Meet Lars Brandle [pictured right], a Brisbane-based music journalist who has more than 10 years’ experience reporting the business of the music industry for Billboard’s three key platforms: Billboard Magazine, Billboard.biz and Billboard.com. After nearly 12 years living in London, Brandle returned to Brisbane in 2008 as Billboard’s Australian correspondent.

Lars has broadcast interviews with CNN, the BBC, American Public Media’s Marketplace segment and South Africa’s EastCoast Radio, and his works have appeared in such publications as the Washington Post, Boston Globe and Reuters. He’s also has been a regular guest speaker at music industry conventions including Midem in Cannes; Popkomm in Berlin, the Amsterdam Dance Event and London’s City Showcase, where for the past three years he has moderated day-time workshop panels and hosted night-time live music showcases.

Lars appeared at the MUSEXPO component of One Movement For Music 2009, and we’re pleased to welcome him back to the conference as a MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 guest speaker.

How did you start working in the music industry, Lars?

Well, technically, I don’t work in the music industry. As a journalist, I’m an outsider looking in. While plugged away at a journalism degree, I built up my portfolio with the street press. I took some good Aussie bravado with me to the UK and made some doors open, first as a radio and print freelancer, then as a staffer with the Financial Times. And in 2000, I got the call from Billboard Magazine - on Valentine’s Day. It’s been a lovely relationship.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Oh, there’s been many. My first feature which appeared on the frontpage of Billboard Magazine sticks in my mind. It was published in 2001, a tale on Australia’s incredible electronic music scene. I got it right. Grilling the boss of Vivendi on the big stage of MidemNet was neat, sharing the podium with Nile Rodgers at the Amsterdam Dance Event was up there too. Everytime I get paid for writing is a major highlight.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Transcribing. It’s not the hardest, but it’s the worst part of a journalist’s job. Sadly, I don’t do shorthand. Transcribing is a journalist’s purgatory.

What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far?

Janelle Monae’s ‘Tightrope‘ [music video embedded below]. Listen and you’ll understand. If you don’t get it, you’re in the wrong business.

Got any hot tips for artists that you believe will break through later this year?

Hungry Kids Of Hungary. Any band who can slot the words “Hungry” and “Hungary” into their name can have my vote. [Music video for their song 'Let You Down' embedded below]

Finally, what’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?

The Go-Betweens‘ ‘Cattle and Cane‘ [music video embedded below]. If a better song has ever been written, I’d love to hear it.

Lars Brandle is appearing at MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010, as part of One Movement For Music in Perth, Australia from October 6-10. For more details on MUSEXPO, click here.