As we power through the year that is 2025, catch up everything in our ever-changing industry.
WA SONG OF YEAR NOMINEES UNVEILED
West Australian Music (WAM) unveiled its Song of the Year nominees, with East Kimberley rap-pop act from Kukatja and Pintupi mobs ICONYX leading with three gongs.
Following with two each were Afropop artist Adrian Dzvuke and indie pop Joan & The Giants.
The competition, presented by Act Belong Commit, drew over 800 original songs to its 17 categories.
New Category
A new category A Song For Sophie for under- 25s whose lyrics have “a deep connection with human emotions”, was named for artist Sophie Smith, will get a cash prize and mentoring from San Cisco’s Jodi Davieson.
The awards return to Freo.Social on Wed June 18 with sets by Stella Donnelly, Kučka, Little Birdy, Abbe May, The Waifs, and South Summit.
Read all the latest product & music industry news here.
EDM SCENE NOW $12.9B, AUSTRALIA ITS THIRD LARGEST STREAMING MARKET
The global electronic dance music scene grew 6% to US$12.9 billion (AU $20.12 billion) in 2024 – and Australia remains its third largest streaming market.
This was from the IMS Business Report, presented at the IMS Ibiza 2025 summit by Mark Mulligan and his UK-based MIDiA Research.
Revenue Grew
“Global music industry revenue grew again in 2024, though at a slower rate than in 2023 due to maturing streaming revenues and the post-covid live resurgence lessening,” said Mulligan.
“Electronic music however, continued to increase its share of both revenues and culture.
“Driven by the rise of new genres like Afro House, a renaissance for genres like Drum & Bass, and the rise of a new generation of fans, creators and scenes remaking electronic music in their own image, electronic music finds itself at the start of a brave new era of culture resonance.”
Stand Out
Australia was commended as a “stand-out market” alongside the Netherlands, “in that the gross total of electronic music Spotify listeners is more than ten times the total population size in both markets.”
At SoundCloud EDM made up a third of all streams on the platform in Australia—50% higher than the global average of 22% – while the genre made up 35% of all uploads compared to 28% in 2023.
The overseas success of Dom Dolla, Rufus Du Sol, Flume, Cyril, Fisher, Nina Las Vegas, Vassy, Sonny Fodera and Mall Grab, among others, has redefined the country’s musical image in the eyes of the world.
Discovered
In 2024 EDM artists from Australia were discovered by first-time listeners more than 2.7 billion times on Spotify.
Brazil, Mexico, and Germany are key new markets for Aussie EDM names, making up 80% of royalties from outside their home market.
Total listenership across leading markets was up 15% in 2024.
Australia had 326 million monthly listenership throughout 2024 with Germany on top with 503 million and the USA at second spot with 400 million.
Tech House and House are among the most popular, based on Beatport sales.
More Changes
But according to the report, “2024 saw much more change in rankings than previous years, with Afro house and Drum & bass and big gainers.
“While Techno (peak / driving) dropped a few places, this was offset by the rise of Techno (raw / deep / hypnotic) as a new entrant in the top 10 in Q4 2024.”
Drum & Bass, Jungle, and UK Garage had a revival with new followers. SoundCloud posted a 100% increase in UK Garage uploads.
As a result, according to the report, “Electronic music finds itself at the start of a brave new era of culture resonance.”
Indie Labels
These changes have seen independent labels taking a greater market share for the fifth year in a row, now up to 30%.
EDM acts on global festival line-ups marked 18%, up from 13% in 2021 and 16% in 2023.
In Australia, EDM remained the most popular genre of festivals.
Ultra Music Festival
This year’s ULTRA drew 36,000 over two cities while Laneway did 200,000 nationally.
Last year the 4-city Listen Out drew 17,000 in Sydney and 20,000 in Brisbane.
Beyond The Valley outside Melbourne hit capacity at 35,000; and Field Day had proven it could draw 20,000 in Sydney.
Gender
DJing still remains heavily male-skewed, around 80% while female DJs were about 16 to 18%.
But DJ equipment firm AlphaTheta’s registered userbase points to the steady rise of female DJs (now 16%), many inspired by the growing popularity of female pioneers.
“There are decades of ingrained behaviours, practices, and biases to counter, but with concerted effort (industry) and continued talent (female DJs) the balance will continue to shift.”
Michael’s Rule
MORE SUPPORT ACTS ON BIG TOURS
The NSW Government adopted Michael’s Rule, campaign lead by the Association of Artist Managers, to encourage international tours to have an Australian support act.
The Government will reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000 for each eligible show across the Venues NSW Network, and a $5000 reduction at Sydney Opera House.
The support act must appear on the same stage as the international artist, and be announced at the same time as the tour.
Premier
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity, performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists.
“This will help Aussie artists take an even bigger stage on international playlists, skewing the Spotify algorithm to mix in more Aussie tracks and put NSW up in lights as a home of great music.”
Michael’s Rule got his name from the late Michael McMartin, long time Hoodoo Gurus manager, who fought for it.
SPILT MILK HEADING FOR RECORD RETURN?
After its hiatus in 29024, Spilt Milk has returned stronger than ever.
In 2023, it hit a record 175,000 across Canberra, Gold Coast, Perth and Ballarat, selling out all its tickets in minutes.
Over 100,000 came from outside these cities.
Last Friday (May 9) tickets sold out at a faster rate in all cities but Perth.
Sign-Ups
Three days before, promoter Kick/ Live Nation revealed they had already received more pre-sale signups than available tix.
The Ballarat show is expected to inject $13.8 million into the local economy, similar to 2023. Two years ago, the town’s average spend on a Saturday tripled when Milk rolled into town.
In 2022, it generated $54.4 million in Canberra, Gold Coast and Ballarat.
Generated
Spilt Milk has generated over $210 million dollars and created more than 25,000 job opportunities since launching in 2016.
It is expected to deliver a minimum economic impact of $63.4 million to the Canberra region over the next three years.
TIKTOK AUSTRALIA TRIPLES REVENUE
A report Mumbrella noted that last year TikTok Australia went through a significant growth through 2024.
It almost doubled its profits to $31.2 million, a huge bounce from the $11.4 million made in 2023.
Revenue
It ticked over revenue of $679 million in the year to December 31, compared to $375.2 million the year before.
$474.3 million came directly from advertisers, with the rest described as “services”.
Its biggest local spend was online advertising, a total of $341.7 million. Tiktok paid $11.1 million in income tax in Australia.
Postponement
While Trump is considering a further 90 day postponement on closing it in America, the Albanese Government’s ban for anyone under 16 on all social media comes into effect in December.
There is no official figure on how many of TikTok Australia’s 8.5 million users are under 16.
The majority are aged between 18 and 24, with the platform’s ads reaching 46.6% of local social media users aged 18 and over.
OUT 2 LUNCH DRAWS 30K, MAKES $54M
DJ Fisher’s Gold Coast festival Out 2 Lunch has been another triumph, drawing 30,000 to Broadwater Parklands over two days and generating $54 million to the local economy.
There were inevitable squawks about the noise but authorities were happy, especially with 29% of the crowd coming from outside Queensland.
Sold Out
Accommodation was sold out, and the Southport Chamber of Commerce licked its lips, “These events are a catalyst for growth and (we) strongly support their ongoing return to our precinct.”
TINA RADBURN, JOHN COLLINS STEP DOWN FROM QMUSIC
June will see two long time management committee members of Queensland peak music association QMusic, Tina Radburn and John “JC” Collins step down for solo projects.
Radburn served for almost ten years, many times as Secretary and a significant role behind the Creative Industries Export Strategy in Queensland and Contemporary Music Export Program in North America.
Collins arrived in 2019, dealing with government and economic bodies in keeping the state’s music sector afloat during COVID while running the Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall and currently Qld’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner.
ARTIST MANAGER AWARDS
At the Association of Artist Management awards in Melbourne/Naarm these were the winners:
Manager of the Year
- Andrew Klippel of Ourness
- Roster: Royel Otis, Genesis Owusu
Breakthrough Manager of the Year
- James Fava of Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide
- Roster: Dom Dolla, Anna Lunoe (co-manager), Torren Foot (co-manager), Airwolf Paradise (co-manager)
Emerging Manager of the Year
- Elise Naismith of Lemon Tree Music
- Roster: Kita Alexander
Community Engagement Award
- Louise Sawilejskij of Nala Music
- Roster: Tijuana Cartel, Declan Kelly, Ren Stone
Legacy Award
Presented by Frontier Touring
- John Watson og John Watson Management (JWM), Eleven; A Music Company
- Roster: Birds of Tokyo, Cold Chisel, Gotye, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, Peter Garrett, The Presets
Patrons Gift Award
- Summer King of Topic Artists
- Roster: Sycco (co-manager), Mel Blue (co-manager), Oscar Sharah
In addition, the 2025 APRA AMCOS Lighthouse Award recipient was Ash Hills who is a part of the leadership team at UNIFIED Music Group, which collectively manages Ocean Alley, The Amity Affliction and Vance Joy.
Hills also personally manages Dan Sultan and Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers.
MADONNA’S “HOLIDAY” PITCHING QLD
The 1980s Madonna classic “Holiday” is used by Tourism and Events Queensland to soundtrack its latest multi-million dollar campaign to get Aussies to Have That Holiday Feeling and get their freezing asses to the sunshine state.
The song is sung by NSW based singer songwriter Kita Alexander who grew up in Queensland and got a recent boost opening for Dua Lipa’s sold out eight-dates in March.
The three shows at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena shifted 47,675 tickets and grossed $5,401,009.
Dream
Other Australian acts and songs behind tourism campaigns are Empire Of The Sun’s “Walking On A Dream”, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ “Red Right Hand”, Icehouse’s “Great Southern Land”, Taxiride’s “Get Set”, King Stingray’s remake of “Down Under” and Busby Marou’s version of Van Morrison’s “Days Like This”.
FREEDMAN GROUP BUYS LECTROSONICS
Australia’s Freedman Group – which owns RØDE, Mackie, Aphex, SoundField and Event Electronics – has acquired Lectrosonics, a globally renowned US manufacturer of professional wireless audio systems since 1971.
Peter Freedman AM, who founded the company in Sydney in 1989, said, “They are without doubt the world’s leader in wireless communication for the entertainment and broadcast markets.
“Being able to now offer our customers the finest sounding wireless technology in the world is, without exaggeration, something that is very special to me.”
Buy-Out
When announcing the buy-out to Lectrosonics staff at its Rio Rancho, New Mexico, HQ. he confirmed heavy investment in the company.
This included increasing number of products tenfold, a 5% raise to employees and expanding from its current 118 countries and 8,000 dealers.
PROGRAM SENDS PRODUCERS, ENGINEERS, TO UK
Fast Track Fellowship, a partnership between the Victorian Music Development Office and Music Producers and Engineers Guild (MPEG), will enable mid-career producers and/or engineers to go two the UK for two months.
With travel and accommodation for up to 8 weeks, the Fellows get access mentors, studios and industry events, that will expand their pathways to build global networks, international experience and professional opportunities.
Applications close May 23, with recipient announced the week after.
YAMAHA FUNDING START-UPS
Music instrument and audio equipment maker Yamaha has started a $50 million fund corporate venture capital fund to invest in music and media startups from this month.
The Yamaha Music Innovations Fund is looking for those creating Next-Gen hardware, software, and AI-powered tools that elevate artistic expression; new ways for artists to collaborate, and technologies; platforms reshaping how content is created, consumed and monetized; and technological innovations in education and well-being through immersive experiences.
AUSSIES DOING DAMN GOOD
Two Australian music executives have been handed high influential global positions.
Rachel Newman is new Co-Head of Apple Music, with Ole Obermann based in LA.
After stints at Mushroom Records and music TV XYZ Networks (three years as Program Director) she joined Apple in 2009 as the Manager for iTunes in Australia and New Zealand, becoming General Manager two years later.
By end of 2018, she moved to America to become Global Director of Editorial.
Spencer
Andrew Spencer moves to London in the northern summer from Australia to become Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents Europe.
Before that he was at Chugg Entertainment, and then shifted to Frontier Touring/AEG as Chief Commercial Officer.
He played a major role in investment in venues Liberty Hall and Hordern Pavilion, theatrical and sport merchandise company Playbill Group, and the introduction of AXS ticketing into Australia.
HOSTS NAMED FOR SUNSHINE COAST AWARDS
TV’s Ian “Dicko” Dickson and triple j’s Sarah Howells host the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards, at The Station in Birtinya June 1.
It is set up by by the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) – which supports local musicians and the sector – and supported by the Sunshine Coast Council.
Brand
The idea is to brand the Coast as a touring destination and boost the night time economy.
Among prizes, the Rising Star Award winner plays at Big Pineapple Festival, and the Coast’s most-dedicated punter gets a year of free gigs.
One in 41 people on the Sunshine Coast identify as being involved in the music industry.
RADIO WAWA
While the Copyright Tribunal hearing the stoush between the commercial radio sector and the PPCA on increasing the 0.4% royalty for playing music, radio’s Commercial Radio & Audio has axed its awards this year blaming the dispute.
KERRI GLASCOCK MOVES
Kerri Glasscock steps down as Sydney Fringe Chief Executive and Festival Director in June after 12 years to start as Executive Director of Create NSW.
An advocate of independent thinking, during her time at the Fringe she gave it a national profile, developed more partnerships, tripled ticketed attendance and increased returning box office revenue to artists by over 400%.
NEW RADIO SHOW FOR SA MUSIC
Off The Label is a new show focussing on South Australian music, hosted by Di Spillane every Mondays on community radio PBA-FM 89.7,
Spillane specially chose Monday to air, as it’s a quiet day for musicians, allowing them to participate in interviews.
SHAZAM LAUNCHES VIRAL AUSSIE CHART
Apple Music subsidiary Shazam is tapping into what’s happening in Australia as part of its new Viral Chart to fund out the fastest moving Top 50 tracks around the globe.
It includes the Top 200 Australia and separate Top 50 in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney (because what’s trending in each city is different) broken up in genres.
LAST DRINKS FOR ADELAIDE BEER & BBQ
Australia is losing another festival. Gareth Lewis and Aaron Sandow have announced that after ten years, its June episode will be its last.
Over the past decade, it has had 150,000 punters through the gates and showcased over 400 breweries and small businesses.
Costs
But post-COVID, costs rose by 30–40% since 2022—from artists to toilets to beer excise. “We cannot see a way forward.”
The grand hurrah is held over five massive sessions this King’s Birthday Long Weekend (June 6–8) at the Adelaide Showground, with 100 producers and 40 acts including Wolfmother, Tim Finn, The Chats, Custard, Rocket Science and The Gooch Palms.
MOSSY BANS PHONES
He might have had a hit with “Telephone Booth”, but on his current national run, Ian Moss has told audiences to put away their mobiles and not film the performance.
“Sorry folks, enjoy the performance with your eyes instead”, the guitar shredder said.
It comes after feedback from fans complaining people holding up their phones disrupt the show and obscure their view of the stage.
Briefed
“Venue staff have been briefed and will help us enforce this policy,” he said.
Artists banning smoking and meat products are common.
Once at a Perth show, the late Renee Geyer took exception to an audience member wearing a suit and tie, and razzed him mercilessly through the night.
Last week Tina Arena mischievously had a go at audience members taking a loo break during her show at the Palais in Melbourne.
“Back in my day you wouldn’t leave to go to the toilet unless you were shitting your pants,” she cackled.
NEW FESTIVAL FOR BROOME
Broome WA gets a new three-day music and arts festival Untamed to stage September 19 to 21 at the Broome Golf Club.
It’s a blend of sets from Spiderbait and Dan Sultan, indigenous soul bands, hot air balloon rides, camel safaris, zero waste initiatives and bush knowledge workshops.
VALE: THOSE WE LOST THE LAST MONTH
Mick Mazzone
Hoodoo Gurus and Ian Moss manager promoter and sound engineer Dominic “Mick” Mazzone was farewelled at a ceremony in Adelaide’s National Wine Centre where attendees were asked to wear their favourite band T-shirt.
A report in the Advertiser noted tht Ian Moss and Mick’s daughter Antonio performed, MC and fellow artist manager Peter Rix remarked “People like Mick Mazzone do not come along very often and we have all been privileged to know him.”
Hard Act
A tearful Dave Faulkner of the Gurus “He’s going to be a very hard act to follow and the rest of our lives will be a hard act to follow not having him in it.”
Mazonne, 64, was awarded the Order of Australia in 2018 for considerable charity work.
Paris Pompor
Paris Pompor was an influential Sydney-based DJ who presented a dance show on East Side FM and then 2SER’s Jumping The Gap every Wed on midday for 15 years.
His work in music and film came via Groovescooter with Georgie Zuzak, and the Afrobrasilia crew, and fellow DJ Stephen Ferris described as “the ultimate curator—in radio, festivals, cinema, talks, club.”
James Baker
Western Australian Hall of Fame inductee, drummer and punk rock lifestyle guru James Baker passed at 71.
In 1977 he formed The Victims with Dave Faulkner in Fremantle, the pair writing “Television Addict”, and then The Invaders who became The Scientists.
He played on the first Hoodoo Gurus album after moving over to The Beasts Of Bourbon and The Dubrovnics before returning to Perth to twirl the sticks for Rockin’ Hendy and The Painkillers.
Kimble Rendall
Kimble Rendall, one time Hoodoo Gurus and XL Capris member turned advertising guru and film director also made videos for the Gurus, Cold Chisel and Diesel.
He was married to Basia Bonkowski and Stephen Cummings who worked with him on the TV ad Feel Better Now remembered him as “an everyday knockabout guy.”
Peter McIan
Peter McIan was a US record producer who in the 1980s worked on albums by Men At Work, Mondo Rock and Dear Enemy, turned their live sounds into more radio friendly ones.
He had huge success with Men At Work whose Business As Usual and Cargo albums had multi-million selling success in America.
Ian Cousins
Ian Cousins, best known for founding director of Gold Coast community radio station 94.1 and hosting its Ian Cousin’s Countdown show, started in Rockhampton’s 4RO, was general manager of Radio 97 at Tweed Head, and then Gold and SEA FM on the Coast.
Anthony Breslin
ARIA-winning Anthony Breslin was a singular and evocative visual artist based in Melbourne, and shot music videos for Something For Kate, The Androids, Killing Heidi, The Superjesus and a Tex Perkins and You am I collaboration.
