Melbourne's annual independent label fair adds a new education programme to its 2026 edition, featuring three panel sessions alongside a floor of more than 57 participating labels.
Melbourne’s Independent Music Exchange is back at Northcote Town Hall on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026. This year comes with even more to offer, as well as free entry and access for all ages.
Now in its third year, the label fair has grown well beyond its origins as a satellite event at The Eighty Six Festival in 2023. Founders Michael Kucyk (Efficient Space), Corey Kikos and Maryos Syawish (Butter Sessions) have added a full education programme for 2026 – three panel sessions across the weekend aimed at emerging label makers trying to find their footing in an industry that’s always moving.
Catch up on all the latest news here.
Saturday 6 June opens with “Running an Independent Label: A Beginner’s Guide” (11AM – 12PM), a practical session covering everything from releasing music and pressing records to building an audience and finding your identity. Moderated by Ethan Holben, the panel features Billy Gardener (Anti Fade), Kate Reid (It Records), Penny O’Brien (Companion) and Kavil Patel (Absorb).
The focus shift in the afternoon (1PM – 2PM) to ethics and representation with “Platforming Underrepresented Voices: Responsibilities of Independent Labels.” Moderator Isobel D’Cruz Barnes leads a conversation with Paulo Almeida (Wantok Musik), Bumpy (Independent Artist), Harley Young (Off the List) and Kamna Muddagouni (Music In Exile) on what genuine, sustained support for underrepresented communities looks like in practice.
Sunday rounds out the programme with “International Networks: Building Audiences Beyond Australia” (11AM – 12PM), moderated by Lorrae McKenna (Our Golden Friend). Rather than leaning on the well-worn “breaking overseas” idea, the session looks at how music gradually finds its people through labels, radio, touring, friendships and slowly forming scenes. Panelists include Kate Durman (Acopia), Guy Blackman (Chapter Music), Lachlan Stuckey (College of Knowledge) and Andrew Hayden (Poison City).
On the floor, more than 57 labels will be set up across the two days, from local DIY labels to globally recognised imprints, all committed to physical music in an increasingly digital world. The full roster includes A Colourful Storm, Anti Fade, Butter Sessions, Chapter Music, Efficient Space, Poison City, Room40, Wax Museum Records and more.
Learn more about the Independent Music Exchange here.
The Independent Music Exchange is supported by Music Australia and the Victorian Music Development Office, and sponsored by Program Records, Distro Direct and Crumpler.
