so important. They reinforce the need to keep pushing for positive industry change—not just through conversation but through action. By working together, fostering inclusivity, and championing diverse voices, we can help shape a thriving and innovative Australian music industry.