Sizing Up: Hip hop publicist and BIGSOUND first-timer Samantha Kariyawasam

While BIGSOUND is a staple on the calendar for loads of industry pros, there are still a few people left who have never been before. If you spot clumps of lanyard-wearing folks wandering Fortitude Valley at 11am or 11pm, looking a little dazed and overwhelmed, they might be first-timers (or they might just be recovering from a brilliant showcase or keynote).  

One of the BIGSOUND virgins hitting this year’s event is producer and hip hop publicist Samantha Kariyawasam, who has a young but growing PR company and a long list of artists to check out. Here’s what to know before you buy her a beverage.

What should your fellow BIGSOUNDers know about you?

I have a background in PR and marketing, working for music promoters such as Big Day Out and Fuzzy Events. I also spent some time working for The Chaser on their ABC production The Checkout, and handled the marketing for their performing arts venue, Giant Dwarf. 

Since early 2017, I began working as a publicist for predominantly hip-hop acts from the US and Australia under my PR company, LUCID. Notable clients include GoldLink, A$AP Mob, Buddy, Aywy and WVS. 

This year I also began working as a producer on a couple of TV projects, one for Comedy Central, and the other for the ABC... keep your eyes peeled, you can bask in their low-budget glory in the latter half of 2017. 

It’s your first BIGSOUND – what changed this year to finally get you to go along?

There are so many talented artists, and accomplished speakers at this year’s event, so it really wasn’t a hard sell! I’ve been meaning to go for the last couple of years, but I guess especially after creating LUCID, I definitely saw the professional benefits of going to BIGSOUND. 

What advice are people giving you about your first BIGSOUND?

"It’s a marathon, not a sprint." - Adam Lewis, 2017

Who are you especially excited about seeing or meeting? 

It’s mainly all about the music for me - I’m really looking forward to seeing Maribelle, Manu Crook$, BLESSED, Brightness, Sloan Peterson, Jesswar, Why We Run, Mansionair, Annie Bass, Body Type, plus many, many more! 

What are you hoping to get out of this year’s event? 

I’m hoping to absorb as much useful information as possible, enjoy some of Australia’s best and brightest upcoming acts, and maybe even pick up a client or two ;) 

What question are you asked all the time about your job?

I just constantly have people coming out of the woodwork to ask for free tickets...

What was the last new thing that made you say “holy shit” (in a good way)? 

The fact that Steve Lacy (The Internet) recorded his Demo EP almost exclusively on an iPhone - the future is now! 

What drink should people buy you to get on your good side?

A glass of pinot noir!