Meet Damian Trotter [pictured right], the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music (SATV) Publishing Australia. Damian is also a Director of APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association), Director and former Chairperson of AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited) and AMPAL (Australasian Music Publishers Association Limited). He is also one of the patrons of the Australian Music Prize (AMP).
Damian has worked in the Australian music industry since 1982 holding key positions in sales, marketing, promotion and A&R before taking up the offer to come in and head up the newly-established Sony Music Publishing - now Sony/ATV Music Publishing thanks to the addition of the Beatles catalogue - in 1992.
In this relatively short space of time, SATV has grown into a music publishing powerhouse both locally and internationally, representing many of the biggest names in the music world including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Silverchair, Midnight Oil, Leonard Cohen, Beck, Augie March, Gurrumul, Paul Kelly, Don Walker, Jeff Buckley, Pearl Jam, Pete Murray, Delta Goodrem, The Hoodoo Gurus, Bob Evans, Sarah Blasko, Joni Mitchell, Oasis, The Hilltop Hoods, Lisa Gerrard, Ben Lee, Empire of the Sun, Angus and Julia Stone, Roy Orbison, Spiderbait, Lisa Mitchell, Boy & Bear, Kate Miller-Heidke and Tame Impala… to name a few.
Damian is appearing at One Movement as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, Damian?
My first job was the NSW North Coast sales rep for CBS Records covering all record stores and radio stations from Newcastle to the far North Coast and inland to Armidale down through Tamworth etc. After that into Promotions, A&R, Local Artist marketing manager, and Head of Promotions, before heading up SATV Music Publishing in 1992.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I’ve worked with too many incredible artists to single out any one, but basically building our company from scratch with a small dedicated staff to where it is today.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Finding the time! Keeping up with emails and getting to listen to everything I need to.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far?
‘Big Jet Plane‘ by Angus and Julia Stone. [audio embedded below]
Got any hot tips for artists that you believe will break through later this year?
If Boy & Bear’s album is as good as the first EP suggests it will be, then they will be huge. [Music video for the Boy & Bear track 'Rabbit Song' embedded below]
Finally, what’s your favourite song by an Australian artist, and why?
Meet Kyle Hopkins [pictured right], who oversees music supervision for Microsoft. Kyle curates soundtracks for Xbox games and places music in Windows, Windows Mobile, Xbox Live and Zune marketing campaigns. As of January 1, 2010, over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles had been sold worldwide in the four years since its introduction, with half of those sales taking place in the United States and a quarter in Europe.
Kyle also hosts two weekly radio programs on award-winning KEXP 90.3 in Seattle, a four-time CMJ “Station of the Year” award winner and the most streamed radio station in America.
As a performer, Kyle has DJed alongside such luminaries as Damian Marley, Massive Attack, Burning Spear, Goldie, Benga, Roni Size, LTJ Bukem, DJ Hype and countless others. Kyle is a music fanatic and an avid vinyl record collector.
Kyle is appearing at One Movement as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, Kyle?
Slinging vinyl singles at an indie dance specialist shop. It was a dream come true!
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
There’s a highlight every week, but 2 things stand out in particular from the past few years: working with the remix artists to shape the new remixes of iconic classics featured in the Xbox title Crackdown 2, and DJing ahead of Massive Attack & Horace Andy to a sold out 2600 person crowd at Seattle’s historic Paramount Theatre.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Helping the game developers embrace the world of music that lives beyond their personal music collection.
Delphic, The Drums, and Aloe Blacc are already on their way this year, and I expect the momentum to continue.
Finally, what’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
‘Kelly‘ by Van She, a tune that is frozen in time, like a long lost ‘80s hit just uncovered. Van She perfectly captured the mid-80s sound with shocking authenticity – and it’s a great pop tune. [Music video embedded below]
Meet James Foley [pictured right], Music Editor for UK music industry publication Record Of The Day. With a great track record of picking up early successes, Record of the Day has proved to be a key starting place for many acts. Sending one great track out to the key industry decision makers means it really gets listened to by the right people (A&R, managers, agents, journalists, promoters and TV & radio producers are among their readers).
As well as being responsible for the future hits on RotD, James is a frequent contributor to radio, TV and press in the UK and was also on the judging panel for the 2009 Choice Music Prize.
James is appearing at One Movement as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, James?
I freelanced as a journalist in Dublin and then London before falling in with the Record of the Day crowd, first as Music Assistant and later as Music Editor.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s an ongoing highlight to hear that the track selections made for RotD are picked up by the wider industry. It’s very gratifying to be in a position where your choices can give an artist the coverage they need to make the right impact, whether they are unsigned or established.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Finding amazing music is constantly tricky, but never a chore. In the larger scheme of things, my job isn’t hard. It’s just listening to music and going to gigs and music events. I’m very lucky.
Got any hot tips of artists that you believe will break through later this year?
Rumer, I hope - I love her. Also, I can never recommend Villagers to enough people, so check out the album, Becoming A Jackal.
What’s your favourite song by an Australian artist, and why?
I can’t decide on just one. ‘Confide In Me‘ by Kylie Minogue, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over‘ by Crowded House [One Movement Word editor's note: they're a New Zealand act!] and Yothu Yindi’s ‘Treaty (Filthy Lucre Remix)‘ [music video embedded below] are among my favourites. Why? Because they would all have been chosen as ‘Record of the Day’ on my watch. They’re that good.
Meet Philip Stevens [pictured right], who currently manages John Butler Trio, The Waifs, and The Flairz. Philip started managing John Butler Trio in 1998, The Waifs in 2001 and The Flairz 2004. He established Jarrah Records in 2002 in New York and has been managing the label and overseeing all label duties since. Philip won Best Management Company at the WAMIs in 2005 and 2006, and Best Label four years in a row (2005-2008).
Jarrah Records was the first-artist owned independent label to debut at No.1 on ARIA charts. Prior to managing, Philip created the alternative music venue Mojo’s Bar in North Fremantle, WA in 1998, which he ran with his partner for 4 years. Prior to this, he ran a successful touring company called Jazz Dive Promotions, which promoted concerts in West Australia between 1990 and 1998. Jazz Dive represented many of Australia’s finest acts including Paul Kelly, Weddings Parties Anything, Kate Ceberano as well as international touring blues and world music acts such as Screaming Jay Hawkins, Buddy Guy, Angelique Kidjo and The Bhundu Boys.
Philip Stevens has been a resident of Australia since 1987 and has just recently become an Australian citizen. Phil has one defacto wife, a 15 year old daughter and 2 beloved dogs.
Philip is appearing at One Movement as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, Phil?
I organised a Live Aid style show in Perth in 1983, called Freeaid For Africa. We had 800 people and $3500 raised for the Save The Children fund. It was a great result but more significantly it got me hooked to being a promoter and organiser, and hence was determined to continue in the music industry.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Most recently, seeing John Butler Trio play to 8500 people as a headliner at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. He did not just play it , he owned it!!!! There should be a DVD later this year celebrating the concert. [footage of John Butler Trio performing 'Betterman' live at Red Rocks embedded below]
Over the years, our involvement in organising WaveAid was particularly important and also the success of Jarrah Records as an independent label that changed the nature of the industry here in Oz.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
The day in, day out responsibilities to the artists we manage, plus dealing with international time lines on the phone! I was in my undies at 1am this morning in the freezing cold dealing with France!!
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far?
‘Tightrope’ by Janelle Monae [embedded below]. It’s funky as hell and she dances in the spirit of James Brown. Awesome.
Got any hot tips of artists that you believe will break through later this year?
King George; if not this year, then next year. Amazing songwriting and sense of melody for a band so young. Plus I manage them!
What’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
‘Falling’, a new demo by The Waifs. It’s their most radio friendly and gorgeously catchy song for 10 years since ‘London Still’.
‘Revolution’ by John Butler Trio. It’s the first song on his new album, and it rocked my world from the day I heard it.
And from a band I do not manage!!!!! Mama Kin’s ‘Tore My Heart Out’ [embedded below]. An amazing new talent on the Australian roots scene.
Meet Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan [pictured right] from the Gunditjmara Kirrae Whurrong clan from the southwest of Victoria. His solo career and vivacious guitar strung tunes embrace a new phase in soulful country rock music.
Best known to One Movement’s audiences as winner of the 2009 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS), Lee has performed and appeared on many albums as a guitar-gun for hire with some of Australia’s legendary musical talents including Shane Howard, Archie Roach, Rubie Hunter, Jessica Mauboy, Dean Geyer and The Mary G Show.
This amazing guitarist has found a voice of his own and has stepped out to forge a solo career. Shane Howard of Goanna says of Lee: “Talented, generous and respectful, he honors the legacy of his Aboriginal heritage. He is an exceptionally gifted guitar player, live or in the studio.”
‘Sonnyboy’ is a childhood nickname given to Lee by his elders that carries the teaching and memories of spending time out on the Framlingham mission as a boy. He continues the storytelling that was inspired by his indigenous grandfather, the great Banjo Clarke (Wisdom Man) that we all share the land we walk on as outlined on his anthemic track, ‘Reconciliation Song’.
Morgan has recently headed into Sing Sing studios to record his latest album, with Producer, Kerryn Tolhurst and Producer/Engineer Mick Wordley due to be released in 2011. Meanwhile Lee is promoting his newly released album, ‘Feed Me Your Song’ a mix of honest lyrics and meaty guitar riffs to create a revolutionary blend of soulful country rock.
The response to Lee has been outstanding with him astonishing audiences with his energetic show, playing at venues and festivals across Melbourne and Australia. The highlights being ‘Dirtsong’ - A collaboration of The Black Arm Band with special guests Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes as part of The Melbourne International Arts Festival, The Dreaming Festival at Woodford and being proclaimed the winner of the AIMS 2009 Scholarship at the One Movement Music Festival in Perth.
In 2011, Lee heads to the United States to accompany 65 Amps and Trussart Guitars, where he will perform in California (NAMM Guitar Show) and various performances at a multitude of venues with some of music legendary guitarists.
Coupled with live performance and session work, Lee teaches guitar and is a mentor to many aspiring young musicians, as well as some already established Australian artists. He’s involved in the St Kilda Youth Service, where Lee shares his passion of music to inspire indigenous and non-indigenous students in the art of songwriting, song creation and the healing vibration of music.
Chris Lambie of Forte Magazine wrote of Lee’s performance at the Apollo Bay Festival: “Lee Morgan – Grandson of ‘Wisdom Man’ Uncle Banjo Clarke, this ‘master shredder’ has nothing to do with Ninja Turtles. Morgan’s rockin’ band did well to keep up with his blistering guitar work. Word-of-mouth had spread by Sunday arvo and the packed pub crowd was blown away.”
Ahead of the call for entries to the 2010 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS) - facilitated online by Sonicbids, at no cost to entrants - One Movement Word caught up with 2009’s AIMS winner, Lee Morgan.
What’s your favourite song of all time, Lee?
I don’t actually have one but one from my childhood that touches my heart is ‘The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn‘ by Emily Lou Harris and Ricky Skaggs [live footage from 1988 embedded below]. It has an absolutely beautiful old gospel feel and done in a very roots and blue grass style.
Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far?
My own show at Thornbury Town Hall, Victoria. There was big love in the room & the band was cooking and everything went to plan.
You’re a musician. Why? What compels you?
I love it the feeling I get when creating, performing and sharing music.
Favourite song of 2010 so far?
Brad Paisley - ‘Welcome to The Future‘ [music video embedded below] because of the subject matter and guitar tone. This song makes me feel great when I hear it, melody, structure - it’s all there.
How did you become involved with the 2009 AIMS Program?
Through Victoria Arts. They always send emails out to musos about such programs. I applied and got through.
What did you get out of the experience?
I got to travel, perform at One Movement, I gained a new album which I’m currently recording, got to work with different producers and engineers whom I respect and had loads of fun along the way.
Any advice for 2010 AIMS hopefuls?
Get 3 or 4 songs that you wish to perform and rehearse the hell out of them until you know them backwards. Plug into your amp, step up to the mic and press ‘go’.
Favourite music video of all time?
I don’t have one but I remember when Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller‘ first hit the screen [music video embedded below]. It was amazing and the concept was new at the time and very groundbreaking. What a great song- check that groove!
Finally, what’s next for you, Lee?
To finish my current album, work hard, save money and head to Nashville and strut my stuff there.
Thanks for your time, Lee.
To visit Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan on MySpace, click here. For more information on the 2010 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship, click here. Entries close Monday, September 6, 2010, so be quick!
Meet Dylan Liddy [pictured right] - Director of Blue Max Music, a management and promotions company - who began his career as an indie band manager. After gaining an insight into live bookings, Dylan moved on to booking an established Melbourne venue as well as promoting shows for touring acts. Following this, Dylan began working at Premier Artists, booking acts such as Sunk Loto, TZU, Behind Crimson Eyes, 28 Days, Pete Murray, The Audreys and Hilltop Hoods.
In 2007, Dylan took on a management role for Hilltop Hoods both nationally and internationally. He also remains the national booking agent for Pete Murray, Hilltop Hoods and The Audreys. More recently, Blue Max Music has branched out into promoting live music events.
We’re pleased to welcome Dylan to Perth in October as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far, Dylan?
Anything from Boy & Bear’s EP…such an amazing sound for such a young act. [Music video for the Boy & Bear track 'Rabbit Song' embedded below]
How did you start working in the music industry?
Metallica, Pantera and Fear Factory were one inspiring reason…The other reason was I wanted to work around music as its so fast paced and fun…so I started assisting a suburban promoter place local acts as support for touring names..then I started booking a venue…then I started working at a Booking Agency…then I started Managing…etc. etc. etc. One door opens another as they say.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Being part of the last Hilltop Hoods album release (State Of The Art) and working with such a driven and gifted talent. [Music video for the Hilltop Hoods song 'The Light You Burned' embedded below]
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Switching off…but its one of the best parts, as you don’t want to
What are your predictions of artists you think will break through later this year?
The acts I really like currently are Art Vs Science (luv those guys - so talented and fun), Washington (I was sold at this year’s APRA awards) and the Birds of Tokyo (great to see a band break through big after a long build)…
Finally, what’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
For me, bands like The Mark of Cain, Alchemist and of course AC/DC have always been producing quality heavy songs for years. And it’s great to see a new hard rock/metal category in the ARIAs on the subject![Audio for the Alchemist song 'Chinese Whispers' embedded below]
Meet EMI Australia’s Chairman Mark Poston [pictured right], whose passion is music - so much so it’s likely to be found in his DNA one day. He has worked in music since 1989, in a number of roles from running a record store to working in various roles at labels including Sony and BMG - working with many Australian and International artists and managers. By the time he turned 30 he was Head of Capitol Records at EMI Australia working with artists such as Silverchair, Coldplay, Jet, Keith Urban, Paul Mac, Robbie Williams, The Living End, Kasey Chambers, John Williamson, The Finn Brothers and Gorillaz.
In 2005, he was promoted to Director, Global Marketing for EMI based in London. In July 2006, Mark went on to be Director of a new EMI UK frontline label Angel Music Group/Charisma. In August 2008, he returned to Australia as Chairman and Senior Vice President of Marketing for EMI Australasia, based in Sydney. Mark is also an active board member of both ARIA and PPCA. In December 2009 he was the only music executive to be named in Media Week’s ‘Top 30 Most Influential Media People’ list.
Mark never wants to become cynical or jaded, and could do with 30 hours in the day instead of the average 24.
We’re pleased to welcome Mark to Perth in October as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far, Mark?
I have two … ‘I Believe You Liar’ by Washington & ‘Stylo’ by Gorillaz [music video embedded below]. They both blow my mind (still).
How did you start working in the music industry?
Working at a record store in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Contributing to music – and to the music industry - and to artist’s careers. Meeting and collaborating with talented people and artists. Having music as my career (wow).
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Part of being a good leader and running a successful and creative music company- requires you to put yourself out there. You find yourself in situations that youre not entirely comfortable with at times - and it comes with a risk that people make the wrong judgements about you. (But don’t get me wrong im not complaining!).
What are your predictions of artists you think will break through later this year?
I’d put money on Oh Mercy moving into Arcade Fire-esque acclaim with their new opus. I think Papa Vs Pretty are the most interesting new band in the country – they will go far!
The most exciting artist that will really breakthrough is a big way and quickly is a Melbourne hip-hop talent called 360. He’s all that and will take Australia by storm. There is an extraordinary Melbourne band called King Cannons - my A&R team lost their shit over these guys recently!
However when it comes to real breakthroughs… Birds Of Tokyo will sell north of 200,000 copies of their new self-titled LP. This album is the most important Australian album since The Presets Apocalypso or The Sleepy Jackson’s Lovers. It’s really that good! [Music video for the Birds Of Tokyo song 'Plans' embedded below]
Finally, what’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
‘The Way Of The World’ by Max Q [music video embedded below]. I think its really great lyric and I love the questioning/blurring-the-edges spirit of this collaboration between INXS’s Michael Hutchence and Melbourne Underground musician Olly Olsen.
Gary Ge Chen [pictured right] is founder, co-chairman and CEO of China’s first generation legitimate digital music company, Orca Digital Inc. Gary co-founded the company with Erik Zhang and NBA player Yao Ming in September 2005. Google joined Top100.cn in year 2007 as a strategic investor and partner. Top100.cn is building a one-stop online music service and online music media platform in China.
From 1998 to 2004, Gary Ge Chen was Managing Director of Pulay Talent Agency, a full service music entertainment company that promoted more than four hundred concerts, signed more than twenty musicians including Cui Jian, Luo Da You, and Zhang Ya Dong. Provided music related services to TV/movie production companies such as Hongkong Asia Media, advertisers/marketers such as Heineken, Pepsi and Microsoft Xbox.
We’re pleased to welcome Gary to Perth in October as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, Gary?
In 1995, I was still a banker in San Francisco. I thought I had saved enough money to do a premier tour for China rock legend Cui Jian in the States. So I did. I did not know anything about concert promotion but made it happen. I hired a few part-timers and put on seven concerts for Cui Jian in venues like Palladium, Bottom Line Blub and Fort Mason Center etc. The tour was very successful and was covered by all major media. I was broke but happy.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far?
The whole album<> by Xie Tian Xiao. A perfect fusion of Chinese instrument Gu Zheng, reggae and rock. [music video for the Xie Tian Xiao track 'No' embedded below]
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Worked with many top musicians in China whom I respect and love. Founded Top100.cn with Yao Ming and Erik Zhang in 2005 in China to start doing legit online music service. Google joined Top100.cn as a strategic partner and investor and launched Google music search in China in March 2009. Now Top100.cn has over ten million users and over 200 million download and streaming monthly. Many advertisers have signed on to place ads.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Improving myself as an entrepreneur everyday.
What’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
‘Hard As A Rock‘ by AC/DC [live footage embedded below]. I still remember the scene the first time I listened to it. It is great and I still listen to it sometimes especially when I travel to poor small towns in China.
Meet Patrik Larsson [pictured right], a partner in Stockholm-based management company Headlock. Patrik has been active in the Swedish music industry for almost 20 years as both an artist, producer, writer, promoter, label manager and A&R. He currently represents a number of ground-breaking Swedish artists including Sidechild and Francis and is a well-entrenched and respected on the Swedish and Scandinavian independent music scene. He worked at MNW during the mid/late 90s and was one of the original founders of Playground Music, which is the largest independent music company in Scandinavia.
Patrik started his own independent consulting company Lights Out in 2004 and is one of the 3 partners at Headlock Management. He is a board member of both SOM [ the Swedish Organization for Independent Record Labels ] and Export Music Sweden. He frequently attends music conferences worldwide and is a prominent lecturer at music schools across Sweden.
We’re pleased to welcome Patrik to Perth in October as a guest speaker at the MUSEXPO Asia Pacific 2010 music industry conference.
How did you start working in the music industry, Patrik?
I’ve been in the music industry a little over 20 years now. Started my career as a rather successful artist and songwriter but moved on after about 6 years and got hired at one of the leading Scandinavian indies to handle their local and international divisions for more commercial pop and also dance and urban music. Then went on as one of the original founders to set up Playground Music Scandinavia with offices all around the Nordic region. That was a really fun and exciting period.
I wanted a change at the end of 2004 and went on to set up my own independent consulting company, Lights Out. That company slowly transformed into Headlock Management that we now run as a full service set up in the central part of Stockholm. Headlock is run by 3 partners in total and we handle everything from business to creative management and consulting for various types of clients locally and around the world.
Most of my awake time is spent consulting, management, licensing and education, event-organizing and travelling to music conferences around the world. I am also one of the board members of SOM (all the Swedish indie labels) and Export Music Sweden.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far?
I am totally in love with Robyn and her single ‘Dancing On My Own‘ [music video embedded below]. She’s an incredible artist that has done a fantastic journey to be where she is today and she truly makes me proud being a Swede.
There’s also tonnes of amazing and current music from many of our clients I keep listening to over and over again but of the stuff we don’t represent ourselves, Robyn’s got to be the one.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Wow, there’s been so many. Being Grammy-nominated as an artist is always fun and being one of the most played artists in 1992 on Swedish national radio was also a real kick. In my career as a music industry personality I have enjoyed having a part in the launch of artists such as Timbuktu, SLS, The Rasmus, Hellsongs and so many more.
Right now I am actually the most excited as we work closely with so much amazing talent who are ready to take the world by storm. Being active in the middle of all the incredible talent we have in this part of the world across all genres is just so rewarding on all levels. The future’s looking bright…
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Having discussions with artists and creative people on a daily level on how the music industry looks and where it’s all going and what they need to do themselves to stay in control etc is of course a constant challenge. Still so many dream about the rock & roll life style but it’s getting better and better. Having patience and just keep hammering on about all the amazing stuff you represent is also tough but necessary. Being creative today as a manager and finding the revenues and ways forward for the clients you represent is also a huge challenge but also lots of fun.
Got any hot tips for artists that you believe will break through later this year?
How much space do I have? Cabaret/Folk/punk group Francis is in the studio right now completing their debut album to follow up all the hyped up shows already done at CMJ, SXSW and JaJaJa over the last year. [Music video for Francis' track 'Ten Thousand Times' embedded below]
Former Hellsongs lead singer Harriet come strong in 2010 with her quirky and unique solo project Oh, Harry.
Pop oriented punk-rockers Tantrum To Blind are causing a lot of interest from labels and publishers all around the world right now.
Also keep your eyes and ears open for brand new music from artists such as The Harvest, LeftGuster, Sidechild, Tilde and many more…
What’s your favourite song by an Australian artist, and why?
From back in the day I am still impressed by artists such as INXS and AC/DC, of course.
My current favourite artist is without a doubt Philadelphia Grand Jury. Oh my god, they rock! Saw them in LA and then in Liverpool live and they rocked my socks off… I am a huge fan of their whole album and refuse to pick just one song. It’s impossible! [Music video for the Philadelphia Grand Jury track 'I Don't Want To Party (Party)' embedded below]
As president and chairman of Asia Sounds, Colleen Zulian [pictured right] has extensive experience of the music industry over many years, having been involved with it at every level and from every angle. The respect she has achieved over the years was earned through her ability to recognise and develop quality talent and music publishing, with noted skills for recognising and developing singer-songwriters and songs.
In 1999 Colleen was awarded ‘The Women’s Day Spirit of Achievement Award’ for recognition of her outstanding achievements in leadership and vision in the field of arts and entertainment.
Colleen has spent the last nine years developing the blue print for Asian talent quest SUTASI, with the vision to create a product that is financially sustainable with substantial economic growth, and also to create a product that will be revolutionary in establishing Asian music within the mainstream global markets.
Asia Sounds is global music publishing, talent management, television production and event broadcasting company which has physical offices and staff in Melbourne, Australia, Los Angeles,USA and Seoul, South Korea. The company works predominately across South Asia, North East Asia and South East Asia.
How did you start working in the music industry, Colleen?
I grew up in the music world my mum was a songwriter who had worked with the Australian Songwriters Association for many years supporting and nurturing songwriters and musicians. I was a graphic artist and I only became involved with the songwriters to get her out of it so she could write film scripts. After 6 months the songwriters and artists had my heart and my passion, the rest is history.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Event Highlight: Being part of the organizational team of Music Bridges Around The World in Cuba, this was an amazing music event that brought some of the greats from the US to Cuba to co-write and perform with the greats from Cuba. One of my memorable experiences there was sitting on a bench seat with Bonnie Raitt, Meshell Ndegeocello, N’Dea Davenport, Michael Frente, Don Was and Andy Summers all jamming around me and playing music and singing just for the love of it.
Working Highlight: Being involved and working in the Asian music scene. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity in getting involved with some amazingly talented and exciting artists but also being part of an international music industry that is full of culture, beauty and untainted originality that is rapidly learning, growing, developing and well on the way to becoming a major global player.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Not enough hours in the day, and travel.
What’s your favourite song of 2010 so far, and why?
‘Red‘ by Daniel Merriweather [music video embedded below]. It’s really a 2009 release but was released in the US this year. I was part of the teams who discovered Daniel and I was involved in his early development before Mark Ronson. Not only has Daniel got a truly amazing voice, but he is also a very talented songwriter. This song is one of my favourites.
What are your predictions of artists you think will break through later this year?
Michael Paynter – I think he has the potential to break the US market eventually. I first heard and met Michael when he was 15 years old and he was a talented songwriter with a lovely vocal back then, he has all the ingredients to make it internationally. [Audio for the Michael Paynter song 'Love The Fall (feat. The Veronicas)' embedded below]
What’s your favourite song by an Australian artist?
I have to say ‘Great Southern Land‘ by Icehouse [music video embedded below]. I was so in love with [frontman] Iva Davies as a teenager and have always loved this song.
Meet Damian Trotter [pictured right], the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music (SATV) Publishing Australia. Damian is also a Director of APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association), Director and former Chairperson of AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited) and AMPAL (Australasian Music Publishers Association Limited). He is also one of the patrons of the Australian Music Prize (AMP).
Meet Kyle Hopkins [pictured right], who oversees music supervision for Microsoft. Kyle curates soundtracks for Xbox games and places music in Windows, Windows Mobile, Xbox Live and Zune marketing campaigns. As of January 1, 2010, over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles had been sold worldwide in the four years since its introduction, with half of those sales taking place in the United States and a quarter in Europe.
Meet James Foley [pictured right], Music Editor for UK music industry publication 
Meet Philip Stevens [pictured right], who currently manages 
Meet 
Meet Dylan Liddy [pictured right] - Director of Blue Max Music, a management and promotions company - who began his career as an indie band manager. After gaining an insight into live bookings, Dylan moved on to booking an established Melbourne venue as well as promoting shows for touring acts. Following this, Dylan began working at Premier Artists, booking acts such as Sunk Loto, TZU, Behind Crimson Eyes, 28 Days, Pete Murray, The Audreys and Hilltop Hoods.
Meet 
Gary Ge Chen [pictured right] is founder, co-chairman and CEO of China’s first generation legitimate digital music company, 
Meet Patrik Larsson [pictured right], a partner in Stockholm-based management company 
As president and chairman of 
OLDER POSTS
