Achord Agency

30/12/2024

wow... what a year...!

So many things and people to be grateful for - I will try and fit it all into one post!

Firstly, thank you to my incredible friends/fam! Your'e all legends and I appreciate you all SO much! Just to name a few...

💜 my girl Jaz Yates who is killing it with RELEASR, you are just a powerhouse and so inspiring!

🧡 Maddy from Velvet Bloom I am in awe of your talent and drive and I love working with you and seeing the things you deserve come to fruition! With the help of other incredible women Sarah and Erin from This Much Talent Australia.

💛 Andre Lew from Playlunch and Way Out East, thank you for being such a solid friend through a really tough and emotional year for me. I cherish our hangs and am so excited to watch all the epic stuff that is coming your way!

💚 Luke/Thorne so grateful to have you in my life and indulging my foodie side. Also so keen to see your music take off! ✈️

So many other people I want to say thank you to, you know who you are ❤️

Cool stuff that has happened this year:
🙌 Bands awarded grants and incredible performance opportunities... tbd 👀

🥛 I launched a start up called Just Add Mlk and have been awarded a grant for this with some one on one coaching!

🙏 A big shout out to my coaches and mentors: Kev from Opsize, Jess Milne and Monica Davidson from Creative Plus Business.

🎧 I released 8 episodes of a new podcast called 'Tuned In - a podcast for women in music'. Thank you to all the guests who featured: Viv Fantin - Next Act Coaching, Miss Emilia, Siobhan McGinnity a.k.a Magnets, Sarah Hamilton, Jess Milne, Cara Williams from Slow Clap, Maggie Collins and Monica Davidson. I so appreciate you taking the time and being open to sharing your experiences with me!

🎙️ Velvet Bloom released 3 singles and have their DEBUT ALBUM release, March 28, 2025! More exciting stuff to announce in the new year for this one!

🎶 Jazzparty released a single 'WITCH', performed a killer set at Darwin Festival and have goodies coming next year as well!

Happy to send 2024 off with gratitude and welcome in 2025 with an open heart and mind, ready for what is coming! ✨

Happy new year to all and see you in 2025! 🎉

30/12/2024

ICYMI Velvet Bloom released these incredible singles this year! ❤️

Composed, produced and recorded all by the band themselves 🙌

Stunning artwork by the incredible band (again), Valentina Morony and Sokeiprim Joshua Davies.

Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HiDrUs73y9fUOt8DjBH55?si=3Q_nq2JJS7eN0NlMwBUiOQ

30/12/2024

Jazzparty members are headed to Woodford Folk Festival to assist the incredible Tracey Miller for a handful of sets! 🎶

AND then they are headed to The Presynct in Nambour to send 2024 off with a bang. 💥

You know how JP do it, it's gonna get groovy and sweaty. 🥵😎

Tickets: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/8b26f030-54a9-432d-a371-aba12183154f

22/12/2024

🎬 Episode 8: Tuned In with Jess Milne - Women In Creative Spaces (Cinematography) 🎬

I wanted to bring another perspective from another creative woman. Most creative industries are interwoven and talking to someone on the other side of a camera is not something everyone in music industries will often do. BUT there will inevitably be a moment where you will encounter someone like Jess, whether that be for a music video, new press shots or because you desperately want your music to be in her next feature film! So, let's remember to expand our networks beyond just the music industry... if you look hard enough, you will find boss women who are killing it everywhere!

A bit about Jess Milne:
Jess Milne is an award-winning cinematographer and the co-founder and Artistic Director of TEN ALPHAS and Ten Alphas Films. With a diverse portfolio, Jess has worked as Director of Photography across music videos, commercials, drama, branded content, and documentaries. Her cinematography work was showcased in the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) award-winning film Finding Addison. Jess also worked on the producing team of Grand Prix-winning short film Mate at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2022.

With a strong background in design and VFX, Jess has also taken on the role of Creative Director for projects like Blockhead and Sparkles and The Flood of Tears, which was featured at the Sydney Film Festival. Jess holds a Masters of Screen Arts and Business (AFTRS) and a Bachelor of Digital Design (First Class Honours) from Griffith University/QCA, along with a Bachelor of Theatre/Fine Art. Her dedication to the craft has earned her accolades such as Best Cinematographer at the Moonwhite International Film Festival.

In addition to her practical work, Jess has taught design and animation at The Queensland College of Art and content creation at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS). She is an active member of the Australian Cinematographers Society, WIFT, Screen Illawarra, Screenworks, and SPA, continually contributing to the advancement of visual storytelling.

Listen to episode 8: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-8-Tuned-In-with-Jess-Milne---Women-In-Creative-Spaces-Cinematography-e2skp1t

28/11/2024

👚👕🧢

13/11/2024

Who is coming?? 👀🎶🫶

Our first and last headline show of 2024 🖤
with the incredible !!
Tickets in bio ✨

If you’re unable to afford the full ticket price, please DM us for a discount code (25% off) x

- photography & editing
- H&MU
- logo

03/09/2024

When you ask the behind the scenes music industry people to step into the spotlight….. 😶

Thanks for the incredible snaps!

30/07/2024

🎶 Episode 7: Tuned In with Siobhan McGinnity - Syncing Your Music With Your Cycle 🎶

This is one of those topics that needs to be spoken about more often! How do women work around their cycles, especially in creative spaces. Ironically, I had my period when we recorded this and you can hear the brain fog in the beginning when I forget the name of the podcast! BUT it happens to all of us with cycles, and we need more sensitivity from ourselves and others once a month when this happens! I loved this chat with Siobhan, I learned so much from this conversation and I hope it sparks some self-care and resonates with other women in creative spaces!

🧲 About Siobhan McGinnity A.K.A Magnets:

Growing up in isolated places from Karratha to Christmas Island, nature was MAGNETS first influence — that and the small shelf of her parents CDs. Bonded to references of Enya, Tina Arena and Hole, what grew was a passion for harmony and drive.

MAGNETS’ sound is melodic, driven and addictive. Layers of chorus-pedal, synth and vocals, build in swells that feel both nostalgic and new. Trained in classical piano, MAGNETS cut her teeth as a session musician for the likes of Ali Barter and Henry Wagons, before stepping out on her own with debut EP, “Perpetual Motion.” The five-track simmer solidified MAGNETS sound and landed a publishing deal with Australia’s finest, Gaga Music.

Facing difficulties of accessibility, a lull in output. However, with Creative Victoria funding, MAGNETS was gratefully able to return to the studio. Teaming up with ARIA nominee, producer, and generally very nice human, Terry Mann, a sparkling indie-pop LP was created. Birthed on reflections of disability, the album embraces the dichotomy of lyrics unafraid of the dark with a pop sound encapsulating the levity of light.

With new music on the horizon, a return to the stage in sights, and an album to release in 2024, things are only looking up for MAGNETS.

Fusing art and activism, MAGNETS is an electrifying force for change.

Listen to episode 7 now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-7-Tuned-In-with-Siobhan-McGinnity---Syncing-Your-Music-With-Your-Cycle-e2mabe3

28/07/2024

NEW MUSIC ALERT 🚨 🎶

Velvet Bloom just released this incredible single 'My Love', premiered on Women In Pop.

A gloriously uplifting and soul stirring song, it features influences from Motown, soul, jazz and pop with an intimate, warmly familiar feel that connects with cherished memories of music past, but also remains excitingly fresh and contemporary.

Stream it now: https://gyro.to/242245MyLove

27/06/2024

🎶 Episode 6: Tuned In with Sarah Hamilton - Creating Space For Women 🎶

I've known this incredible woman for many years now so it only seemed natural to do an episode with her. Sarah is a connector, one of those humans that just has that special something that brings people together. She uses her networking powers to bring women together and create space for us in an industry where that isn't always a given. SO enjoyed talking with Sarah and could have spoken all day long! So much love and gratitude for this fabulous lady! 🔥❤️

A bit about Sarah:

Sarah Hamilton has been working in digital distribution and the online music space since its inception in Australia in the mid 2000s, and was the Regional Manager of Australia and New Zealand for Ditto Music for close to ten years. She loves helping independent artists gain access to opportunities, understand the digital world, and promote their music internationally. Sarah is also a co-founder of the charity One of One, which highlights women and non-binary people working within the music industry.

Sarah has been listed in The Music’s Power 50 list of influential people in the Australian music industry twice, and was also awarded the Music Victoria inaugural award for an Outstanding Woman in Music for her work with One of One. She has recently launched her company Golden Hour, and is working with people and artists she loves.

Listen to episode 6 here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-6-Tuned-In-with-Sarah-Hamilton---Creating-Space-For-Women-e2iok2m

25/06/2024

NEW MUSIC ALERT 🚨 🎶

JAZZPARTY have just released their new psych rock single 'WITCH'. 🔮

“WITCH is a call to arms, a plea and a warning. It was the result of the different feelings of distress and fury I felt over the state of the world, the assault on all things feminine including the earth, our own sensitivity and connection to our communities, as well as the disregard for nature and what that means for us spiritually and practically as people living on this planet.” - Loretta Miller

This is a taste of their forthcoming 3rd album ANAESTHESIA.

Listen now: https://gyro.to/238650WITCH

30/05/2024

🎶 Episode 5: Tuned In with Maggie Collins - Being A Mom 🎶

This podcast record with Maggie was amazing. I'm so grateful that Maggie was able to share all of this with me and that in turn you get to hear it as well! For any women out there running your own business and in the process of creating life at the same time, you are incredible, resilient, amazing and this one is for you! 🔥

A bit about Maggie:

Maggie Collins is a Brisbane-based professional, who has been working in the music industry in a diverse range of roles over the past 17 years. With her radio hat on, she was a presenter and producer at the triple j network for 10 years. She also founded Morning Belle, an artist management company representing various ARIA Award winning and Gold Record accredited artists such as DZ Deathrays, Odette, Miiesha, Donny Benet and others.

She was Executive Programmer of BIGSOUND from 2016-2019 (incl), but after 7 years on the board of the Association of Artist Managers - AAM Australia, she took on the Executive Director role in 2021 where she remains. In 2020 she received The Lighthouse Award, an honour given to Australian female managers who exhibit passion, creativity, advocacy, integrity and commitment to the community.

Listen now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-5-Tuned-In-with-Maggie-Collins---Being-A-Mom-e2i9vc1

[Image Description: The image is a promotional graphic for a podcast titled "TUNED IN - A PODCAST FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC." The background features a light gray gradient. In the foreground, there are two women positioned slightly offset from each other. The woman on the left is smiling and dressed in a plaid blazer over a black shirt, her hair styled in loose waves. The woman on the right is also smiling, wearing a dark blue blouse adorned with small floral patterns, and sporting large, distinctive red earrings. Below the image, logos for "Achord Agency" and "Morning Belle" are displayed, suggesting their involvement with the podcast.]
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29/05/2024

What you up to this June? Jazzparty are back with a killer month long residency at The Evelyn Hotel every Monday night! 🔥

Free Entry and good vibes.

See you there!

[Image Description: The image is a promotional poster for a jazz event titled "JAZZPARTY MONDAY NIGHT." It features a black and white photograph of a lively scene at a music event, with a blonde woman singing into a microphone, passionately engaging with an audience that appears to be dancing and enjoying the performance. A man in a hat, presumably a musician, is visible in the background playing an instrument. The text over the image in bold red letters reads "JAZZPARTY MONDAYNIGHT" and provides additional details: the event occurs on Monday nights in June (dates listed as 3, 10, 17, 24) at the Evelyn Hotel, with free entry, DJs, guests from 8 PM until late.]
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29/04/2024

🎶 Episode 4: Tuned In with Cara Williams - Re-Inventing Yourself 🎶

Every time I sit down and record an episode with one of these incredible women, I find out something new. I love that even now, I can leave our chats admiring them even more than before. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Cara Williams has worked in the Australian music industry for over 17 years.

In 2019 she founded Slow Clap, a music company specialising in artist and project management, marketing campaign management, promotions and strategic communications, where she works with local and international artists, record labels and music companies to deliver multichannel marketing and communication campaigns.

She’s worked at Mushroom Group and Beat Magazine, is a music industry mentor, lecturer and consultant, and guides emerging artists in developing comprehensive marketing and content strategies to complement their releases.

She previously managed pub-rock outfit and 2 x ARIA chart-toppers Private Function, and currently manages art-punks Gut Health and cult heroes The Peep Tempel.

Listen Now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-4-Tuned-In-with-Cara-Williams---Re-Inventing-Yourself-e2hf9di

[Image Description: The image is a square promotional graphic for a podcast called "TUNED IN - A PODCAST FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC." At the top, the title "TUNED IN" is in large white capital letters. Below, in smaller white text, reads "A PODCAST FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC." There are two women at the center of the image. The woman on the left is wearing a blazer over a blouse with her hand on her hip, smiling slightly towards the camera. The woman on the right is wearing a black leather jacket over a t-shirt with the text "BLONDE REVOLVER," smiling broadly at the camera. Behind them is a semi-transparent circular overlay. In the lower corners are two logos: "AchoralAgency" on the left, described as an "INNOVATIVE DIGITAL STRATEGY," and "SLOW CLAP MUSIC COMPANY" on the right. The background color is a gradient of dark blue at the top, fading to lighter blue behind the women.]
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29/04/2024

Jazzparty at White Night Ballarat 🔥

Did you hear that the Rats will be in the Rat playing White Night? Seems fitting no?

Make sure you catch their late-night set at the Evening Star Stage at 11pm. It's gonna get sweaty.
https://whitenight.com.au/ballarat/program/

[Image Description: The image is a promotional poster for an event titled "White Night Ballarat." The date "1 June 2024" is prominently displayed at the bottom. In the center of the image is a woman in a red outfit and a large black hat, who appears to be elevated and supported by a group of people dressed in white who surround her, some with arms raised towards her. The backdrop resembles a wooden structure. Overlaying the image are bold graphic elements: a large yellow 'W' on the left side, and a stripe of orange and purple running along the top left corner. Logos of "Victoria," "City of Ballarat," and "ACCOLADE" are at the bottom. The night sky filled with stars is visible in the background.]
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05/04/2024

Hey all,

I started another thing! Please support by following and sharing. 😊🫶

Hey there! My name is Leesa and I'm the Founder of Just Add MLK. 👋

I started in the music industry as a musician myself. I am a university-trained saxophonist and hold a Bachelor of Music Performance in Jazz from Monash University. 🎷

Something I realised very soon after completing my degree was that I knew next to nothing about the industry I was about to enter. So, I went and did some more study specifically in Entertainment Management at Collarts.

I ended up in the USA studying in Philadelphia at Drexel University and then moved to Brooklyn, New York to live and work. I worked in a digital agency called WMA and this was where my passion for social media and digital marketing in music revealed itself.

I returned from the US to Australia and immediately set up my Digital Marketing agency - Achord Agency. I have had the pleasure of working within the Australian and American music industries in many capacities. My agency has grown from just socials to include artist management, venue marketing and promotions, touring, booking, consultation, and much more. I built Achord Agency back in May of 2019 and am proud to say it has been my full-time gig for a few years now.

Amidst the growth of my agency, I have been watching the key problems that emerging musicians face in the industry. I have observed that most lack TIME, EXPERTISE, and MONEY when it comes to socials and self-promotion. I know that not every musician can afford a social media expert like myself and so I wanted to give musicians and businesses alike the tools to do this on your own. Enter Just Add MLK.

Interested in learning more? Comment or DM me MLK and let's chat! 🥛

30/03/2024

🎶 Episode 3: Tuned In with Miss Emilia - Accessibility 🎶

This was such an incredible episode to record! I went to university with Em, back in 2016. She was a powerhouse back then and is still one today. 🔥

I love how honest and raw this conversation is and how deep we delve into the challenges the industry presents anyone living with Disability. It's time to talk about how inaccessible our music industry is and do something about it! ❤️

A bit about Em:
Miss Emilia (most people just call her Em) is a fem Naarm-based disabled musician, but even more so a human who has a love for making things, musing, medicine and soulful music that feels like sunshine - using music as a way to heal and understand life. Em has had a fruitful career as a lead vocalist (you may know her from The Mamas), an award-winning composer, band manager, booking agent, teacher at Monash University, model, disability advocate, fashionista, chronic oversharer, oversized glasses enthusiast and known particularly for having extremely curly red hair. You can find Em most places on the internet

Listen now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/achord-agency/episodes/Episode-3-Tuned-In-with-Miss-Emilia---Accessibility-e2hf8mo
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[Image Description: Leesa is standing with her hands on her hips. She has red hair, large black dangly circle earrings, and is wearing a purple jacket with a black button-up top underneath and checkered pink high-waist shorts. Em Schnall is seated on a white chair to the right of Leesa. She has short, tight red curly hair. She is wearing a bright red halter top and colourful pants that are red, yellow, mint, black and white. She has dangly earrings with pink stars on them, glasses and one hand on her hair. In bold black writing at the top it says 'TUNED IN' and beneath it, in white it reads 'A PODCAST FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC'. There is a graphic rainbow behind Leesa, the top colour is dark blue, then purple, and then light blue. The background colour of the tile is a pastel blue. In the bottom left corner is the Achord Agency logo. In the bottom right corner is the Miss Emilia Logo.]