The Music Network

02/09/2024

One of the core messages that Peking Duk want to impart to Australians is that cancer is not an old person’s disease. It’s painfully prevalent, and its impact is real.

Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed by cancer in their lifetimes. It’s a shocking stat that's affected both Peking Duk members, directly & indirectly.

29/08/2024

Among the myriad notable names in BIGSOUND 2024’s stacked program, which features US R&B icon Kelis, Vampr founder and Vinyl Group CEO Josh Simons, Amyl and the Sniffers lead singer Amy Taylor, and more, is Emily Copeland, one of the most important figures in Australian radio.

Earlier this year, Copeland was appointed head of music at the ABC, a role that sees her leading the Corporation’s music strategy across triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.

Ahead of her BIGSOUND appearance, TMN asked Copeland several questions about her new role, the current challenges facing radio, and how Australian artists can better get their voices heard, and more.

Read the full interview here: https://themusicnetwork.com/bigsound-speaker-emily-copeland-future-of-music-interview/

29/08/2024

ISHAN is the latest signing to UNIFIED Artist Management (UAM), the artist management arm of UNIFIED Music Group.

At UAM, the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter joins a roster that includes Dan Sultan, Jack River, Vance Joy, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Boy & Bear, and Ocean Alley.

ISHAN will be co-managed by Jaddan Comerford, founder and CEO of UNIFIED Music Group, alongside Nick Lynagh, who also comes on board.

“ISHAN has the right mix of talent, work ethic and determination, and will only grow and thrive in the UNIFIED ecosystem,” comments Lynagh.

The signing is announced ahead of BIGSOUND 2024, where ISHAN will showcase to the industry and perform his new single “Make Up Moves.”

It's the followup to his 2024 breakout single “My Mouth (la la la),” which has captured more than 15 million views on Instagram and TikTok and upwards of 6 million global streams.

Read the full story at TMN: https://themusicnetwork.com/ishan-signs-with-unified-artist-management/

28/08/2024

More than 30 years after breaking his first act, Korda Marshall hasn’t lost any energy in his pursuit of discovering the next big thing.

The quintessential “music man” – and a longtime member of the extended Mushroom Group family — the Brit has worked with, or signed, a who’s who of international stars, from Muse to James Blunt, Madonna and The Darkness, plus Australian acts Kylie Minogue and Pendulum.

While the tools of discovery and distribution have changed, Marshall’s mission remains the same. Navigate the music industry. Discover and nurture career artists. Hits.

Speaking with The Music Network ahead of BIGSOUND 2024, where he will participate in two onstage presentations, Marshall is energised, optimistic.

“I always got into trouble for being Eddie Optimist in the corner, but the context of being enthusiastic, we’re lucky to be in the world we live in, where we are on the planet, and in history. It’s an amazing time.

“For artists and creativity and there’s nothing better than making things that people enjoy and love and consume all around the world. It’s a really important part of society.”

Read Marshall's full interview with TMN here: https://themusicnetwork.com/bigsound-speaker-korda-marshall-interview/

28/08/2024

Oasis is getting the old band back together, a moment that, for millions of fans around the world, will be greeted like the return of a king.

Make no mistake, Oasis is rock royalty. Kings of the U.K. charts. Princes in Australia.

In the U.K., the Manchester rock band has an impeccable chart record. All seven of their studio albums hit No. 1 on the Official U.K. Chart, and eight singles have gone to the top.

Australians love Oasis, and, in particular, “Wonderwall.” The ballad came in at No. 1 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 songs of the past 20 years, which counted down in 2013, and the song was voted No. 1 on the “Hottest 100” for 1995.

Oasis’s comeback will reach fever pitch in 2025 when the band plays a round of concerts in the U.K. and Ireland, their first shows there in 16 years.

Plans are underway for OASIS LIVE '25 "to go to other continents outside of Europe later next year."

27/08/2024

It’s tough out there for independent Australia artists.

Suitcase Records is doing its bit to help.

Just two years after switching on the heavy machinery, Brisbane’s Suitcase Records is spinning its second annual “Suitcase Showcase,” an annual campaign designed to give independent artists both a financial leg up, and a special memento.

“Suitcase Showcase Vol 2.” is a compilation album that showcases indie acts, chosen by Australian music fans, and raises money for good causes.

“The goal is to get dollars into their pockets so they can keep creating and also give money to Support Act which does an amazing job of supporting musicians,” Suitcase Records co-owner Kathy Wilson tells The Music Network.

“How tough is it? I think the answer is that it has always been a brave choice to be a musician but right at the moment – it takes a superhuman kind of commitment to make music. And yet – despite it all Australian talent continues to rise.”

Cast your votes at https://suitcaserecords.com.au

Read the full story at TMN: https://themusicnetwork.com/suitcase-records-indie-artists-showcase-release/

26/08/2024

TEG Dainty president Paul Dainty, and Bohm Presents co-founders Seb and Adrian Bohm, are among the industry heavyweights throwing their clout behind acta -- a new booking platform that promises to distribute the entire fee to the talent and their team.

Unveiled today, Aug. 27, acta launches with upwards of 2,500 entertainers ready for action, including singers, actors, comedians, athletes and more, representatives say.

The platform charges talent bookers a fee per booking that is “separate to and above the talent fee,” reads a statement.

“acta represents a paradigm shift in talent booking, ensuring that talent are fairly compensated for their craft. This platform empowers talent and elevates industry standards,” comments TEG Dainty president Paul Dainty, one of Australia’s leading concert promoters.

Adds Frank Stivala, managing director, Premier Artists, a division of Mushroom Group: “acta is a desperately needed evolution which greatly assists both talent brokers and agents alike.”

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/paul-dainty-bohm-presents-talent-booking-platform-acta/

23/08/2024

There’s activity in the A&R ranks at Sony Music Publishing Australia, where Julian McGruther is appointed senior A&R, a new position.

With immediate effect, McGruther is tasked with further advancing the company’s local A&R efforts, focusing on signing and nurturing local talent and building successful careers for the major music publisher’s roster of songwriters.

He reports directly to Craig Hawker, Sony Music Publishing’s head of A&R/creative, and works closely with Alliyah Fareo, A&R assistant/scout.

“I have no doubt that Julian will play a key role in driving our creative vision forward and creating exciting new opportunities for our songwriters," says Hawker in a statement.

Earlier this year, Sony Music Publishing acquired Tame Impala spearhead Kevin Parker’s complete song catalog and future works, expanding on a deal that began in 2009.

In 2023, the Sydney-based affiliate of Sony Music Publishing signed The Rions to a global deal, introducing the Northern Beaches indie rock group to a roster of homegrown talent that includes AC/DC, Hilltop Hoods, Thelma Plum, MAY-A, King Stingray, Brad Cox and others.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/julian-mcgruther-senior-ar-sony-music-publishing-australia/

21/08/2024

Meagan (Meg) Walker is the new group director of arena operations for ASM Global (APAC).

Walker is an experienced live entertainment professional, having served in senior management roles with some of Australia’s leading venues including Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and Palais Theatre.

With effect from Oct. 10, she will join ASM Global from her current role with Live Nation.

At ASM Global, Walker will guide the business’s arena network in Australia while supporting other arena venues in the region with a focus on event acquisition, operational planning for best practice patron experience and event delivery, reads a statement.

“The depth and scale of Meg’s experience in the operation of major events and live entertainment is the perfect fit to lead our portfolio of world class arenas, frequently featured in Billboard, Pollstar and Rolling Stone,” comments ASM APAC chairman and CEO Harvey Lister.

Walker succeeds Tim Worton who, earlier this year, announced new career path.

“Both Meg Walker and Tim Worton have long been recognised as legends in the industry and we are so fortunate to be the recipients of their expertise and professionalism as part of our management team,” adds Lister.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/meg-walker-group-director-arena-operations-asm-global/

21/08/2024

: Head of Music Claire Collins Reflects on the Past and Looks to the Future

As the Head of Music for SXSW Sydney, Claire Collins is one of the busiest people in Australian music right now.

With 300 performances across 25 venues from over 300 acts, SXSW Sydney’s Music Track was an industry highlight last October. The overall festival and conference drew 287,000 overall attendees and participants from 41 countries.

Her and her modest music team of just three are in the final stages of programming for the October 14-20 festival and conference. They’ve just locked in a partner for the opening party, which means they have budget to bring another international act out to perform; she’s just returned from Mumbai where she schooled up on the burgeoning Indian music scene; and this week we can expect another big announcement.

“It’s not something you can chip away at,” Collins says of the scheduling matrix she’s in right now. “You really have to have a bird’s eye view and deliver it all at once.”

Read up on how Claire Collins is shaping this year's ambitious lineup + her Top 5 Music Track offerings to watch:
https://themusicnetwork.com/sxsw-sydney-head-of-music-claire-collins/

20/08/2024

The first artists for the final Bluesfest have been unveiled, and the departing festival is clearly determined to go out on a high.

20 artists have been announced for the 36th and final Byron Bay Bluesfest today, with many more set to be added to the lineup soon.

Crowded House lead the lineup, fresh from topping the ARIA Albums Chart with their most recent album, 'Gravity Stairs.'

Perennial festival favourites Ocean Alley, busker-turned-pop superstar Tones and I, genre-hopping US musician Gary Clark Jr., soulful English singer Rag’n’Bone Man, and rising country star Brad Cox also feature in the first wave of artists.

Check out the full first artist announcement here: https://themusicnetwork.com/bluesfest-reveals-first-20-artists-for-final-edition/

20/08/2024

Playbill Group, the venue management specialist that operates Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, has struck a partnership with Frontier Touring and AEG Presents.

It’s business as usual, reads a joint statement, with Michael Nebenzahl continuing as managing director of Playbill.

Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Formed in 1958 by Brian and Jocelyn Nebenzahl, Playbill’s interests include management of the Hordern Pavilion, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary, and will once again host the ARIA Awards.

Playbill also merchandises for theatrical productions including musicals, national theatre and music companies in 12 countries worldwide, and partners with major sporting teams and operates venue concessions across the country and in Asia.

“Playbill and Frontier have a lot in common,” Dion Brant, CEO of Frontier Touring, tells The Music Network.

“Australian-founded family companies proving competitive on the global stage. When we met Michael and his team it became obvious that the similarities didn’t stop there. We think very similarly, we have similar values and a similar culture.”

Read the full story at TMN: https://themusicnetwork.com/frontier-touring-aeg-partnership-hordern-pavilion-owners-playbill-group/

19/08/2024

Decolonising the Stage: Chryss Carr on Elevating First Nations Voices at BIGSOUND

With a career spanning three decades and a focus on amplifying First Nations voices for the past 20 years, Chryss Carr is one of Australia’s most distinctive artist managers.

Through her company, AUM PR + MGMT, she has not only built the largest management roster of First Nations artists in the country but has helped establish the careers of groundbreaking hip hop talents like Baker Boy, Dallas Woods, and now, J MILLA and .

Speaking to TMN, Carr details how her stint as ’s publicist changed the course of her life, how AUM ensures First Nations peoples and protocols are front and centre with her artist roster, just how she aims to decolonise the Incubated Stage at BIGSOUND, and much more.

Read more:

Chryss Carr and her AUM MGMT + PR has amplified First Nations voices for 20 years, now she's curating the Incubated Stage at BIGSOUND 2024.

19/08/2024

The Irony of Those Blasting Missy Higgins’ Hall of Fame Induction (OPINION)

The overarching consensus of the comments is thus: Missy Higgins, and recent inductees Kasey Chambers and Jet, are midway through their careers and therefore should be inducted more towards their end.

And yet… where was this opinion at this time last year, when Jet’s induction was announced? Where was this documented outrage against Kasey Chambers when she was honoured in 2019? Why now?

I take issue with the inconsistency on this issue and given the overt criticism of ARIA ever since Annabelle Herd took over as CEO, I wonder if we’re actually dealing with something more sinister here.

I find it ironic that the people who deem themselves watchdogs holding power to account, are actually engaging with an oppressive diatribe.

Let’s break this down. Read more at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/irony-of-those-blasting-missy-higgins-hall-of-fame-induction/

19/08/2024

One of Australia’s biggest record collections is going up for sale.

It’s the property of renowned Aussie rock journalist and broadcaster Glenn A. Baker, who started collecting the records in the early 1960s.

Through Lloyds Auctions, Baker’s complete collection has come forward for auction for the first time. Over 80,000 items, including CDs, vinyls, magazines, and more, are available to bid on now until 7pm on Friday, August 30th.

“LP records are at the core of the collection, over 50,000 of them primarily representing rock’n’roll and popular music of the second half of the 20th century,” Lloyds Auction’s listing states.

“These records are mostly sorted A-Z by artist’s name but there are diversions into releases of comedy, film soundtrack, original stage cast, Christmas, children, classical, interview, girl pop, spoken word, documentary, blues & soul, world music, mood music, jazz, concepts, events, 10 inch, pre-rock era and various artist collections (including sets) of specific decades or themes.”

Read more here: https://themusicnetwork.com/glenn-a-baker-puts-private-collection-up-for-auction/

19/08/2024

Following a barren ten months, an embarrassment of riches for homegrown artists on the ARIA Chart as Amy Shark lands at No. 1 with "Sunday Sadness."

It’s the third successive leader for Shark, and the third straight No. 1 for Australian artists after Lime Cordiale’s drought-busting "Enough of the Sweet Talk" and Tones And I’s "Beautifully Ordinary," respectively.

Standout songs and a fearsome work ethic were the secrets to its success.

“Amy’s work ethic is inspiring,” comments Shark’s manager Shane Billings, director of Rage More. “She worked very hard to support the album. On this occasion she did 10 in-person events — signing vinyls/CDS and also some acoustic performances — she was live on Instagram/Tik Tok and was up at 4am for promo every-day for two weeks.”

Three No. 1s in six years is “a remarkable achievement in a very competitive market,” says Billings.

“She’s an incredible songwriter. All 11 songs on Sunday Sadness are single-worthy. The album deserved to be No. 1 so I am very proud that she achieved this,” he continues.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/amy-shark-nets-no-1-sunday-sadness/

16/08/2024

Tim McGregor has a new gig.

TEG promotes the experienced live music professional to global head of touring, leading the promoter group across the business’ concert touring and festival portfolio.

McGregor is responsible for overseeing the growth of TEG’s global touring businesses across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, UK, Europe, and North America.

“His in-depth industry knowledge and excellent business acumen makes him the ideal choice to lead the overall concert and festival touring strategy for TEG across the globe," says TEG CEO Geoff Jones.

McGregor was closely involved in Fred Again’s award-winning pop-up arena tour earlier this year, which sold roughly 230,000 tickets without any marketing, and the inaugural, Out 2 Lunch event with Fisher, a sell-out which shifted 30,000 tickets.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/teg-names-tim-mcgregor-as-global-head-of-touring/

15/08/2024

Kasey Chambers, Sarah Blasko and Emily Wurramara lead the lineup of performers for the 2024 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs), set for Oct. 2 at The Fortitude Music Hall in Meanjin/Brisbane.

Yumi Stynes returns as co-host with rock star Sarah McLeod, who will perform on the night alongside the likes of Mo’Ju, Nina Korbe, Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp, Ripple Effect Band, Karen Lee Andrews.

The fifth annual music industry event recognises “the vast contribution of Australian female, nonbinary and GNC artists, musicians and music practitioners across all areas of the industry,” reads a statement, “celebrating contributions from all countries and cultures.”

Tickets go on sale from today at oztix.com.au/ for the 2024 AWMAs and its conference program.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/sarah-blasko-kasey-chambers-emily-wurramara-lineup-2024-awmas/

14/08/2024

Missy Higgins is set to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame this year.

Announced today, the iconic Melbourne singer-songwriter will be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame during the 2024 ARIA Awards on Wednesday, November 20th.

Since releasing her seminal debut album, 'The Sound of White,' in 2004, Higgins has gone on to become one of the biggest Australian artists of her generation, creating some of the country’s most beloved songs.

Higgins has been cited as a major influence by many acclaimed contemporary Australian artists, including Gordi, Gretta Ray, and Angie McMahon.

Read more here: https://themusicnetwork.com/missy-higgins-to-be-inducted-into-aria-hall-of-fame-2024/

14/08/2024

Songwriters, the Vanda & Young Global Song Comp is looking at you!

The lucrative contest returns for 2024, with a total prize pool valued at over $80,000, and a whopping $50,000 first-prize winner’s cheque.

The competition, which is open to songwriters from anywhere in the world, closes on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.

Early-bird entries close on Monday, Sept. 23, during which time songwriters can submit three songs for the price of two and enter the draw to win a Gibson Guitar White Les Paul Special Tribute, valued at $2,999.

Visit www.globalsongcomp.com for more and visit The Music Network for the full story: https://themusicnetwork.com/vanda-young-global-song-comp-returns/

13/08/2024

In major music industry news, Bluesfest Byron Bay will call it a day after the 2025 edition.

In a bombshell announcement that dropped early today (Aug. 14th), the popular music festival will call it a day following its forthcoming, 36th anniversary event.

Festival director Peter Noble confirms the end with a statement. “To my Dear Bluesfest Family, and after more than 50 years in the music business, Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans,” he explains.

“But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter.”

Read more about the end of Bluesfest here: https://themusicnetwork.com/bluesfest-calls-time-2025-edition/

13/08/2024

With an assist from a sync, another from Pink, and an “unmatched work ethic,” Tones and I finds herself in familiar turf –– at No. 1 on the ARIA Chart.

Tones’ second and latest album "Beautifully Ordinary" debuts at the summit of the ARIA Chart, completing a perfect two-from-two.

There’s nothing ordinary about this release. No budget was busted; Tones and her team let the music do the work.

“We haven’t spent a dollar on marketing the music,” Tones' management team at Lemon Tree Music tells TMN. “We are six years deep now in working with Tones and have the best seat on her crazy global journey.”

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/how-tones-and-i-hit-no-1-beautifully-ordinary/

13/08/2024

Vinyl Group further expands with the acquisition of Mediaweek, in a cash and stock deal valued at $1 million.

Founded in 1990, Mediaweek is renowned for its reporting on the broader media industry, and for its annual branded awards ceremonies, Mediaweek100 and the Next of the Best Awards.

"Further synergies are expected to be unlocked and we look forward to announcing a managing editor of Mediaweek following completion,” comments Vinyl Group CEO Josh Simons.

The development follows Vinyl Group’s eye-catching purchase of The Brag Media, announced in December 2023 and completed in late January 2024.

Read the full story at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/vinyl-group-to-acquire-mediaweek/

13/08/2024

Powderfinger is getting the old band back together – for one night only.

The Brisbane rock legends will be saluted Tuesday, Aug. 20 in Sydney at Music In The House, Support Act's longest-running fundraising event.

It's a rare moment indeed. The five former bandmates briefly reunited in 2020 for "One Night Lonely," a special virtual concert which raised more than A$500,000 for good causes. On that occasion, the musicians recorded their spots separately, due to the pandemic.

Then, in August 2023, the famous five assembled in Brisbane for a fan-event celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Vulture Street."

Tickets for the Support Act event have sold out, but the online auction and raffle is open at musicinthehouse.org.

Read the full story at The Music Network:
https://themusicnetwork.com/powderfinger-support-act/?swcfpc=1

12/08/2024

$40M Vision: Leichhardt Oval Could Host Live Music Under New Proposal [EXCLUSIVE]

Leichhardt Oval, the beloved Sydney sports ground, could soon be transformed into a concert venue if Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne’s latest initiative gains traction.

Following an almost decade-long campaign to secure funding to save Leichhardt Oval from closure and give it the renovations it needs, Mayor Byrne has secured $20 million from the Albanese Government, another $10 million from Premier Chris Minns and $10 million raised from his own Inner West Council.

Now, Mayor Byrne is pushing to expand the ground’s use beyond sport, envisioning it as an arts and cultural hub.

His $40 million proposal includes a trial run of four to five concerts next year as part of a comprehensive feasibility study.

Read more: https://themusicnetwork.com/40m-vision-leichhardt-oval-exclusive/?swcfpc=1

11/08/2024

Following a bumper summer season during which Untitled Group shifted more than 500,000 tickets, the live events specialist rewards several key employees with promotions.

Laura Hughes leads the changes, as she rises from head of public relations to director of communications.

Meanwhile, Untitled unveils a newly-created department, commercial growth, led by co-founder and managing partner Christian Serrao.

Currently, Untitled is gearing up for the ninth edition of its flagship four-day camping festival, Beyond The Valley, which rolls out with its Experience Life In Technicolour-themed marketing campaign.

“We wanted to take a different approach to launch Beyond The Valley this year,” Serrao says. “Amid ongoing discussions surrounding the challenges festivals face globally, we aim to remind everyone of the joy and vibrancy that festivals bring to people’s lives”.

Read the full story at TMN: https://themusicnetwork.com/untitled-group-promotions-record-breaking-summer-season/

07/08/2024

BIGSOUND has unveiled its special events program for 2024.

Adding to the music and conference programs, the special events are brunches, lunches, parties, mixers, and meetups where BIGSOUND attendees can gather, share knowledge, and build strong relationships with key figures in Australian music.

"Personally, my favourite part of the BIGSOUND experience is the networking opportunities every attendee has as part of the special events program," says Music and BIGSOUND CEO Kris Stewart.

"Here is where business is done, and relationships are built - where people are discovering their future collaborators and friends."

For the very first time in 2024, BIGSOUND will go global with showcase performances at International House, located inside the newly updated Marquee Bar. The series will host acts from around the world, including Taiwanese, Malaysian, and Indigenous Canadian acts.

Check out the rest of the special events program here: https://themusicnetwork.com/bigsound-announces-2024-special-events-program/

06/08/2024

Develop a global export strategy, invest in the “artists career matrix,” and identify ways to rise above the noise on streaming music platforms.

Live Performance Australia CEO Evelyn Richardson proposed this trilogy of solutions when she spoke at the House of Representatives committee inquiry into the live music industry in Melbourne.

The inquiry was established to explore the country’s live space, which has absorbed a barrage of blows in recent months, punctuated by multiple, high-profile festival cancelations and venue closures.

Read more at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/exports-artists-streaming-lpa-evelyn-richardson-music-inquiry/

06/08/2024

Roger Field is back in business.

The ex-Live Nation president, Asia Pacific, is behind a new venture, Further Afield, which advises businesses looking to interact with the live events industry, focusing on business development, market insights and industry advocacy.

Field will also use his considerable know-how to continue advocating with government for live events.

Further Afield launches today (Aug. 6) “with some fantastic clients,” says Field.

Read more at The Music Network: https://themusicnetwork.com/roger-field-further-afield/