BIGSOUND

Senior Booking Manager at Four Artists Agency

Henning Ahrens began his music career at Blue Star Promotion as an Assistant Booking Manager. When Blue Star Promotion was sold to the DEAG, Henning moved to Ossy Hoppe's office in Frankfurt and then to the DEAG headquarters in Berlin. By that time Henning had worked as a Junior Booker for artists like Kylie Minogue, Muse, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Erykah Badu, Kosheen and others.

In 2005 he began working with Four Artists Booking Agentur GmbH where he has built an international roster including The Jezabels, Wintersleep, The Courteeners, Atmos…

Creative Director of One. Meaning. Communicated. Differently.

Jai Al-Attas started a record label at 16, signed a bunch of bands including Kisschasy, Something With Numbers, Yellowcard, Brand New and The Scare, then sold the label to EMI Music. Jai then moved to LA where he directed ONE NINE NINE FOUR; a documentary on punk rock in the 90’s narrated by skateboarder Tony Hawk (unfortunately the film faces a tonne of music licensing issues before it will ever see the light of day).

ONE is Jai’s first business venture since selling the label. The notion is simple, ONE will come up with ideas fo…

Head of ABC Music Publishing (AUS) 

An experienced music lawyer and formerly at Simpsons Solicitors, Marianna has also held senior legal and business affairs roles at major record labels and music publishers including BMG Australia and BMG Music Publishing, SonyBMG Entertainment in New York, and EMI Music Australia. She was GM at Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI) during 2009, and is currently Head of ABC Music Publishing and a Director of the Australian Music Publishers’ Association (AMPAL). She has presented at many music industry forums including the Australasian Music Business Co…

Attorney at Law at Serling Rooks Ferrara McKoy & Worob

Prior to practicing law, Craig Averill was the General Manager of Gypsy Records which was an independent record label formed in a joint venture with music business legend Walter Yetnikoff’s (former president of CBS Records/Sony Music) Velvel Music Group. His current law practice has an international focus and concentrates in the areas of music, marketing and branded content. He represents Grammy winning recording artists, music producers and songwriters as well as independent record labels, independent publishers and marketing companies.

As the International Manager at Liverpool Sound City, Becky is passionate about helping international acts to perform at the festival and start their careers in the UK and regularly works with artist managers, labels, promoters and agencies from around the world to enable this. She has worked with Australian artists including DZ DEATHRAYS, The Bleeding Knees Club, Dan Parsons, The Jezabels, Smudge, Deep Sea Arcade, Blackchords, All Mankind, Seekae, Little Red, Our Mountain, The Kits, teenagersintokyo, Bluejuice, Dappled Cities, I Heart Hiroshima, Yves Klein Blue and Cloud Control wh…

Director of Marketing at BFM Digital (USA)

Heather Badower was in college when she rose to a senior marketing position at Fenway Recordings in Boston. There she developed marketing campaigns and supported management for artists including The Cribs, Mission of Burma, and Doves. At Spacedog Entertainment in LA, she led marketing and positioning of new-media branded content for Harley Davidson, HBO/True Blood, Mazda, FOX, Universal Music and Sony Music Japan. In 2009, Heather returned to her first love, music. As BFM Digital's Director of Marketing, she develops innovative marketing and PR offer…

Announcer, ABC Radio (AUS)

Paul Barclay is an award winning broadcaster and journalist with ABC Radio National. He is currently Presenter of Australia Talks, and Big Ideas.

When circumstances permit, he produces radio documentaries for ABC Radio National’s Background Briefing. In 2005 he was winner of the Walkley Award for his investigation into Queensland’s “Dr Death” scandal. 

Over the years Paul’s interviews have appeared on ABC TV, he has been Program Director at 612 ABC Brisbane (then 4QR), written for various publications including, Rolling Stone, worked for ABC Radio in Northern Terr…

Director, Happy Endings (AUS) 

Starting his career in 2006 with the formation of events and media company Lick It Media, Sam Beck has made a name for himself in the creative industries through various collectives. Sam is one half of Australian creative team, Happy Endings, which focuses on forging a cultural footprint in the music and arts industries. Throughout the 2010-11 summer Happy Endings produced a series of eight sold out shows.

After five years of promoting different music across the board Sam took on the role of management and bookings for Flight Facilities. Since being involved wi…

Editor, Time Off (AUS)

After leaving his former career as a solicitor, Steve Bell has been involved in Time Off magazine from 2000. Since his humble beginnings as a freelance writer Steve has interviewed over 1,000 bands, and has been Editor since 2007. Prior to this, Steve earned his stripes in the music industry managing bands, running an independent record label, working in an indie record store, hocking merch at gigs and doing on-air stints on Brisbane’s community radio station 4ZzZ. Last year Steve saw Pavement play live eleven times in six different countries, in hindsight quite a lot o…

Artist Manager, Boy & Bear (AUS) 

Rowan is a young, creative, internationally minded artist manager and events consultant. He has a Bachelor of Creative Arts (International) from Macquarie University and has co-managed Boy & Bear since the band's inception, spending most of his time since then based in New York City.

Rowan has also held senior positions at other major events and not-for-profit organizations including Easterfest, the Gospel Music Association, and at New York's CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival as Editorial and Media Director. He is also a founding councillor of the Austral…

Co-Station Manager, 4ZzZ (AUS)

Michelle Brown is one of the Co-Station Managers at 4ZzZ community radio and has been employed at the station for over two years. Her role includes looking after marketing, promotions, communications and programming. Before 4ZzZ, Michelle worked at Scene Magazine for nearly four years and briefly contributed editorial to Rave Magazine’s Informer section after leaving Scene. Michelle has also worked in music promotion, graphic design and currently sings and plays guitar in 4-piece Feathers.

Director of Stop Start Recordings

Andy Bryan has been working in the Australian music business for nearly 20 years. During his 15 year tenure at EMI, Andy led Virgin Records through its most successful period accumulating more ARIA awards than any other label during his 5 years as label head. After leaving EMI in 2009 Andy started his own management and marketing consultancy company Fingerless Glove Projects, which is home to Lior and Ernest Ellis. Alongside management duties, Andy also heads up Stop Start Pty Ltd, which is both a label and touring and events company.

Founder/CEO, Posse (AUS) 

Rebekah Campbell is a music industry entrepreneur. Campbell began her career at 19 by organising a music festival to raise awareness for New Zealand’s youth suicide epidemic. At age 21 Rebekah moved to Sydney to work for Grant Thomas Management, and within 3 months signed the band George. In 2002, Rebekah opened her own management company Scorpio Music, and signed the band Evermore before developing the website idea Posse.com which is a platform that bands, events and venues can use to encourage and reward fans for promoting their tickets, music and merchandise. Poss…

triple j Unearthed Producer

Director, Dine Alone Records/Bedlam Music Management (CAN) 

Joel Carriere has worked in the music industry in some form since he was an alternative rock DJ and assistant manager at Sam The Record Man. Since then, Carriere has become a prominent figure in the Canadian independent music scene as owner of Bedlam Music Management and Dine Alone Records and as a partner in Rock Steady music services. Bedlam Music Management manages Alexisonfire, Black Lungs, City and Colour, The Sheepdogs, The Coppertone, Dinosaur Bones and Moneen. Dine Alone Records boasts a roster including notable artists such …

Director, Ground Control Music (AUS)

Rick has been managing Brisbane bands for over ten years and currently manages The Boat People, Dan Parsons, emma louise and Skinny Jean. He was a Q Music board member between 2006-2011, teaches copyright, publishing and entrepreneurialism at JMC Academy and in 2010 co-founded and ran the first Download program with Leanne De Souza, a six month course for emerging Queensland managers. He is a qualified lawyer (but don’t hold that against him), and has over 20 years of entrepreneurial business experience including founding his first venture the Glowzone pro…

Executive Chairman, Chugg Entertainment (AUS)

After co-founding The Frontier Touring Company in the mid 1970s, in 2000 Michael Chugg went out on his own and founded Chugg Entertainment, from there going on to garner a reputation both internationally and locally as one of Australia’s most prominent rock promoters. Michael Chugg has promoted artists from a club shows level, through to stadiums, as well as developing and running major festivals and special events.

Michael is a well known public figure in his own right, running the PR machine for many of his tours and often being the media's "g…

Managing Director, ie:music (GBR) 

Tim Clark is a founding partner, along with David Enthoven, of ie:music, the artist management company that represents Ladyhawke, Jimmy Page, Robbie Williams and Passenger as well as recently expanding their base to invest in ‘This is Music’ (Findlay Brown, Little Boots and Simian Mobile Disco). He started his career at Island Records, the label founded by his mentor, the legendary Chris Blackwell. He has been fortunate to work with some of the greatest artists of the past 45 years, including Bob Marley, Free, King Crimson, Nick Drake, Roxy Music, Cat Steven…

Music Editor, triple j Magazine (AUS)

Currently Music Editor of triple j magazine, Samantha Clode has been working in the music biz since she was 21, after answering, ‘Why not?’, to interviewing an up-and-coming Brisbane band called Powderfinger. Since then, she’s been quizzing musicians for both print – formerly as Editor of ‘90s monthly JUICE, and as contributor for Rolling Stone, Blunt, Magnet, The Face, street press, etc – as well as online (Bigpond Music, Australian Music Online). She felt a strange pleasure writing hundreds of band contracts as Artist Manager for the (now defunct) Cocka…

Director, Golden District (AUS)

In her time in the music industry, Maggie Collins has accrued a wealth of experience that has seen her build a successful career as a national broadcaster and artist manager. Current manager of Brisbane bands The John Steel Singers and DZ Deathrays, she has assisted her artists in developing a strong profile in domestic and international markets. Starting out as a presenter on Community Broadcaster 4ZzZ, Maggie was Music Director for just over a year before transitioning to triple j, where she is now a casual presenter.

Co-Founder of UNFD

Jaddan Comerford started Boomtown Records in 2004 whilst studying, and has since gone on to become one of the Australian music industry's well known personalities through his passion for music, conversation, business and the odd cheeky pint of beer. Co-founding The Staple Group with Ben Turnbull in 2006, Jaddan has long shared a vision of creating a company that suggests a new model for the ailing music industry, and executing it to perfection.

Contributing Editor at Time Off

Dan Condon plays in shitty punk rock bands, writes a national blues and roots column and considers himself to be a bona fide devotee of funk. He’ll never get anywhere in this business. A disgustingly diverse music taste informs his work as Contributing Editor of Time Off magazine and his co-hosting of 4ZzZ’s illustrious Friday morning Wake and Bake program, and if you were to ask him to choose between music, football and coffee he would probably have an emotional breakdown. Dan is self-proclaimed “Worst Networker” at BIGSOUND two years running, and looking for …

Co-Founder, Spunk Records (AUS)

Aaron Curnow is the co-founder and director of Spunk Records. Spunk started as a fanzine in 1993, putting out six issues before its demise in the late 90s. The fanzine was obsessed by American underground artists like Sebadoh, Pavement, Bonnie Prince Billy, Smog, Guided by Voices and Sonic Youth. Following a lengthy stint at Shock and Festival in the 90s, Aaron decided to start Spunk Records in 1999, and 12 years later has released close to 400 records. Some of those include Sufjan Stevens, The Arcade Fire, The Middle East and Spoon. Spunk is also a part-time t…

Director of Minnow & Co

Bonnie Dalton manages Little Red, Husky and The Vasco Era. She has worked with Little Red for the past four years, taking them from small club shows to their recent successes here in Australia, and is currently working on international plans. This will be a big year for the band, who are soon to release their third album on their very own label, Era Records. In addition to her management roles, Bonnie is the Producer of the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Melbourne, and a key member of the Laneway Festival International management team.

Managing Director of Inertia

Colin Daniels is the Managing Director of independent distributor & record company, Inertia. He is also a Director of Handsome Tours, a founding patron of The Australian Music Prize and a board member of the global digital rights organization, Merlin. Daniels started in the music industry as a product manager for distributor MDS, a division of Mushroom Records. Moving into A&R in the early 90s, Daniels helped set up Mushroom Records UK before returning back to Australia to be General Manager at the rapidly growing MDS. Towards the turn of the millennium Daniels be…

Director of ie:music

David Enthoven is the joint Managing Director of ie:music, a music management company representing Ladyhawke, Jimmy Page, Robbie Williams, and Passenger, with his partner Tim Clark. They have also expanded their base to invest in 'This is Music' (Findlay Brown, Little Boots and Simian Mobile Disco). In the late sixties and seventies, during his time at EG Records [Enthoven was the ‘E’ of EG], David managed King Crimson, T. Rex, ELP, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno. One of the most experienced managers in the business, David’s philosophy, shared by Tim, is that the a…

Booking Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency (USA)

Kevin French founded Bigshot Touring Artists in New York City in 2001. Some of the first artists Kevin worked with in the initial days of Bigshot Touring were The Walkmen, French Kicks, The Decemberists, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. In June of 2009, Kevin merged Bigshot Touring Artists into Paradigm Talent Agency in New York, bringing across his full roster of clients. Kevin notes working with Marty Diamond and others at Paradigm as being a great transition in his career as a booking agent. Kevin's current roster includes The Decemberists, The …

A&R Manager, P-Vine Records (JPN)

Shin works as an A&R at P-Vine Records, the largest and longest running independent label in Japan, whose catalogue spans almost all genres. Having grown up in Sydney for 8 years he has been working to build a steady line-up of Australian acts in Japan, which includes acts like John Butler Trio, Jeff Lang, The Middle East, Parades, Little Red, Oh Mercy, The Ray Mann Three, and many more. He also manages Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro, the Japanese 6-piece funk outfit, and works closely with some great promoters in Japan. Also in the works is a media website to in…

Director of Native Tongue Publishing

Chris is Managing Director of Native Tongue Music Publishing, an independent music publisher with offices in Melbourne, Auckland and London. Besides acquiring rights to the work of local songwriters, Native Tongue also administers the works of overseas writers and catalogues for Australia and New Zealand. Local signings include Parades, Wagons, Strange Talk, New Empire, Boy In A Box and Gossling, to name a few. Overseas catalogues include: Bug Music, Beggars Music, Domino Publishing Co, Roy Orbison, Stage Three, Rogers and Hammerstein and Westbury Music, a…

Director, Musicians Hearing Services (AUS)

Steve Grayson-Riley is an audiologist and owner of Musicians’ Hearing Services (MHS). MHS is Australia’s only audiology practice dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of hearing conservation and rehabilitation solutions for both professional and novice musicians. MHS’s primary goal is to enable musicians, music students, educators, sound engineers and others associated with the music industry to protect their most valuable asset by providing state-of-the-art, evidence-based hearing protection solutions together with the best available advice, …

Talent Buyer, Big Day Out (AUS)
Over the past ten years, Johanna has worked as a Promoter, Publicist, Marketer and Band/Event/Label and Tour Manager. She is currently in her fifth year at Creative Festival Entertainment, home of the Big Day Out - Australia and New Zealand’s biggest/longest running music festival, with previous headliners including Nirvana, Muse, Bjork, Iggy and the Stooges, The White Stripes, The Ramones, Soundgarden, Rammstein, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Beastie Boys, Tool, Neil Young and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Johanna’s current role includes a multitud…

Director, Frenchkiss Records (USA)

Paul has worked in the US music industry for close to 9 years now, after many exciting internships. Paul's career started in PR at Capitol Records. He now holds the position of general manager at Frenchkiss Records. In the last 3.5 years since Paul has been with Frenchkiss, he has played an integral role in helping build the careers of The Dodos, Local Natives, Passion Pit, The Antlers, Cut Off Your Hands and many more.

Australian Label & Artists Promotions Manager at Guvera.

Director of Catherine Haridy Management

Cath Haridy's management stable includes Eskimo Joe, Jebediah, Basement Birds, The Chemist, Steve Parkin and Bob Evans, along with music producers Gareth Parton, Jimi Maroudas, Steven Schram and Andy Lawson. She is also involved in a development label with members of Eskimo Joe. The label, Dirt Diamond Productions currently works with local Perth artist Steve Parkin, The Chemist and co-manages non-fiction writer and curator Craig Shuftan who won an ARIA in 2010 for his creation of Triple J radio play "The Blow Parade" with members of The Chaser. Cath al…

Managing Director, Warner Music Australia (AUS) 

Tony Harlow began his career at EMI in the UK, rising quickly through the ranks of international marketing before moving to Australia to become Managing Director, EMI Music Australia. After returning to the UK in 2002, Harlow became CEO of Richard Branson’s V2 label where he worked with acts like Moby, The White Stripes, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, and Mercury Rev, as well as setting up Co-Op Music. 

After V2’s acquisition by Universal Music Group in 2007, Harlow briefly headed the International Marketing team, before joining Bravado, UMG’s me…

Director, Media Arts Lawyers (AUS)

Julian Hewitt is a music lawyer who acts for some of the most exciting young bands in the country, as well as representing independent labels, publishers and festivals. Julian has been signed as an artist to major and independent labels, and has an extensive background in touring, publishing, recording and remixing bands. Aside from music, Julian represents fashion designers, creative agencies, and filmmakers. He has established public charities advised on major funding projects and litigations for listed public companies; and lectured in copyright and intel…

Managing Director of Archill Recordings

Arch Hill Recordings was founded in late 1998 when a bunch of musicians were all recording at the same studio. The label has signed local icons such as The Clean, David Kilgour, Don McGlashan, The Bats as well as new artists including Street Chant, Surf City, Family Cactus, Ghost Wave.

In 2006 Ben started working with touring company Mystery Girl Presents, bringing artists to New Zealand such as Pavement, Animal Collective, Sonic Youth, and Fleet Foxes.

Ben also has a publishing company, is a partner in St. Jeromes Laneway Festival Auckland, and is th…

Producer/Announcer, triple j (AUS)

Sarah Howells presents Roots 'n' All and Weekend Lunch on triple j radio nationwide. She is also the station's Brisbane Producer, representing triple j in the local scene. Sarah is passionate about the local Brisbane music scene, and searching out new music. She’s been working in the music industry since the age of 16, starting off in promotions, working at street press, and organising all-ages gigs every month for four years, before getting involved with triple j seven years ago. In her time at triple j Sarah has hosted various radio programs, but her love …

General Manager, Co-Operative Music (AUS)

Tim started out in the music business in the mid 90s working at Melbourne street papers Inpress and Beat Magazine. In 1997 he took up the position of Local Music Label Manager/A&R at Shock Records and performed a number of roles until his stint as General Manager of Shock Entertainment from 2006-2011. Tim now heads up the newly created Co-Operative Music Australia. Co-Operative is a label and marketing service committed to breaking artists and increasing the profiles of the labels they represent. Janes has also served as an AIR Board member in his tim…

Manager of AMRAP

Chris Johnson has worked in the music industry for over ten years as a sound engineer and new media developer. Chris was the founding manager of nationally award winning station Edge Radio Tasmania, and is a councillor for the Music Council of Australia. Chris now manages the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap), a Commonwealth Government funded initiative generating airplay opportunities for Australian music on community radio. Chris conceptualised and rolled out Amrap’s AirIt - community radio’s Australian music catalogue - which is used by over 100 record labels …

European Label Manager, Matador Records (GBR)

Natalie has been the European Label Manager for Matador Records, part of the Beggars Group, for four years. She has managed campaigns with artists such as Cat Power and Sonic Youth, as well as her first signing, Brighton’s Esben and the Witch, who appeared in this year’s BBC Sound of 2011 list. Alongside Matador, Natalie has also been on the board for AIM – the Association of Independent Music – for two years. Natalie was also featured in the Billboard “30 Under 30” list published in the summer of 2010, where 30 globally chosen music executives un…

Musician, Songwriter, Producer and Engineer (AUS)

Liam Judson's love for producing music began when he recorded Belles Will Ring's 2007 release, Mood Patterns. Since then, Liam's passion and fascination with production has turned into a fully-fledged love affair, most recently culminating with his role as engineer and producer on Cloud Control's highly acclaimed 2010 album, Bliss Release, as well as Belles Will Ring's 2011 record, Crystal Theatre. As a producer, Liam uses a collection of his own analogue and digital recording equipment, from beautiful old spring reverbs to all kinds of modern…

A&R Scout, Island Records/Universal Music Australia (AUS)

Josh Kellett is A&R Scout at Island Records Australia. Since starting his career in Artist & Repertoire as a scout and assistant, Josh has directly assisted in the making of albums with Boy & Bear, Hilltop Hoods, The Cairos, Andy Bull, Clare Bowditch, Marvin Priest, Havana Brown, Phrase and Redcoats. Kellett started his career in music as a DJ, playing at festivals such as Splendour in the Grass, a residency at Purple Sneakers and supporting the likes of Bloc Party, Art vs. Science and The Faint.

Director of Winterman & Goldstein / Ivy League

Andy Kelly is a director of Winterman & Goldstein Management, Ivy League Records and Ivy League Music Publishing. Artists Andy has worked with across these three “disciplines” include The Vines, Jet, Sleepy Jackson, Empire of the Sun, Paul Dempsey, Something For Kate, Youth Group, Cloud Control, Josh Pyke, Sparkadia, Lanie Lane, and The Mess Hall.

Music Director, triple j (AUS)

Best known for his work at national youth broadcaster on triple j, Kingsmill has hosted shows that involve an in-depth knowledge of the current state of the alternative music scene, on local and international levels. These shows have included The J-Files and The Australian Music Show.

In 2003 he was promoted to the position of Music Director, forcing him to cut back his on-air shifts. He currently presents the new music show on Sunday nights.

Kingsmill is the author of two books – triple j’s Internet Music Guide and The J-Files Compendium.

Director, Brighton Boulevard Productions / Lawyer, Brett Oaten Solicitors (AUS)

Julia Kosky is a lawyer at Brett Oaten Solicitors, advising clients in the music and entertainment industries. Julia has also been running her own management company, Brighton Boulevard Productions, for the past eight years, and is artist manager to singer/songwriter Andy Bull—best known for his recent song "Dog" featured in triple j’s Hottest 100 this year—and producer Tony Buchen (WIM, Tim Finn, Phrase). Julia is also Secretary of the Board of FBi Radio.

Drummer, Shihad / Manager, Homesurgery / Producer, The Studios in the City (AUS)

Tom Larkin is a producer, drummer and songwriter. He resides in Australia and is the founding member of the New Zealand hard rock band Shihad. He also currently owns and runs two studios located in Melbourne, Victoria and runs a music management and artist development company called Homesurgery. Tom has produced bands such as Shihad, Calling All Cars, Strangers, Young and Restless, The Getaway Plan, Young Heretics, Reptiles, Arts Martial, King Cannons and Villainy. He is the current manager of Calling All Cars an…

Director of Parallel Management (AUS)

Will Larnach-Jones is Director of Parallel Management. Based in Sydney, Parallel Management's roster includes The Presets, Zowie, Strange Talk, Beni, Undercolours and Angie Hart. Prior to setting up Parallel Management, Will was based in London as a publicist for acts such as Sigur Ros, Jimi Tenor and Pulp, and then in Melbourne where he assisted on management for The Avalanches, Sally Seltmann, and Architecture In Helsinki. Will has also worked as an A&R consultant for Sony Music Australia.

Co-Owner of The Planetary Group

Spearheading an artist development and promotions firm based out of Boston and LA that focuses on helping new and upcoming artists be heard and discovered, over the past year or so Adam has worked with such acts as The Decemberists, Bloc Party, Peter, Bjorn & John, Apples In Stereo, Kings Of Leon, The Jezebels and The Lemonheads. In addition Adam also currently handles all publicity, promotion and media buying for Great Northeast Productions. Great Northeast is responsible for producing 50 shows a year throughout New England, including Phish's millennium con…

Ambassador of Awesome, BBC (GBR)

Starting out in student radio, Jen has worked as everything from a tour manager to the manager of a prominent Cardiff rehearsal space. Since speaking at last year’s BIGSOUND, Jen has taken over presenting BBC Introducing on BBC Radio 1 supporting unsigned, undiscovered, and under the radar music. Also within the BBC, she produces documentaries for Radio 1 and generates TV ideas for BBC3 and BBC4. Jen writes for many UK publications including NME, Clash and The Line Of Best Fit. She also promotes gigs under the name flux=rad, writes an mp3 blog, and DJs under h…

Head of Business Development/A&R Director, Universal Music (NZL)

Scott Maclachlan travelled to NZ at six weeks old, only to return to his native England two years later. However, the Kiwi lifestyle led him to marry one, and return with his family over 30 years later. After graduating from university with a Masters in English, he joined a record company before starting his own label and rising to Head of A&R at Jive Records. He joined Universal six years ago where he is A&R Director and Head of Business Development. He is also a Director of Saiko Management and owns Stirling Music Publishing, …

Music Editor, News Ltd (AUS)

Daily Telegraph music editor Kathy McCabe has been a professional gig pig since her ex-boyfriend decided to chuck in the music writing business to go backpacking in 1989. Silly boy - she got the job and has kept it since, with two major detours. The first was to EMI Virgin, to revive their local music roster. After signing Alex Lloyd, McCabe decided to return to the media side of the fence, where she could do more to promote and support Australian musicians. After working as entertainment writer and music editor for the Sunday Telegraph for five years, she returne…

Music Promotion, NZ on Air (NZL)

Mike McClung is based in Auckland and works for NZ On Air, a New Zealand government agency that funds and promotes New Zealand music both at home and abroad. Prior to his NZ On Air role, Mike spent 6 years in promotions and marketing at EMI Music NZ. Mike began his career in radio, working both on-air and in programming at a number of leading NZ stations.

Founder of Creation Records / Poptones

Alan McGee has been a record label owner, musician, manager, and music blogger. 

McGee is best-known for co-forming and running the independent Creation Records label from 1983–1999. Creation Records was a key label in the mid-80s indie movement having released artists such as Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and Teenage Fanclub. Creations biggest signing was Oasis who went on to sell millions of records.

After he sold Creation Records to Sony, McGee continued to publish songs of label acts such as Oasis, Primal Scream…

Booking Agent, Premier Artists (AUS)

Scotty has been working at Premier Artists for ten years now, and has been involved in each area of the business. He has also been involved with many acts and tours over the years in all facets of music. His current national artist roster includes Custom Kings, Airbourne, Diafrix, Lowrider, Mahalia Barnes, Leena, Redcoats, 28 Days, Joe Neptune, Carus Thompson, and Nicholas Roy, to name a few.

Director, Stage Mothers (AUS)

Having loved music from a young age, things have followed a natural path for Mary, starting as a volunteer at Melbourne’s 3RRR FM, DJ’ing, managing bands, and booking live venues before becoming editor of Beat Magazine. All along, international travel—generally in pursuit of live rock’n’roll—has continued for Mary. Austin’s SxSW convention became a favourite, and frustrated by the lack of support for Australian acts, Mary (with Glenn Dickie) started the Aussie BBQ in 2003, now a travelling music feast across the USA and UK. Mary also writes a weekly column in the…

Export Music Producer, Sounds Australia (AUS)

In January 2009 Millie was appointed to the newly created position of Export Music Producer, Sounds Australia. The role, jointly funded between APRA|AMCOS and the Australia Council for the Arts, oversees the management and implementation of Sounds Australia - the national export platform specifically developed for the contemporary Australian music industry's representation at key music markets. Sounds Australia promotes Australian artists and musical repertoire to the world at events such as MIDEM, SXSW, The Great Escape, CMJ Music Marathon, Music…

Managing Director, Kobalt Music Publishing Australia (AUS) 

In September 2010 Simon Moor opened an office for Kobalt Music Group, and is currently the Managing Director for Kobalt Music Publishing Australia. Simon is responsible for working with Kobalt’s international roster of writers and artists, including LCD Soundsystem, Yeasayer, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Gwen Stefani, Bon Iver as well as a growing local roster which includes Art vs. Science, Icehouse/Iva Davies, Future Classic and emma louise. Prior to Kobalt, Simon worked as Head of A&R at EMI/Virgin and then at Sony/ATV Music Publis…

Manager, A&R - Atlantic Records (US)
I was made out of Play-Doh in Minneapolis in the year 1980. They put a frog in my throat so my voice was scratchy and low, leading me astray from my psychology career and into the wide world of rock Radio at WBCN, Boston. After moving out to sunny Los Angeles after the winters out east hurt my feelings (I take cold personally), I began my music career in the A&R department at RCA Records. A year later I moved on to scout for Velvet Hammer Music and Management Groups joint venture label, as well as cover day to day for some of the bands. As of 2006, I’ve foun…

Artist Manager for Boy & Bear

Guy Morrow is an internationally active artist manager, lecturer and knowledge creator. He has a PhD in artist management from Macquarie University, and has recently returned from working as a visiting scholar at New York University. He has co-managed Boy & Bear since the band’s inception, is researching artist management practices in the global economy with the International Music Managers’ Forum, and currently lectures for the Dept. of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies at Macquarie University.

Music Programmer at Way Over There

Anita Nedeljkovic is a programmer for Way Over There - an independent music programming operation representing local venues and national Australian music festivals. Some of their clients include The Falls Music & Arts Festival, Southbound, St Kilda Festival, Parklife, Groovin' The Moo, The Corner Hotel, Northcote Social Club and East Brunswick Club.

Director, Sugaroo! (USA)

Michael Nieves is the President of Sugaroo!, a music licensing and management company that represents independent record labels, artists and music publishers for visual media licensing (film, TV, advertising, theatrical trailers, video games, etc). Michael is also the personal manager to Mark Olson (solo and in The Jayhawks), Sarah Borges, and Megan Hickey & The Last Town Chorus. Founded by Michael in January of 1999, Sugaroo! was one of the first independent synchronization music licensing companies of its kind to exist in the USA, and continues to be one of the most…

Owner and Manager of Resist Records

Graham Nixon is the owner / manager of Resist Records, a Newtown based emporium dealing in all things punk and hardcore music related. Founded in 1996, what began as a small retail store, Resist developed into a record label, booking agency and management company working with artists such as Parkway Drive, Carpathian, Confession, 50 Lions, Miles Away, Mindsnare, Against Me!, Sick Of It All and Chuck Ragan, to name a few.

Festival Director/Owner, Bluesfest (AUS)

Peter Noble is sole Festival Director and owner of Australia’s Bluesfest, held every Easter in the idyllic northern NSW beachside town of Byron Bay. A highly awarded and much loved five day international event, the 21st edition of Bluesfest won 2010 Australian Event of the Year and Best Arts / Cultural Event at the Australian Event Awards. Bluesfest 2011, in its 22nd year on the trot, has generated major music industry and fan buzz at a time when many music festivals are doing it tough and struggling to generate adequate ticket sales.

Director of OdFellows / Co-Manager of Cold Chisel (AUS)

John O'Donnell is one of the most highly regarded music executives in Australia. After a career in music journalism, as Music Editor at Rolling Stone magazine and Editor of Juice magazine, John joined Sony Music in 1994 and started the internationally successful Murmur label. In 2002, John left Sony to become CEO of EMI Music Australia/NZ. John started his own music consulting business in 2008. He recently co-authored the much acclaimed and top selling book 'The 100 Best Australian Albums' and is the co-manager of the legendary Australia…

Director of undercover tracks

In 2004 Isabel Pappani established Undercover Tracks, an exclusive boutique music licensing agency specializing in placing Australian music into U.S. film and television productions. Based in Los Angeles, Pappani and her team have secured syncs for many artists, including Queensland locals like Powderfinger (Grey’s Anatomy), Hungry Kids of Hungary (Grey’s Anatomy, USA Network promos, Cougartown, Royal Pains), Grand Atlantic (Gossip Girl, NBC promos), Clare Reynolds (Private Practice, movie trailers), and Emma Louise (Sperry/Topsiders commercial) just to name a fe…

Founder/CTO, Hunted Media (AUS) 

Stephen Phillips is the founder of Hunted Media, a software company based in Brisbane, Australia. The company operates WeAreHunted.com, one of the world's leading indie music sites. Hunted Media has produced a series of chart topping iPhone and iPad apps including Music Hunter and Pocket Hipster. Hunted Media works with some of the world's biggest online music companies including MySpace, Spotify, Grooveshark, eMusic, and the Echo Nest.

Director of Mucho Bravado

As the owner and director of management and PR company Mucho-Bravado, Ben Preece has a background in programming, promoting, events, and band management. Created in 2005 with the mission statement to provide solid nurturing and assistance for young bands, Mucho-Bravado now boasts a roster to be proud of, managing Hungry Kids of Hungary, Ball Park Music, Tara Simmons, Edward Guglielmino, My Own Pet Radio, and Spring Skier, as well as handling PR for many more. In 2011, Preece co-founded a boutique music event called Track & Field. He continues contributing weekly to T…

Director, Spinning Top Music (AUS)

Jodie Regan made her start in 2004, running a brand new small music venue in Fremantle, The Norfolk Basement. It was there that she gained experience in promoting and booking live shows. The venue soon became a popular stop for touring bands from all over the world. It was the local bands she saw there that inspired her change to artist management. Jodie started her management company Spinning Top Music in 2007 and has had success both locally and internationally with the talents of Tame Impala, Felicity Groom, Pond, The Silents, Mink Mussel Creek and Allbro…

Director of Arts & Crafts

Jeffrey Remedios co-founded Arts & Crafts in 2002, with Broken Social Scene frontman Kevin Drew. In the 10 years since, he’s grown the independent label, putting out records by the likes of BSS, Feist, Stars, Apostle Of Hustle, Jason Collett and many more. He also remains a frontline artist manager for cornerstone A&C artists BSS and Timber Timbre. Jeffrey oversees all aspects of A&C business, and has established the label as a global brand. In 2009, Rolling Stone Magazine cited Jeffrey as a key insider shaping the future of the music business.

Program Director, ABC Radio (AUS)

Kellie Riordan has been a journalist for more than a decade, after starting her journalism career writing music reviews for Time Off Magazine. She is the Program Director at radio station 612 ABC Brisbane where she manages a team of 25 radio makers. Kellie has also been a producer and presenter with ABC Coast FM, a reporter for triple j program Hack, and has written for the Scotsman (Edinburgh), the Sunday Mail, and The Drum. Kellie was previously a publicist for EMI Music and Warner Music, where she worked with artists such as The Whitlams, Red Hot Chili Pep…

Label Manager, Co-Operative Music (AUS) 

Neil Robertson spent ten years in the UK as owner of Banchory Management, looking after Scottish indie stars Belle and Sebastian and cult Domino act V-Twin. He was also a Director of Banchory Merchanding, an online merch company working with Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol and Mogwai.

In 1999 he co-founded the Bowlie Weekender, which later became the celebrated All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival.

Neil moved to Melbourne in 2006 and became Label Manager for Co-Operative Music, a label releasing acts such as Phoenix, Bloc Party, Cold War Kids and Caribou. He…

CEO of ARIA / PPCA

Dan Rosen brings with him valuable experience across digital media, music and law. Prior to joining ARIA and PPCA, Rosen was based in New York working as Head of Americas for digital media company KIT Digital. Dan previously worked as an Advisor to the Minister of Communications Richard Alston after starting his career as a lawyer, specializing in media and technology, with Minter Ellison.

He has been on both sides of the music business: his band Second Dan won triple j Unearthed in 2003 and has since independently released two albums and toured throughout the US and Austr…

Director of Darren Sanicki Music & Entertainment Lawyers

Darren Sanicki Music & Entertainment Lawyers is a law firm based in Melbourne, specialising in music, entertainment and the arts. Darren acts for many of the biggest names in the music industry and the firm’s client base includes major recording artists, bands, managers, composers, indie labels, and producers.

Darren has been in and around the music industry most of his life and by nights still plays keyboards with renowned Melbourne band Havana Moon. He is chairperson of the The Push, a not-for-profit state wide youth music organisati…

triple j Manager

Booking Agent at The Agency Group

At just 28 years old Dave Shapiro has been making waves left and right in the music industry.

He was featured in Billboard Magazine’s '30 under 30' list in 2010, which honours young music industry power players, and stays busy as a booking agent at The Agency Group with a roster of 50 bands (including A Day To Remember, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!), running his label Velocity Records (an imprint of Rise Records), managing producer Andrew Wade, and overseeing www.kapiro.com, a ticketing site which he co-owns.

Music Editor at The Australian

Iain Shedden is music writer and critic for The Australian and The Weekend Australian newspapers. Since taking on that role in 1998 he has interviewed some of the biggest names in popular music and writes profiles, commentary, news, features, reviews and a weekly column.

Ian is also an experienced commentator and brings his expertise to industry conferences as a speaker, panelist, and interviewer. Iain spent many years as a professional drummer, most successfully with Australian rock band The Saints. His first book, “Hey You in the Black T-Shirt”, an autobiogra…

Advanced Communication Solutions (ACS)

Andy Shiach is the founder and managing director of ACS Custom. Andy’s hearing was damaged in a studio back in the ‘70s, which brought his music career abruptly to an end. During the past 30 years Andy has been developing and manufacturing products that protect a musicians most important instrument - their ears!

Today, ACS custom hearing protection and in ear monitoring products are available around the world and used by many leading artists. Andy is passionate about educating musicians to the dangers of listening to high sound pressure levels and the d…

Artist, Pavement (AUS)

Spiral Stairs (Scott Kannberg) was a founding member of 90’s lo-fi indie band Pavement. Hailing from California USA, Pavement’s 11-year career produced five highly memorable records that created a cult following. Pavement re-united for a successful world tour in 2010 and this December will see the re-release of the 2009 album “Terror Twilight”.

Spiral Stairs has also put out three solo albums, two with Preston School Of Industry - “All This Sounds Gas” and “Monsoon”, and “The Real Feel” under the Spiral Stairs moniker. He also founded the San Francisco indie label, Ama…

Chairman, Sire Records / Warner Bros. Records (USA)

Seymour Stein is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Sire Records, one of the music industry’s most influential record labels and home to some of the most iconic names in modern music. The label marks its 45th anniversary in 2011.

Through its focus on discovering distinctive artists and groups, Sire has been a goldmine for cutting-edge music including the likes of The Ramones, Madonna, Talking Heads, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths. Stein has been the label’s driving creative force since its origins as an independent label and throu…

Director, Philip Stevens Management & Jarrah Records (AUS) 

Perth-based Philip Stevens is best known as manager for John Butler Trio, The Waifs and San Cisco and for his successful indie label Jarrah Records. Established in 2002, Jarrah has won a string of WAMI awards and was the first artist-owned independent label to debut at No.1 on the ARIA charts.

Prior to managing, Phil created the alternative music venue Mojo’s Bar in North Fremantle and ran touring company Jazz Dive Promotions, which promoted concerts in West Australia throughout the 90s from artists including Paul Kelly, Weddings Pa…

Managing Director of Love Police ATM

Brian "BT" Taranto has been hanging around the music industry since 1985 – mostly involved in band and festival merchandising, but also a concert promoter, art director and publisher of musical kids books.

Having worked at Australian Tour Merchandising (ATM) for eight years, he eventually established new merch company Love Police in 1995. Love Police recently merged with ATM with BT as Managing Director, running offices out of Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Mushroom Group Of Companies.

In 1997 he started Love Police Touring which has brought out int…

Principal of Media Arts Lawyers

David Vodicka is the Principal of entertainment law firm Media Arts Lawyers and has over 20 years practice representing musicians, artists, performers, composers, recording, production, management and publishing entities.

He has dealt in all facets of law affecting the creative industries, and has had considerable hands-on experience in the music recording and publishing fields as director of independent label Rubber Records and music publisher Rubber Music Publishing.

He is Chairman of the Board of AIR, Vice President of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), …

Director, Select Music (AUS) 

Stephen Wade is a booking agent and CEO of Select Music, representing a diverse range of acts including Boy & Bear, Josh Pyke, Tim Finn, Busby Marou and emma louise.

He has been in the industry for 20 years and, with Rob G, has seen Select grow into one of the country’s top agencies. He also owns Select Touring, which has toured Crystal Castles, Public Enemy, Tallest Man On Earth and Cypress Hill, as well as the Coaster Festival in Gosford. 

Stephen is a Director of new label Stop Start that has signed Hungry Kids of Hungary and Ball Park Music.

Music Development Manager, RTRFM (AUS) 

Joanne Wallis has been involved with RTRFM 92.1 for three years as the Development Manager for Music. Jo works extensively with the music industry in Perth, supporting emerging bands and working closely with the RTRFM Music Director. Jo has been involved in the music industry for several years having previously worked at independent records labels Shock Records and Stomp Records.

Head of Music, XFM (GBR) 

Mike’s first experience of radio was making a nuisance of himself in the BBC Radio Merseyside record library when he would accompany his mother to work.

Mike worked in UK and US college radio before joining the promotions department of Parlophone Records where he worked with acts including Radiohead, Coldplay and Blur from 1995 to 2000.

He then moved into radio programming with Capital Radio Group as Head of Music for their Century brand. Mike was soon given responsibility for Xfm where he has been Head of Music for six years and is now also Deputy Programme Direct…

Manager, Dubmarine / Publicist, Heapsaflash (AUS) 

Paul Watson is a Brisbane based manager whose acts include reggae/dancehall/DnB outfit Dubmarine, soul/swing act Miguel, and roots reggae band Darky Roots. He also works as a publicist with Heapsaflash Media.

Paul has been involved in the Brisbane music scene for many years, performs with numerous bands, and spends altogether too much money on records.

Director, Morph TV (AUS)

Stu Watters has been working in the music industry for over 15 years and brings with him a diverse collection of experiences.

His previous roles vary broadly from being the CEO of Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), running the Queensland Music Network (Q Music), serving on the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and holding a position on the International Honorary Committee at MIDEM for five years. In 2009 Stuart left AIR with a desire to develop his own film production, publishing, music services and consulting company Morph TV.

His clients inc…

Director of Digital, Beggars Group (AUS)

Previously a musician, remixer, engineer, producer and promoter, Simon Wheeler has been with the Beggars Group since 1990. Simon started working with online distribution in 1997 - licensing the entire group’s catalogue for download - and has since worked with almost every significant entity in digital media.

He is chairman of AIM's New Media Committee in the UK and has spoken around the world on digital music and media.

Simon is focused on keeping the Beggars Group of labels at the forefront of all new technologies to deliver its award-winning roster…

Director, Active Events (GBR)

Active is an agency representing several artists throughout Europe.

The company also produces Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections - Europe’s largest winter festival. Showcase Scotland has developed over 12 years to become the nation’s largest and most successful expo event, generating around 3 million pounds in bookings on an annual basis.

Music Co-ordinator, 3RRR (AUS)

Simon Winkler is the Music Co-ordinator at Melbourne’s Community Radio Station 3RRR. He began his media career as a writer and reviewer for street press in Sydney before moving into broadcasting through the nascent FBi radio station in Sydney. Following work experience at various stations Simon began working for the SBS youth arts, music and talks program Alchemy, where he was a producer, music director and executive editor over a period of five years before working as a freelance producer in London and Berlin for six months. On his return in January 2008 Simon …