Published 15 September, 2020

VMDO Virtual Networking Breakfasts returns this month, where we'll be discussing music melding with the latest tech innovations, specifically in VR and video games. 

The evolution of gaming and music has been more impactful than ever in 2020. Earlier this year, the VMDO partnered with games audio specialist, Maize Wallin to create the Indie Bands x Indie Devs pilot. The project connected a Melbourne punk band (Cable Ties) with an independent games developer (Cecile Richard) to collaborate on a musical game experience. The result is HOPE, a Bitsy game about learning to rely on others and fighting against hopelessness, together.

Inverse is Australia's first 3D live VR streaming platform, launching in October 2020. Seven Victorian artists have been booked for the upcoming launch gigs, filming at a permanent "Made for VR" broadcast venue in South Melbourne. Darren Vukasinovic (Inverse) will be previewing the VR user experience and Caleb Williams (UNIFIED) will share his thoughts about connecting audiences to artists through VR. 

Dr. Dan Golding will be steering the chat, ahead of his keynote at High Score: Composition and Sound Art for Gaming. Dan is an award-winning composer (Untitled Goose Game, Frog Detective), writer, and the author of Star Wars After Lucas (2019). He is the host of Screen Sounds on ABC Classic, and a Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology.

VMDO Networking Breakfasts are a monthly get-together for Victorian music industry professionals. These networking breakfasts will host a variety of special guests from around the state, country and international music community. Breakfast guests present on industry trends, analysis, business learnings and opportunities. Settle in with a cup of coffee or tea and connect with your music community.

VMDO Virtual Networking Breakfasts - VR & Video Games will take place on Wednesday 23 September.

Panellist Bios

Cecile Richard
(Game Developer)

Cecile Richard is a graphic designer, illustrator, zine maker and game designer living in Melbourne whose artistic work often revolves around the themes of memory, connection and belonging. Cecile’s most well-known works include award-winning short Bitsy games novena and ENDLESS SCROLL, and the recently released UNDER A STAR CALLED SUN.

Jenny McKechnie
(Cable Ties)

Jenny McKechnie has been playing music and writing songs for over a decade. She's spent the last 7 years playing in Melbourne punk bands and is most famous for her vocal wallop and guitar pyrotechnics in Cable Ties. She has organised DIY festivals Wetfest and The Cable Ties Ball and is passionate about the Melbourne music community.

Shauna Boyle
(Cable Ties)

Shauna (she/her) is a Naarm/Melbourne based musician who has tried a various number of musical roles but discovered a true love for hitting drums loudly when Cable Ties was formed back in late 2014.

Dan Golding
(Moderator)

Dr. Dan Golding is an award-winning composer (Untitled Goose Game, Frog Detective), writer, and the author of Star Wars After Lucas (2019). He is the host of Screen Sounds on ABC Classic, and a Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology.

Darren Vukasinovic
(Founder, Inverse)

Darren is founder of VR live streaming & metaverse startup Inverse, delivering stunning 8K 3D live streaming solutions for the music and major sports/cultural events space, and developing cutting edge solutions for 6DOF photorealistic real-time performance experiences. He’s also CEO of XR studio Ignition Immersive employing a full time team of 18 Victorians leveraging the power of immersive technologies (VR, AR and MR) to drive positive impact across tourism, education and not for profit initiatives.