Home | Sounds Australia | Fast Tracking Australian Music Success Globally

Fast-Tracking Australian Music
Success Globally

Pictured: Hermitude at SummerStage NYC, 2019

OUR PLAYLISTS

EXPORT ESSENTIALS

Visas; Carnets; Tax;
Live Performance Returns;
Digital Export & More

FUNDING

Looking for export funding opportunities? We have links for all Australian States & Territories here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

See where the Sounds Australia
team will be showcasing next

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Join the Sounds Australia Newsletter

Fast-Tracking Australian Music Success Globally.

soundsaustralia

Happy #ausmusictshirtday! Today’s not only for

Happy #ausmusictshirtday!

Today’s not only for repping some of your favourite Australian artists, labels or music businesses, it’s also a great day to donate to @supportact.

Support Act do exceptional work supporting musicians and music workers in crisis. They provide an invaluable service to our music community in Australia so if you have the means, please give generously to Support Act today so they can continue their vital work.

Happy 50 Years to @MushroomGroup! The iconic labe

Happy 50 Years to @MushroomGroup!

The iconic label, founded by a true legend of the Australian music scene, the late, great Michael Gudinski, celebrated 50 years of music with a stellar show in Melbourne last night.

Michael Gudinksi wholeheartedly loved and believed in Australian music. Over the years we've had many Mushroom artists showcase with us, and we're proud to have helped support Michael and the label's vision and passion by putting them on global stages.

Here is just a selection of Mushroom acts who have showcased with Sounds Australia since 2009, on various stages (with varying levels of camera resolution) around the world. You might have seen each of these artists performing as part of the Mushroom 50 Live last night as well.

1. @mercimercy at the @reeperbahn_festival 2022, by @bythesea_photo
2. @theteskeybrothers at THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage 2019
3. @blissneso at @sxsw 2011, by @johnnyau_
5. @gordimusic at @primaverapro 2017
5. @dansultanmusic, showcasing virtually as part of @americanafest's Thriving Roots in 2020
6. @dmasmusic at @greatescapefest 2015
7. @wilsn_music at SXSW 2018
8. @therubens at @greatescapefest 2023 by @sethen.ssl
9. @paulkelly and co. at @americanafest 2013
10. @birdsoftokyo at @greatescapefest 2010

WAMCon is taking place this week in Perth and if y

WAMCon is taking place this week in Perth and if you're attending, you can catch Glenny and Dom from our team hosting our Export Masterclass.

If you're an artist, manager or industry professional looking at any international activity in 2024 then this one is for you. You’ll learn more about what we do, why we exist, and how you can use our showcases and networking events to further your international career. Plus, you’ll get advice on how to best prepare for showcasing internationally, as well as learning about all the funding opportunities available to you.

The Export Masterclass will be held in the Goodwill Club in The Rechabite on Saturday 18 November at 11am.

Head to the @WAM_MusicWA Instagram for more information on WAMCon, WAMFest and where to purchase tickets.

We were lucky enough to spend 5 days in A Coruña,

We were lucky enough to spend 5 days in A Coruña, Spain last week with what may have been the largest Australian delegation ever at @womex_theworldmusicexpo!

We were particularly privileged to have a large delegation of Australian music managers, who were funded in part by the Manager’s International Conference Contribution, a program we ran in partnership with the @aamaustralia.

Thanks to all who took part and to the WOMEX festival team. We look forward to seeing you in Manchester for the event next year!

Thank you to the support of @ausgov, @creative.gov.au, @aria_official, @apraamcos, @ppca.official, @creatensw, @sagovernment, @mdo_sa who made our presence at WOMEX possible.

We’re pleased to announce that Esti Zilber will

We’re pleased to announce that Esti Zilber will be promoted to Executive Producer for Sounds Australia, following the news of Millie Millgate’s appointment as the inaugural Director of Music Australia.

Esti joined Sounds Australia in 2010 and has worked closely with Millie for over ten years to develop and deliver Sounds Australia’s program around the world. Her work with inbound buyers across Australia’s domestic music conferences has seen thousands of invaluable connections made between international industry and local artists and managers.

In 2021 and 2022, Esti managed Sounds Australia’s Export Stimulus Program, which saw $1.2 million distributed across three rounds to over 320 individuals. The targeted support assisted Australian artists, crew and music professionals to realise significant career-defining moments in global markets and earn much needed income after 18 months of cancelled work due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Esti will start in the role from Monday 20 November. You can read more about it at the link in our bio.

On Tuesday 7 November at 5:30pm AEDT we'll be pres

On Tuesday 7 November at 5:30pm AEDT we'll be presenting a virtual version of our Export Masterclass, in partnership with @APRAAMCOS.

During the webinar you’ll learn more about what we do, why we exist, and how you can use our showcases and networking events to further your international career. Plus, you’ll get advice on how to best prepare for showcasing internationally, as well as learning about all the funding opportunities available to you.

If you weren't able to attend one of our export masterclasses in person this year then this one is for you. It's free to attend but registration is essential. Hit the link in our bio to register.

Want to follow in the footsteps of these Australia

Want to follow in the footsteps of these Australian artists and showcase at @SXSW in Austin, Texas? If you're interested in showcasing at next year's festival in March, you have until the end of the week to apply. Head to sxsw.com or the @SXSW Instagram account for more information.

📷: Sounds Australia (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10), Bang Ho (2), G'Day USA (3), Kane Hibbard (9).

The Sounds Australia team is immensely proud to an

The Sounds Australia team is immensely proud to announce that our Executive Producer Millie Millgate has been appointed the Director of Music Australia.

Millie has been at the helm of Sounds Australia since its inception in 2009 and has dedicated the past 14 years to bolstering the presence of Australian music around the world.

It’s been an honour and privilege to work with her, and she's inspired us every day with her passion, leadership and unwavering belief that Australian artists are truly some of the best in the world.

The future of our industry is bright and we are so excited to see what she will do with Music Australia.

Esti, Glenny, Dom & Larry.

Here are some more photos from THE AUSSIE BBQ at @

Take us back to the @reeperbahn_festival! A few w

Take us back to the @reeperbahn_festival!

A few weeks ago we returned to one of our favourite venues in the world, @molotowclub in Hamburg, to host THE AUSSIE BBQ at the Reeperbahn Festival. 12 Australian artists showcased across two stages from midday until 6pm. Here’s a selection of fantastic photos from @corduladitz (aside from the very last one), with more to come tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who came to see the Australians showcase. In particular, we’d like to give a shoutout to the @ausemb_de and FC St. Pauli & Socceroos legend @jacksonirvine_ for showing their support on the day (you’ll see them in the very last photo).

It was really special to have a large delegation of Australian music managers there in Hamburg too, who were funded in part by the Manager’s International Conference Contribution, a program we’re running in partnership with the @aamaustralia.

We can’t wait to see you all again next year!

Sounds Australia’s activity at the Reeperbahn Festival was supported by the @ausgov Office For The Arts, @creative.gov.au, @apraamcos, @aria_official, @ppca.official, @creatensw and @sagovernment.

We are so excited to announce the latest recipient

We are so excited to announce the latest recipients of the Manager's International Conference Contribution, a program we're running in partnership with the @aamaustralia, offering $5000 to managers to attend international showcase conferences and build their global networks.

The first round of recipients attended the @reeperbahn_festival in Hamburg last week, and Round 2 of the MICC focused on @amsterdamdanceevent and @womex_theworldmusicexpo.

The following managers will receive a contribution to attend Amsterdam Dance Event next month in Amsterdam, The Netherlands:

Rick Bridgman - Good Intent
Antonio Celestino - ONELOVE
Tom Honeywill - Late Nite Business
Andrew Jackson - Milton Archer
Luke Jamieson - LEVARIA
Sarah Morgan - Independent
Lauren Mikkor - Post Modern Collective
Jane Slingo - Young Strangers
Uda Widanapathirana - SemaphoreMGMT

The following managers will receive a contribution to attend WOMEX, being held next month in A Coruña, Spain:

Greg Dodge - Oxygen 42 Management
Anthony Gray - Bapa Gajah
Kristie McCarthy - Lemon Tree Music
Tanya McLaine - Sona Productions
Maria Mitar - Cultural Arts Collective
Dave Walker - Wantok Music

A look back at THE AUSSIE BBQ this weekend, as we

A look back at THE AUSSIE BBQ this weekend, as we returned to @the5spotnashville as part of @americanafest. What an incredible lineup! Thanks to all who performed and all who came out for the day. We’ll see you next year!

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the iconic @bl

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the iconic @bluebirdcafetn in Nashville on Tuesday night, and the 16 Australian performers who took part. What a magical evening it was! Here’s just a taste…

We’re back at The 5 Spot tomorrow from 1130am for THE AUSSIE BBQ. Check our stories for all the set times! Entry is free, with Dobe on BBQ duties.

Thank you to the support of @ausgov, @aria_official, @apraamcos, @ppca.official, @creatensw, @sagovernment, @mdo_sa and @creative.gov.au who made our events at @americanafest possible.

Huge congratulations to all the artists (and their

Huge congratulations to all the artists (and their hardworking teams) who have received a 2023 @aria_official nomination nod today. It’s fantastic to see just how many have graced international stages with Sounds Australia when starting out their export journeys and we can’t wait to see you in all your glory for the ceremony on the 15th November #ariaawards

Hamburg, we'll see you next week! 16 Australian a

Hamburg, we'll see you next week!

16 Australian artists will travel to Germany for the @Reeperbahn_Festival from 20-23 September, and we're thrilled to announce that THE AUSSIE BBQ will once again take place at one of our favourite venues, @MolotowClub, on Friday 22 September.

All afternoon, beginning at midday, Australian artists will showcase across two stages in this iconic Hamburg venue. If you're attending the Reeperbahn Festival and interested in coming to our showcase, make sure you get there early because this one is sure to reach capacity quickly.

For information on the artists showcasing, times for THE AUSSIE BBQ, playlists and more, hit the link in our bio.

Sounds Australia's activity at the Reeperbahn Festival is supported by the @AusGov Office For The Arts, @Creative.gov.au, @APRAAMCOS, @ARIA_Official, @PPCA.Official, @CreateNSW and the @SAGovernment.

Alongside our program partners @aamaustralia, we a

Alongside our program partners @aamaustralia, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the MICC: Reeperbahn Festival Edition.

Andrew Stone (Chugg Music)
Cara Williams (Slow Clap)
Danae Effern (Little Giant Agency)
Darcy O'Brien (Wildfire Music)
Eli Chamravi (Wild Thing Music Group)
Heath Bradby (Fidelity Corp.)
Hugh Cruickshank (more to come)
Jamie-Rose Fowler (Powerhouse)
Kelsie Miller (Across The Road Music)
Matty Woo (Pistol MGMT)
Nate Farrell (Calibre)
Ricky Simandjuntak (When Worlds Collide)
Shauna Upton (I RATE MGMT)
Tom Fraser (Pieater)
Tyler McLoughlan (The Sound Pound)

Each manager will receive $5000 to contribute to costs associated with their international activity at @Reeperbahn_Festival, which takes place in Hamburg, Germany later this month.

The Manager's International Conference Contribution (MICC) aims to help managers overcome the financial difficulties of getting to market and build important international export pathways for Australian artists.

Round 2 of the MICC is currently open for managers interested in attending @AmsterdamDanceEvent or @WOMEX_TheWorldMusicExpo. For more information, and to apply, head to the link in our bio.

Nashville, we're heading your way this month! 19

Nashville, we're heading your way this month!

19 Australian artists will be showcasing at this year's @Americanafest and we are very excited to announce we'll be hosting two showcases as part of the Americana Music Association's annual festival.

We'll be returning to Nashville's iconic @bluebirdcafetn on Tuesday 19 September, putting on two shows of Australian Americana artists performing in-the-round.

On Saturday 23 September THE AUSSIE BBQ will once again be at one of our favourite venues, @the5spotnashville, with acts showcasing all afternoon and, yes, an actual BBQ cooked Australian-style by the legend himself, Dobe Newton.

For information on the Australian artists at AMERICANAFEST 2023, as well as playlists and set times for our showcases, hit the link in our bio.

Sounds Australia's activity in the USA is supported by the @AusGov Office for the Arts, @Creative.gov.au, @APRAAMCOS, @ARIA_Official, @PPCA.Official, @CreateNSW and the @SAGovernment.

Announcing Round 2 of MICC: ADE + WOMEX Edition 20

Announcing Round 2 of MICC: ADE + WOMEX Edition 2023!

Sounds Australia, in partnership with @aamaustralia, is thrilled to deliver Round 2 of the Manager's International Conference Contribution (MICC).

This new MICC Round 2 will provide funding support for selected AAM manager members to attend either @amsterdamdanceevent - which takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands from October 18-22 - or @womex_theworldmusicexpo in Galicia, Spain from October 25-29.

Selected AAM artist manager members who wish to attend ADE or WOMEX - with or without a showcasing artist - will each receive $5000 AUD, to contribute to costs associated with their international activity at the event, including their flights, accommodation, ticketing or admission and other associated costs.

Centering around select key global music events like ADE or WOMEX, MICC is designed to ease the financial burden for selected artist manager funding recipients, so they have the capacity to undertake a reconnaissance trip, to build international industry networks, export in-roads and learn more about international markets, leveraging the activities, networking and professional development opportunities of ADE or WOMEX.

Applications are now open and will close midnight AEST on Sunday September 10. To apply, as well as read the eligibility criteria and T&Cs, head to the link in our bio.

Photos by Eric van Nieuwland (Left, WOMEX) and Tom Doms (Right, ADE)

Congratulations to all the winners from last night

Congratulations to all the winners from last night’s National Indigenous Music Awards (@the.nimas), held on beautiful Larrakia country.

We wanted to give a special shout-out to a few of the winners who have showcased with Sounds Australia in the last 12 months:

@kingstingrayband - Song Of The Year & Film Clip Of The Year, showcased with us at @sxsw this year.

@budjerah - Artist Of The Year, showcased at THE AUSSIE BBQ @summerstage in New York in June.

@ngulmiya - Indigenous Language Award, showcased at @womex_theworldmusicexpo last year in Lisbon.

And an extra mention to @thelmaplum who won Album Of The Year and will be showcasing at the @reeperbahn_festival in Hamburg next month.

📷: @gdayusa (1), @deshaunicus (2), @ericvannieuwland (3)

Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Central Park

Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Central Park on Saturday 17 June to watch six Australian acts perform at THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage. Here’s what it looked like!

For this third year of the all-Australian showcase, @1300.info, @AmyShark, @Budjerah, @LFreshTheLion, @PeachPRC and @Spiderbait took to the stage. Thank you to everyone who came down to SummerStage in Central Park. We can’t wait to see you again next year.

THE AUSSIE BBQ was presented by @CapitalOne @CPFNYC @SummerStage and Sounds Australia, in association with @DFAT.

Special thanks to @AusGov Office for the Arts, @AusCouncilArts, @APRAAMCOS, @ARIA_Official, @PPCA.Official, @CreateNSW and the @SAGovernment.

Video shot and edited by Joey Parma.
Music is ‘Shazam!’ by Spiderbait.

#summerstage #1300 #amyshark #budjerah #lfreshthelion #peachprc #spiderbait

Load More Follow on Instagram