Keep up with our ever evolving industry!
EIGHT MILES HIGH: MORE AUSSIE ACTS TAKE ON THE WORLD
More and more Aussies are being given the chance to go abroad for their careers through different programs putting them in the Departure Lounge.
1. Music Australia
The fifth round of Music Australia’s Export Development Fund sees 78 artists, producers and composers take to the skies with a total investment of $997,787.95.
The organisation’s recent report The Bass Line showed strong international demand for Australian music, with music export contributing an estimated $975 million to the music industry.
Canada
Of the 78, Emily Wurramara plays her Nara album at Canadian Folk Festival, hip hop act LEE goes to Los Angeles to test his prospects, producer Chandler Jewels works with Canadian producer WondaGurl in Toronto, R&B neo-soul artist Anieszka will do writing sessions in Germany and the UK, and female-fronted heavy band Full Flower Moon Band return to Europe and UK for their headline tour and a debut showcase at Reeperbahn Festival.
Read all the latest product & music industry news here.
Not-for-profit label Music in Exile will undertake a global press campaign to support the release of Jutna, a full-length album and accompanying short film created by musicians with lived experience of migration and displacement working in the Australian music industry.
Workshop
Harpist and composer Paul Nicolaou will undertake an intensive weeklong workshop Writing and Recording for Video Games in Vienna with composer Austin Wintory, and DJ-producer DAWS undertakes production and co-writing sessions with European producers.
2. MusicNT Music Export Fund
Northern Territory’s peak music association MusicNT has set up a new Music Export Fund courtesy $100,000 from the Territory Government to see more Territorian acts out there showcasing, recording and touring abroad and get over physical remoteness challenges.
“Northern Territory artists are producing some of the most exciting music in the country at the moment,” said MusicNT chief Mark Smith.
3. Sounds Australia Trade Mission
Sounds Australia opened Expressions of Interest for booking agents to join a delegation to the AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia in September. See https://soundsaustralia.com.au/expressions-of-interest-axean-festival-2025/.
In June, Sounds Australia attended the International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto, hosted two showcases at the country music CMA Fest in Nashville, coordinated a delegation of Australian independent label & distributor reps at A2IM Indie Week in New York, presented the fifth year of THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage in Central Park and attended the inaugural MUSICMEX in Mexico City.
UNTITLED PARTNERS WITH JESSICA DUCROU’S BLACK PEACH
Untitled Group has partnered with promoter legend Jessica Ducrou’s new company Black Peach.
As co-founder and former CEO of Secret Sounds Group, she had a dead-centre role in iconic festivals such as Splendour in the Grass, Falls, Harvest Rock, Homebake and Secret Sounds Touring and the Village Sounds agency.
Collaboration
According to a press release, “The collaboration will focus on delivering international touring artists across Australia, complementing Untitled’s pipeline of global talent through its flagship festivals and tours.”
“The strategic alignment between Untitled’s expansive festival network and Ducrou’s deep industry experience promises to create more world-class live music experiences for Australian audiences.”
Milestone
The announcement follows a milestone year for Untitled Group, recently ranked #12 on Billboard’s Top Promoters Worldwide, and Pitch Music & Arts and Beyond The Valley named in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals globally.
TIKTOK LAUNCHES LIVE FAN CLUB
With 130 million creators worldwide now broadcast LIVE content daily on TikTok, it has launched the LIVE Fan Club feature.
Fans who complete missions as catching livestreams, adding comment in chat, and sending virtual gifts earn points and unlock rewards as exclusive gifts they can send to creators and exclusive chat rooms.
… AND SETS PLAN B FOR U.S. DEADLINE
With TikTok’s US deadline creeping up on September 17 to sell its American interests or face a total ban, its parent company ByteDance is working on Plan B.
According to The Information on Sunday (July 6), it is developing a standalone version for US users to hit the market on September 5.
President Trump says he has already found a US buyer – “a group of very wealthy people” – which he will reveal in late July while talks with Chinese authorities began this week.
JOE CAMILLERI GUITARS STOLEN
Nine guitars of Black Sorrows’ Joe Camilleri’s were stolen from his home in country Victoria.
They were a 1975 Fender Stratocaster, a 1990s Gretsch Roc Jet Black, and five vintage axes including a 1967 Gibson Les Paul cherry top, 1964 National Map Guitar Black and a 1960 Gibson 330.
Passport
Also nicked were his passport, Apple iMac and Apple laptops.
If you have any information, advice guitar resellers and contact Kyneton Police on (03) 5421 2900.
UK MUSIC TOURISM JUMPS TO £10 BILLION
A record 23.5 million music tourists attended concerts and festivals in the UK and spent £10 billion (AU$20.9 billion) in 2024.
Of these, 21.9 million were music tourists from other parts of the UK – a 21% rise on 2023.
1.6 million visitors came from overseas, up 62% on 2023’s total of one million.
Glory
The figures were from UK Music’s Hometown Glory report, which aimed to show how much the live sector contributed to the UK’s economy.
But it doesn’t include spending by tourists who come to visit 100+ famous rock landmarks.
These include the zebra crossing outside Abbey Road studios, the flats where Jimi Hendrix and Keith Moon died, or where videos and album covers were shot and where hits were written.
MULTIWINS AT NT AWARDS
A number of acts had multiple wins at the NT Music Awards held in Alice Springs.
Rrawun Maymuru and Nick Wales “Yolngu” swooped NT Song of the Year and the Electronic/Dance category.
Alice Springs sibling act The Wanted Gems won Folk, Pop and Youth, while Darwin punks’ ode to the NT lifestyle, “Darwin Time” had trophies for Rock and People’s Choice Song of the Year.
Industry
Among industry wins were TerrorLoud for Metro Festival, Desert Harmony for Regional Festival while Dirk Kelly got Tech of the Year.
Folk singers Ted Egan AO and Nerys Evans were jointly inducted into the Hall of Fame, sell full winners list at https://musicawards.musicnt.com.au/about/finalists/
BURNING MAN AT FESTIVAL CONFERENCE
Burning Man festival gets a spotlight at the Australian Festival Industry Conference (September 8 and 9 in Brisbane), with its Director of Civic Activation, Christopher Breedlove, confirmed as second keynote.
Looking at the future of festivals, his speech via livestream will explain Burning Man’s unique setup, its waste management and energy production, and how it’s responded to recent natural weather events – something which is of growing concern to Australian promoters.
Additions
Of two additions to the speakers’ list, Stephen Wray, Director of Music and Director of the Arts, Office of Arts will discuss what support is available for music festivals, and update on the next step of the Federal Government’s ‘Am I ever going to see you live again’ inquiry, as well as funding opportunities, including Revive Live.
Lauren Penny: Chair of the newly launched Major Events Business Group – Queensland (MEBG-Q) will talk about its aim of advocating for Queensland suppliers in preparation for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics and beyond.
VICTORIA OFFERS $3M LIFELINE
The Allan Labor Government announced a $3 million boost for Victorian musicians, bands, venues, festivals and workers.
The latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund will fund 136 venues across the state to stage paid gigs by local artists.
These include the Wesley Anne, Howler and The Tote in Melbourne alongside unexpected spaces including Echuca Aquatic Reserve and Coal Creek Community Park & Museum.
Festivals
The Live Music Festivals Fund will support 11 festivals across the state with grants of up to $50,000 to help put on new or existing events.
These include LGBTQIA festival Gaytimes, Castlemaine’s Town Folk, Phillip Island’s Ocean Sounds, Queenscliff Music, Port Fairy Folk and Riverboats Music.
Music Works
Music Works will provide more than $940,000 worth of grants, backing the careers of emerging and established artists, supporting them to create new music, tour and reach new audiences.
Among the 81 recipients are Ecca Vandal, Blood Lotus, Liz Stringer, DJ PGZ, Max Aurora & The Southern Lights, Music In Exile, Find Your Voice Collective, Eliza Hull, Miss Kaninna and Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice.
Careers
In addition, more artists will have opportunities to develop their careers through Multicultural Arts Victoria’s NEWPRINT program, which is designed to support artists, producers and creative workers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to break into the music industry and take their careers to the next level.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks remarked, “We’re backing our artists, venues and festivals to continue delivering the incredible music, performances and events that form part of our cultural fabric and make us the music capital of Australia.”
INAUGURAL NSW MUSIC PRIZE UNVEILED
The NSW Government has launched the inaugural NSW Music Prize, through Sound NSW, and presented during Ausmusic Month this November, there are three categories.
The $80,000 NSW Music Prize goes to the artist/band who has made the biggest impact, nominated by 20 execs and judged by five.
First Nations
The $40,000 NSW First Nations Music Prize to a First Nations artist/band with significant impact, judged by three First Nations experts.
The $40,000 NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year award to an emerging talent who had a ground breaking year, as nominated by 20 execs and judged by five.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, explained, “Despite the fact NSW is the engine room of Australia’s music industry, we were one of the only states that didn’t have a music prize.”
Travesty
“I thought that was a travesty, so the arrival of the NSW Music Prize will right that wrong.”
Expressions of Interest are open until Monday July 21 for interested parties to join the nominations committee and judging panels.
The Sound NSW website has more information.
NEW SIGNINGS
WILL K @ Sweat It Out & Easier Said
Melbourne prodigy DJ and producer WILL K who started spinning at 12 and notched up 130 million streams, has joined label Sweat It Out and Easier Said Music Publishing.
He’s dropped his new single “Don’t Worry” through the new set-up. His manager Tass Diakos said, “WILL is entering a pivotal new chapter in his career… (and) both teams understand his creative vision and bring incredible energy to the table.”
Wade Forster @ UNIFIED Artist Management
Fast emerging country music singer Wade Forster – currently on his first US headline tour, parts of which have sold out – has signed with UNIFIED Artist Management.
He will be co-managed by artist manager Nick Lynagh and founder/CEO Jaddan Comerford.
Selling Out
Comerford said: “Selling out shows in America is just another sign of how his music is resonating with audiences and growing on a daily basis.
His new single “Last Of A Dying Breed” is out via Community Music — UNIFIED’s full-service distribution and artist development platform.
TIXEL EXPANDS PRESENCE IN US MARKET
AI-powered Australian face value ticket exchange platform Tixel, which launched in 2018 in response to rampant scalping, has pushed further into the US market with new deals.
These include arts and cultural nonprofit Burning Man Project, San Diego’s FNGRS CRSSD festival, Montana’s Under The Big Skyfestival and Vermont club Higher Ground, along with primary ticketing platforms Eventbrite, Leap Event Technology and Prekindle.
Founder
Tixel founder and CEO Zac Leighsaid, “Buying a resale ticket in the U.S. is often synonymous with paying 2, 3, or 4 times the original purchase price.”
“Scalpers and brokers skim the profit and the fan, artist and promoter lose.”
“It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Entry
“With Tixel’s entry to the market there is now a safe and fair place for fans in the U.S. to exchange tickets to any kind of event without fear of spec listings, fake tickets, or having to pay way too much simply because they missed out in the initial onsale.”
NSW BUDGET REMEMBERS ARTS
The recent NSW budget put aside $500 million+ package for arts and culture “to support local industry and creators here in NSW, bringing the total spend in 2025-26 to $1.35 billion.”
$20.6 million went to to support the Office of the 24-hour Commissioner and grow the NSW nightlife, and $20 million for Sound NSW to continue supporting the local music scene.
LISTEN OUT ON “PAUSE”
Hip hop and dance festival Listen Out is pulled for 2025, but instead is opting for curated parties around the country.
“The last few years have been tough,” it said on Instagram. “So, we’re hitting pause on Listen Out as you know it.”
Figures
It launched in 2013, and in 2023 said it pulled its biggest figures over six cities.
Unofficial figures had 40,000 in Brisbane alone and over 27,000 in Sydney.
ABC TO INTEGRATE MUSIC PROGRAMMING
The ABC is integrating its music radio programming into its music networks “to strengthen ownership” of its brands and bring its programming and content teams closer together.
A new role of Manager for Music Programming is being scouted.
Departure
It means the departure of Emily Copeland as Head of Music, where she overlooked triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, ABC Country, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.
In her time, Copeland increased local content, more listener behaviour research, strengthened the one night stand project, and the return of the Young Performers Awards to the ABC.
INDIE CON/INDIE WEEK PROGRAM
Things are in preparation for AIR’s Indie-Con & A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition in Adelaide (July 30 to August 1).
2IM (American Association of Independent Music) bring speakers from labels such as Oh Boy, Empire, Hopeless, Rough Trade, FADER Label, Secretly Group, Symphonic Distribution; and organisations such as Rhymesayers, Go Digital, Better Noise and Cosynd.
Global
A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition topics include: Global Growth: Expanding Traditional Markets, Glocalisation, The Back Catalogue Blueprint: From Old Tracks to New Profits, Deal Making in the Age of AI as well as a Keynote with Jody Whelan and In Conversation with Dr. Richard James Burgess (A2IM, President and CEO).
Speakers
Indie-Con features speakers from CRASHER, Mushroom Music AU and NZ, Flying Nun (NZ), MERLIN, Xelon Digital, Secretly Group (NL), Good Company (US), Handsome Tours, Good Manners Music, Bush Music Fund, Support Act, The Annex, Sound Merch, Trackwork, Offbeat Collective, ABC Music, Sunreturn (NZ), IMNZ, NZ Music Commission, Concord, Future Classic, Our Golden Friend, Remote Control, Media Arts Lawyers, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, The Orchard, ADA, APRA AMCOS, ARIA, PPCA, Sounds Australia and AAM.
Touring
Indie-Con conference topics include: The Ever Changing World of Touring, Fan Development, Data for Decision Making, The Future of Physical Music, Spotlight on Indie Labels, Case Studies on Emily Wurramara and Sycco, How to A&R, Meet Your Next Producer; An introduction to the NZ market and why Radio Caps must go.
ADELAIDE FRINGE INJECTS $197.7M INTO SA ECONOMY
Adelaide Fringe, the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, has once again proven its significant impact on South Australia’s economy.
The 2025 event generated a total expenditure of $197.7 million, with $144.2 million identified as new money injected into the state economy.
Tourism
Tourism played a major role, with visitors staying for just over a week on average and spending approximately $4,825 each.
The Fringe created 16,128 jobs throughout the season.
Pay-Outs
Of the 1,532 shows across 575 venues, a total of $26.7 million was paid out directly to artists and venues as the result of selling 1,066,515 tickets.
“In addition to that,” Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said, “Our Honey Pot marketplace generated over $6 million in touring deals, creating tangible career opportunities for artists by connecting them with national and international programmers, producers, and presenters.”
Market
“It’s this marketplace that turns a festival season into a launchpad for touring, collaborations, and long-term creative success.”
KIIS BRAND WIDENS TO DANCE
Australian Radio Network’s KIIS brand has extended with a digital station focussed on electronic dance music.
KIIS Dance is heard on DAB+ in Melbourne and the Gold Coast and on the iHeart app.
National
Its content is also heard on the national KIIS FM network, on Friday and Saturday nights with dedicated dance programming.
The move comes as electronic music is now the fastest-growing genre among Australian listeners aged 18–34.
DENMARK HAS DEEPFAKES SOLUTION
In this era of AI-generated deepfakes or convincing fake recreations of someone’s voice or facial features), a new law in Denmark gives every citizen copyright ownership of their own face, body and voice.
The upcoming law will make it illegal to share deepfakes, with infringers having to pay compensation but no fine or prison.
Senate
It follows a move by the US Senate in April proposing (again) the NO FAKES (Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe) Act where citizens are protected by right of publicity via controlling the use of their own likeness and voice.
ONE TIME DJ SETS UP LAW PRACTICE
Former DJ and musician Ben Rynderman has taken another step in his life as a Sunshine Coast based criminal lawyer.
He has a Research Masters degree in Creative Industries, Bachelor degrees in both Law and Music, and also worked as an Associate Lecturer in Music and Music Business for institutions including Central Queensland University and Box Hill Institute.
After running Lumme Rynderman Legal with Christopher Lumme, he’s now gone solo, setting up Rynderman Law on Ocean St, Maroochydore – right opposite the Solbar music club.
VALE (THOSE WE LOST IN THE LAST MONTH)
Kevin Welgus was part of the team which set up the Caravan Club 2007 to 2009. Peter Foley recalls, “The early days were difficult and Kev was a spiritual brother providing lots of practical and emotional support.”
Nick Rischbieth played bass with ’80s Melbourne band Sacred Cowboys, once damned by “Molly” Meldrum as “the worst band I’ve seen in five years”, was in Sharks, and was also a producer and engineer.
Tony Dean was the founder, in March 1980, of one of the first Beatles tribute bands, using the same equipment and costumes. They played Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangkok and New Zealand, from before 100,000 at an ARL Grand Final to 50 at a backyard function.
