A2IM INDIE WEEK 2023
NEW YORK CITY, USA
JUNE 12-15, 2023
https://www.a2imindieweek.org/
The Independent music community comes together every June in New York City for A2IM’s Indie Week. A2IM Indie Week is a three-day international conference and networking event aimed at maximizing the global impact of Independent music. Indie Week includes keynotes, panels, receptions, exclusive networking sessions, and much more.
AIR & Sounds Australia have led Australian delegations to Indie Week since 2013 and in 2023, in partnership with ARIA and the PPCA, we will once again lead a delegation of Australian independent record label representatives to A2IM Indie Week.
If you’re attending A2IM Indie Week you’ll be able to meet representatives from:
APRA AMCOS
Astral People
Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR)
Better Company Records
Chugg Music
etcetc Music
Global League Pty Ltd
Handshake Management
Lemon Tree Music
Lunatic Entertainment
Media Arts Lawyers
Merlin Network
MGM Distribution
moretocome Management
Mushroom Group
New Levels
Onelove Music Group
Palms Management
SoundOn (Powered By TikTok)
Sounds Australia
ULX
Village Boy Entertainment
Xelon Entertainment
AUSTRALIAN DELEGATES
ADEN MULLENS
Etcetc Music is an independent record label based in Sydney, Australia. It is the label of alternative and electronic bands and artists Pnau, George Maple, FISHER, Sumner, Donatachi, Luke Million, CLYPSO, and the Australian releases of Jax Jones, Duke Dumont and Fever Ray.
Aden Mullens in General Manager position leads the label from strong foundation in A&R and marketing and is actively involved in the signing and development of artists and their individual recording careers.
During his tenure, etcetc have received 10 ARIA Music Awards nominations including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Independent Release, and Best Video. Etcetc won Best Dance Release in successive years. In February 2018, etcetc was awarded Indie Label of the Year at The Music Network’s ‘Tinnie’ Awards. Mullens was also nomination for Label A&R of the Year, the only independent record label A&R nominated in the category.
etcetc has been distributed by The Orchard since 2019.
ANTHONY CRUZE
Anthony Cruze Chidiac (aka “ant cruze”, “cruzey”, “2greendollars”, “The Popbrokers”, and “Anthony Cruze and the Modern Saints”) is an Australian born Video DJ, Television and Music Content Creator, Large format projection mapping artist and writer. He is the inaugural (and still current) Guinness World Record winning Video DJ.
To industry professionals, he is widely known as an technology pioneer. In addition to working with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, George Michael, B.B. King, Sheila E, Prince, and other popular music artists, Cruze is one of the world’s internet video pioneers: noted to have engineered and streamed the world’s first “livestream” from the Victorian (Australia) Government budget speech on the 2nd of May, 2000. Over 5,000 recipients watched the live event, funded by media company “E-cast”.
He started working as a DJ and Music Producer at 15 years of age (the 1980’s). He has a Bachelor of Science (Communications and Electronics). Does not drink, smoke, or do any illicit drugs.
International press describes him in entertainment publications as “The world’s most accomplished party anchor” and “the game changer of the entertainment industry”.
ANT CELESTINO
Formed in 2001, Onelove Music Group has grown to become one of Australia’s most successful fully independent artist labels, event promoter & management companies. In the last 12 months, Onelove artists have made a significant impact on international, UK & US charts and streaming market share – including over a billion streams across DSPs, multiple UK Top 20 OCC spots, placements in the Spotify Top 50, Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications in over 35 countries (including the USA), #1 Billboard Dance Radio and Airplay charts, and Top 3 Shazamed globally hits.
ASHLEY GAY
A distinguished record executive, Ashley Gay has been instrumental in the rise of Australia’s electronic dance music scene.
Starting his career in the mid-1990s, Ashley has worked closely with countless dance and electronic music artists, and hundreds of labels.
A former radio DJ and music director for dance radio in his hometown of Melbourne, Ashley entered the record business with the prestigious dance labels Pro-DJ (1995-2000) and Central Station Records (2000-2007).
In late 2007, Ashley combined his expertise in IT and computer science with his A&R skill set for the launch of Xelon Entertainment, which today represents over 500 labels in all genres.
Today, he heads up Xelon Entertainment, Australia’s premier digital music distributor, boasting offices in various countries. Remarkably for the space, Xelon remains 100% independent and completely Australian owned.
CRAIG TREWEEK
With over 25 years running Australia’s largest music press network (sold in 2020) Myself and my brother Leigh created Handshake Management in 2017 with a mission to create lifelong careers through developing outstanding talent. With a focus on building partnerships of mutual respect and integrity, Handshake Management seeks opportunities that ensure creative freedom and longevity for our artists. Safeguarding the interests of established acts while nurturing talent that needs time to develop has given us a reputation for success with compassion.
Alongside management I consult to various businesses including music festivals, publishers and sporting events.
DAMIEN PLATT
The Music Network ’30 Under 30′ Finalist + Hermes Creative Platinum Award Winner (2022). Damien has over ten years experience within the industry; in his career he has marketed gold accredited campaigns, achieved multiple ARIA club-chart #1’s, managed the careers of platinum selling artists and held board and senior roles within festivals and music industry conferences
DAN NEVIN
Senior executive in music and creative industries, with focus on rights, licensing, digital, streaming, export and e-commerce. Currently helping organisations strategically develop and implement projects, change and growth.
DAVID VODICKA
David is the founder of Media Arts Lawyers and Australia’s preeminent music lawyer. With over 25 years’ experience dealing in all facets of entertainment law, David represents many high-profile musicians, celebrities and entertainment companies. In addition, he oversees the firm’s general commercial practice and in the last five years he has concluded over A$100M in mergers and acquisitions including sales of entertainment businesses, festivals and sports tournaments.
A passionate advocate for local music and creative industries, David chairs the board of Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), is a board member of Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), and a past board member of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
ELISE NAISMITH
Elise Naismith manages multi-ARIA-award-winning R&B artist Budjerah, under Australian based independent management company Lemon Tree Music (Tones and I, Tash Sultana, The Cat Empire).
Having worked across multiple facets of the entertainment industry over a span of 7+ years, her roles have included Artist Manager, Director of Talent Agency, Producer (Live Events), Head of Programming (Live Music), Stage Manager, Artist Liaison and Touring Administration (contracts + admin).
Elise has a particular interest in live performance and has worked across a wide range of shows, from intimate venues to stadium-scale special events and festivals.
In 2022, Elise was nominated for AAM Breakthrough manager of the year and has recently partook in the co-pilot management development program delivered by AAM in partnership with Spotify and MMF Aeotearoa.
FIONA DUNCAN
With over 30 years’ experience across artist mgt, event and tour mgt, publicity and industry advisory roles, festival design and delivery, Fiona has a high-level expertise in Australia’s state, national and the international contemporary music industry.
As one of the longest serving female music managers in Australia, working with some of Australia’s biggest and most influential performers paved the way for a diverse and challenging career; including management of Spiderbait from emerging artists to one of Australia’s most successful and enduring bands with a no 1 record, hottest 100 no 1 spot, multiple ARIAs, international tours, multi-platinum albums, headlining festivals and selling out theatre shows. Working in Music & Arts Development for the City of Greater Geelong, Fiona has advocated for and enabled a focus on developing the music & arts industries. In 2022 Fiona designed a new major festival called Surround Sounds Festival delivered over 1 month featuring 96 events across 37 venues and 840 musicians and creative industry professionals.
Fiona is a Board Director of Music Victoria, rep on Live Music Roundtable, Festivals Sub-Committee, reference group for the Office of Women.
HUGH CRUICKSHANK
Hugh Cruickshank is the Founder and Director of entertainment management agency, moretocome. Current clients include artists The Terrys, Barney Cools, Le Shiv, Tasting with Tom and more.
JELAL EDMONDS
Establishing its foundations in Sydney’s West, New Levels were quick to make a name internationally after the success of Larissa Lambert’s viral record ‘Weak’. The multi-faceted record label was founded by Jelal Edmonds (previously known as Lazy J) in 2020 who had maneuvered his way through the music industry as a self-managed recording artist since 2011. From artist development to management and distribution, New Levels specialise in finding the right talent and executing rollout plans tailored to each unique artist.
KRISTIE MCCARTHY
Kristie McCarthy is a Melbourne-based artist manager at Lemon Tree Music where she works with The Cat Empire, Riley Pearce, Death by Denim and Andy Lawson. Lemon Tree Music’s roster also includes the likes of Tash Sultana, Tones and I, Budjerah, Pierce Brothers and more.
Kristie begun her artist management journey in 2018, joining Lemon Tree Music as a Day to Day Manager working with Tash Sultana, Riley Pearce, Garrett Kato, Maddy Jane and Willow Beats. During this time she gained experience in tour management and booking shows nationally.
In 2020 Kristie signed her first artist to the company – indie quartet Death by Denim and was recognised as a winner of The Music Network’s 30 Under 30 Awards in the Artist Management category. She released their fully independent album in 2021 with strong national radio support and sold out their national tour.
In 2022 Kristie signed The Cat Empire and producer Andy Lawson to management with Lemon Tree Music. In her current role Kristie works closely with labels, booking agents and publicists around the globe to further the careers of her artists.
L-FRESH THE LION
L-FRESH The LION is regarded as one of Australia’s most important hip hop artists. He is the author and performer of the Sydney Kings’ (National Basketball League) theme song ‘WE THE KINGS’, ambassador for Australia as selected by YouTube for their international Creators for Change initiative, an ARIA Award and Double J Artist of the Year nominee, and he has shared the stage with hip hop icons Nas, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Sir Elton John and Malala Yousafzai. He is also the Artistic Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre’s Conscious, and founder of Village Boy Entertainment, a creative facilitation company that serves as a bridge between artists and the music industry.
LUKE BYATT
From founding (and selling) a media company to brand strategy, I have dedicated my career to defining the cultural zeitgeist by championing artists and brands with a unique point of view. My desire to deliver culturally relevant products and cultivate a positive consumer experience.
You can currently find me in Sydney, Australia or online at @lukeybyatt (TikTok / Instagram / LinkedIn). Alternatively, you may have discovered me on music industry trade press, or attended a panel I’ve led or participated on for QMusic, Griffith University’s Business School and more.
LUKE JAMIESON
After selling his business to focus on travel and his own artist project Lobu, Luke soon realised that his skill set could shine best in the business side of the music industry. His experience in business development and digital strategy were perfect for helping artists grow whilst giving him the ability to form a career, in a space he has so much passion.
Luke started record label Global League in 2016 with Nick Boundy (M4SONIC) and has worked with more than 50 artists on over 100 releases on the label helping many develop their brands, audience and release strategies.
In January 2022, Luke started LEVARIA artist management & consulting and became M4SONIC’s official manager, along with Adelaide singer songwriter Indy Stanton juggling record label and management roles. The two artists also formed a song writing duo called Deana & Nick, which Luke also manages.
March 2022 saw Luke take on the role of Artist Liaison for international Not For Profit Bye Bye Plastic, whose mission is to eliminate single use plastics from the music industry.
MARIA AMATO
Maria Amato is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association and runs its Women in Music mentor program aimed at empowering women in the Australian Music Industry to progress their career and leadership aspirations.
Maria has worked in the Arts and not-for-profit sector for over 25 years specialising in finance and business management through her own consultancy firm, Results Management.
Maria holds the position of the Chair of the board for the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), and is also a board member of the Adelaide City of Music and Anchor board for the Reeperbahn Festival.
Maria has held former positions as Chair of the Creative Industry Advisory Board and member of the board of directors for the Australian Institute of Music, CEO/CFO of the Melbourne International Film Festival and board member and treasurer for Music Victoria.
MICHAEL CHUGG
A pioneer of the Australian music industry, Michael Chugg has garnered a reputation locally and internationally as one of the country’s most prominent music promoters and is a name synonymous with some of biggest Australia-New Zealand tours over the past 60 years.
Forming the Frontier Touring Company with Michael Gudinski in 1979, Chugg launched Chugg Entertainment in 2000 and has since toured the likes of Elton John, Robbie Williams, Bob Dylan and more.
Chugg has been involved in the inception and success of prolific Australian festivals including St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and CMC Rocks with the late Rob Potts.
He has been named Pollstar International Promoter of the Year and won ARIA’s Icon Award, Billboard Awards, Helpmann Awards and more. In 1998, Michael was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to the Australian music industry and his philanthropic involvement with various charities.
Chugg Music was launched in 2012; a label and management company providing artist services, which has seen major success with Brisbane band Sheppard, Lime Cordiale and country-rock act Casey Barnes.
RYAN WILSON
Ryan Wilson, former Director of Electronic Music for Asia Pacific, Sony Music is a highly enthusiastic, well-versed and well-travelled music and entertainment professional.
Having taken on a variety of accomplished roles already throughout his career; DJ, Broadcaster, Radio Music Director, Sound Designer, Label Executive, with recent projects seeing him living and working across the expansive Asia region where he spearheaded the innovative and ambitious ‘Liquid State’ joint venture with China’s leading online music-streaming service powerhouse, Tencent Music, focused on the development and showcasing of talent both into and out of this inspiring market.
With an established network and regarded relationships across the global electronic and music industry, Ryan’s specialist skill set and unique expert position, appealingly between cultural and commercial business, sees a continued demand and focus to break new ground through innovation and expansion.
SAM COOK
An Aboriginal Australian arts, entertainment and tech professional now USA based. Sam Cook is a cross-artform practitioner, educator, arts manager and leader in Indigenous Arts. A retired musician, she was the Director of The Dreaming Festival and a programmer of the Woodford Folk Festival and now represents APRA-AMCOS US members from Los Angeles.
SIAN WALDEN
Sian Walden is a highly experienced professional in the music industry who has worked across multiple areas within the field. As the founder of Little Acorn Music, an artist services business, Walden plays a crucial role in shaping and directing artists’ careers. Her expertise and guidance have allowed her to manage global careers, assisting artists in reaching their full potential. During the pandemic, Walden additionally created a label arm to her business and Big Oak Records has since released a range of artists from across Australia.
Through dedication to her work has taken her to various parts of the globe, where she has gained invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the global music landscape. Including recently, a move to Brooklyn to take the helm at Better Company Records and run the label’s recording studio.
SIMON PARSONS
With 10 years experience in the music industry Simon Parsons has worn many hats, having booked venues in Sydney and New York. He has also worked in marketing for St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival and as an artist manager within Lunatic Entertainment (Mansionair, Bloodmoon, The Temper Trap, Kian).
TIM WOODGATE
Hey there, I’m Tim, a 24-year-old based in Sydney, Australia. After exploring various paths and discovering my passion for the music business, I delved into artist and producer management. As I sought to broaden my knowledge and skills, I decided to take on new challenges. Currently, I am thrilled to be a part of New Levels, a prestigious Australian record label, where I’m actively contributing to the dynamic everchanging music industry.
TOM HUGGETT
Tom Huggett is one of the founders of Astral People which is a full fledged music company established in Sydney, Australia back in 2011.
Astral People works across just about all sides of the music industry with joint ventures with PIAS (co-op record label), BMG (publishing), Handsome Tours (tour promoting) and an in house artist management company.
Throughout the years Tom has worked with hundreds of artists in many different capacities, including: Dave, Arlo Parks, Winston Surfshirt and Milan Ring.
In the past few years alone some of Tom’s greatest achievements have been: securing the Emmy nominated Apple Airpods sync for Young Franco, Cosmo’s Midnight’s production/writing placement on the last BTS album, sold out Australian arena shows for Stormzy and multiple platinum records across the artist management roster.
ZIG PARKER
A veteran in the hip hop game, this Houston Texas born, LA bred native has donned his career in both music and film production in 1990- late 2009. He worked at Motown/ Capital early in his career as a sound engineer.
He then began working with Grammy nominated, acclaimed Producer Michael Angelo Saulsberry. Zig has also worked closely with the likes of Public Enemy’s “Flavor Flav” on TV and music production.
Zig has since brought his vision and talent to the bustling metropolis of Sydney, Australia and has made his mark in the forays of music production, songwriting and filmography.
Zig has extensive producer and executive producer credits including on two EPs titled LIFE and LOVE with Sydney based hip hop/soul/ r&b artist Mirrah, and L-FRESH The LION’s critically acclaimed album SOUTH WEST. He also co-wrote the team anthem for the NBL Champions Sydney Kings basketball team with L-FRESH.
This creative relationship has led to him also becoming the official Tour Manager for L-FRESH The LION on local, national and international touring circuits.