2011
PUBLICISE IT
As publicists play an increasingly important role in the overall promotion of independent emerging artists. The Seed will fund managers who have previously attended The Seed Management Workshop to contract a publicist for a promotional campaign up to the value of $5000. Managers are responsible for contracting the publicist in support of a new Australian EP or album release or a campaign involving an Australian release and associated national tour after June 2011.
Boy & Bear have been granted $5000 to work with Kathleen Hore of Secret Service PR on their debut album release (in August 2011) and subsequent national tour. This opportunity was made available as Rowan Brand – Boy and Bear's manager attended The Seed Management Workshop in 2008. Grant value: $5000, NSW
- The Seed grant was instrumental for Boy & Bear and the success of their national Moonfire tour. Without the support of The Seed, the band would have not been able to achieve the truly outstanding results in their communication through the media leading up to, during and following the tour. By implementing a holistic and comprehensive media strategy and brining on a team who could drive the objectives the band was able to sell out most of the shows on the tour. . Furthermore, the publicity around the lead into the tour worked to assist the band beyond the tour, and overflowed into the promotion of other areas of their career (records, public perception, conjunction with winning of 5 ARIA awards). Overal, an incredible commercial and critical success.
Dallas Frasca will release her second full-length album this year after recording with New York based producer Andy Baldwin. For the release, Dallas Frasca and her band will engage the services of Heapsaflash Publicity. They then hit the road on a massive 30-date tour through capital cities and regional Australia. Dallas is a self managed artist who attended the workshop in 2009. Grant value: $4200, VIC
- I was fortunate enough to attend The Seed management workshop in 2010. I can honestly say it was nothing short of life changing, direction steering, nurturing, encouraging and a massive develop for my self managed business. Receiving the 'Publicise It' grant enabled my band to launch our second album, 'Sound Painter' around the country with a massive bang! The financial support allowed us to work closely with Heapaflash Publicity to push the album into the marketplace which would not have been possible with the incredible support and love from The Seed. The step up in our team has opened some huge doors for us in Europe and North America as we continue to build our business.
Skipping Girl Vinegar will launch their new album Keep Calm, Carry The Monkey in June and will support their release with a national tour in June, July & August this year. To work on the campaign, Skipping Girl Vinegar will employ the services of Chryss Carr from AUM to market the release. Band member Sare Lang attended the workshop in 2008. Grant value: $5000, VIC
- The Seed funding came at a critical time in the release of Skipping Girl Vinegar's sophomore album Keep Calm, Carry The Monkey in 2011. The funding enabled us to engage with senior publicist Chryss Carr for an additional period of time during our extensive national album tour in 2011 this meant we were able to capitalize on the critically acclaimed album reviews and saw an extension of our national profile; gaining feature articles in major press around the country and the invitation to appear on national television show 'Adam Hills In Gordon Street Tonight' in March 2012. We are grateful for the suport of The Seed
MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
A one-stop shop for practical strategies to manage artists in the establishment phase of their career, The Seed Management Workshop provides a platform for advice and ways to enhance opportunities for bands and solo artists forging pathways in the music industry.
We're happy to announce the following successful participants in this year's workshop are:
Jesse Barbera is the director of The Fans Group, a burgeoning promotion and music services company encompassing promotions and event management, graphic and web design, artist development and an independent label. On Jesse's roster are The Cairos, Wherewolves, Velociraptor and also co-manages Young Men Dead. With a couple of EP's under their belt, The Cairos have toured nationally supporting the likes of The Mess Hall, Powderfinger and The Seabellies. QLD
- A good combination of thoughtful presentation and group interaction.
Brendon Boney is one half of Microwave Jenny, which he co-manages with other half Tessa Nuku. He has been nominated for several Indigenous music awards and this year his songwriting won him a prestigious APRA Professional Development Award. Later this year they'll release their first full-length album entitled 'Most Politely' through MGM and follow it up with a national tour. Brendon's place at the workshop was made available through our sponsorship of the APRA PDA awards. NSW
- Great information from the facilitators, speakers and sessions!
Nicole B-Z is the Executive Director for the Association of Artist Managers and manages 3 artists – Gay Paris, Kira Puru and Art Rush. Nicole has worked with Gay Paris since she first decided their previous incarnation, Furcurve, needed to be heard, she facilitated their first recording and ended up managing the producer and his studio construction as a result. Fast-forward several releases, bands, tours and Nicole still works with the boys in their current offering, Gay Paris. In the lead up to the release of their debut album, Gay Paris have shared stages with the The Meanies, Front End Loader & Karnivool to name a few. SYD
- The Seed lived up to every expectation – mind blowing, inspirational, new family, etc. I am so honoured to have been chosen and even luckier still to have survived.
Julia Bridger co-manages Inland Sea and assists with management for all bands on the Footstomp Music roster. Inland Sea's 10 members came together in early 2010 and by the end of the year had released their debut EP 'Traitor' through Plus One Records. In 2011, they're going from strength to strength, winning a spot at Laneway from Triple J Unearthed, and playing other festivals such as Playground Weekender and Rics Big Backyard Festival. QLD
- The balance of sessions each day was perfect!
Sam Buckingham is a self managed independent artist that believes in artists helping artists, social networking and thinking outside the square. She has successfully fostered double and quadruple bill tours, an online competition to inspire fan interaction, an online series performing newly penned songs to help build her following and most recently 'Homeward Bound' – a 25 date national tour seeing her play in backyards, living rooms & balconies across the country. NSW
- Thank you to all involved, a truly valuable and beautiful experience.
Dan Ceh is president of the Gold Coast Music Industry Association and over a number of years, has developed a music management and media business – WHO Agencies. Who Agencies has been in operation for four years and he currently manages Oceanics, Fiona Franklin, Ryan Murphy and undertakes PR for numerous emerging/touring musicians. QLD
- Cheers and thank you so very much, I feel privileged to have been included in such company.
Rick Chazan has been managing bands since 2002; currently he manages The Boat People, Dan Parsons, Emma Louise and Skinny Jean. With three critically acclaimed albums The Boat People have gradually gathered together a chorus of emphatic praise from around the world, Dan Parsons just finished a 50 date regional tour and month long tour of the US and UK including Great Escape and Liverpool Sound City supporting his critically acclaimed debut album Firestarter, Skinny Jean is soon to record album number 2 and Emma Louise just released EP Full Hearts and Empty Rooms which debuted at number one on the AIR indie charts. QLD
- I learned a lot, had a great time and am so blown away by your generosity, wisdom and beautiful spirit.
Derek 'Madcap' Downing began his music career as an MC releasing the 1st ever South Australian Hip Hop release in 1993. Over the course of the 90's Derek assisted in nurturing many young Adelaide Hip Hop acts including Hilltop Hoods, Delta & more with their first ever live shows. Derek has recently started an artist management company called Rockshockin, managing 2 Hip Hop acts; Obese Records artist, 'Simplex' and the currently unsigned 'Social Change'. SA
- I learnt a lot from the panelists and well as the peers.
Byron Georgouras established Ratbag Music in 2009 with artists New Navy, Rapids and The Spirits. A little more than two years down the track and he has a respected roster, strong relationships with industry, the Artist Management lecturing position at the Australian Institute of Music, and a new successful media outlet (OneTrickPony.TV). NSW
- The style and information was excellent.
Nick Lynagh is an emerging artist manager who represents two exciting Brisbane based bands, Numbers Radio and My Fiction. Nick also has a background in advertising and marketing with Street Press Australia and Triple J Magazine. Numbers Radio are previous unearthed winners and have had hi-rotation airplay on Triple J. My Fiction, have hit 2011 flying with their first major festival appearance at Good Vibes, and have just been invited to showcase at Musexpo LA in 2011. VIC
- The information presented was brilliant.
Adrian McNamara manages Indigenous band The Tableland Drifters and the day to day running of the Winanjjikari Music Centre – the base for several community bands. The Tableland Drifters play a blend of traditional Indigenous with modern contemporary music. The Tableland Drifters are positive role models in the community and strive to make a difference with their music. They've spent years touring extensively in remote communities and on the Community Festival line-ups. NT
- I loved the time given individually from the speakers.
Dominic Miller began self managing his own band, Rocketsmiths, as well as look after indie rockers, wind&brackets in 2007. He gained experience in all facets of the industry over this time and made many friends and contacts. After Rocketsmiths called it a day in late 2010, Dominic moved into management full time and signed two Brisbane acts: Ben Salter and Texas Tea. Texas Tea have 3 European tours under their belt and Ben Salter has supported the likes of The Beautiful Girls and Cat Power. QLD
- I thought it was 100% amazing.
Karinda Mutabazi manages Roscoe James Irwin. Roscoe is no stranger to the Australian music scene, as an instrumentalist or singer/songwriter, known for his work with The Cat Empire and The Bamboos. He has worked with all manner of acts, from Australian artists such as Paul Kelly, Washington and Brooke Fraser, to the international likes of Harry Connick Jr, Brian May and Belle & Sebastian. Roscoe will be nationally launching his debut solo album "The Hunting Road" this August. VIC
- The whole workshop has been amazing, thank you so much.
Kris Nelson is a self-managed musician from Albany, 4 hours south of Perth. He manages his award winning project Minute 36, who recently released their debut album 'An Argument Between The Taste and the Feeling'. Minute 36 have won WAM Song of the Year award, toured nationally and played several festivals including Southbound, One Movement and The Nannup Music Festival. The trio has traveled over 50,000kms in WA playing music and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. WA
- I feel I definitely achieved my objectives plus more.
Julian Origliasso manages The Veronicas in Australia and has been involved in their career since 2007. He spent 2008 touring the USA with the band and by 2009 had taken on the merchandising and licensing operations of the band. Later that year he took over full management of the band as they achieved their first US platinum single. Julian has overseen the writing and production of The Veronica's 3rd album due to be released in 2011. This year Julian taken on other artists such as alternative pop band Sons of Midnight and internationally acclaimed Brazilian punk artist and producer Jungle George. QLD
- The balance of the workshop was perfect.
Jon Owen manages alternative rock band Cameras. In just over 2 years, Camera's debut EP has received radio airplay around the world from respected stations such as Triple J, BBC 6 Music (UK) & KCRW (USA). They rose to number 13 on Hype Machine and scored a sync on MTV show The Hills. In Australia, Cameras have performed at most major music festivals such as The BDO, Southbound, Peats Ridge, and recently completed a national arena tour opening for art rock legends Roxy Music. The band are set to release their debut album worldwide in October 2011 to coincide with a tour of the US and Australia. NSW
- Thank you to all, I had a ball and have taken away many valuable lessons.
Tash Parker is a self managed folk/pop artist, originally from the Kimberley, who has been performing since 2002. She has supported such acts as The Waifs, Gotye, Missy Higgins and Clare Bowditch just to name a few and has also toured numerous times to the West coast, East coast and Kimberley/NT as a solo performer. In 2010 Tash started the record label 'Little Buildings' on which she now releases her music. Tash's most recent album Waking Up, produced by J.Walker and Wally De Backer, is distributed in AUS and NZ through Inertia. VIC
- I achieved what I came for and much much more.
Cesar Rodrigues is a Melbourne based Musician/Producer who has a vast array of experience in the industry from touring, studio engineering & production, to band management. Cesar is a founding member of Blank Tape, a studio based label and management company. Cesar serves as manager in various capacities with up and coming Melbourne artists Harmless, Kate Vigo, Video Day, and Cuban Ash (ex Commas singer). Cesar champions local Melbourne music and draws upon his experience to create highly productive rapports with his artists. VIC
- The general vibe was amazing.
Hannah Shepherd is a keyboardist, vocalist, music publicist, artist manager and a composer of contemporary music in Brisbane. She currently plays in and co-manages folk pop group Charlie Mayfair with Will Weightman. Hannah encouraged the formation of Charlie Mayfair in 2010. Since this time, she has worked as manager, booking agent, songwriter and musician for the band, guiding them through their musical and creative journey thus far. Since its inception, Hannah has been working with local emergent music company Rare Finds where she holds a senior publicity and management consultancy role. QLD
- I feel more informed and connected in the industry which will help to make better decisions.
Bel Skinner manages Indigenous country reggae band The Walkabout Boys who formed in early 2007. The Walkabout Boys were drawn together by their shared passion for music and a drive to build stronger relationships within their community, Yiyili. Since then the band has gone from strength to strength, performing across West Australia. With the release their debut album 'You're The One', The Walkabout Boys have burst forward onto the music scene with some great original material, which has seen them recognised as shining new talent in the Kimberley. The Walkabout Boys bring with them a commitment and enthusiasm for music and are ready to take their music to the world. WA
- The whole experience has been amazing.
Jake Snell manages 2 promising acts from Perth – Split Seconds and Boom! Bap! Pow! In a short amount of time, Jake has gained a wealth of experience through various roles undertaken across all facets of the Australian music industry acting as manager, promoter, booking agent, tour manager and tech for a variety of local, national and international acts. In 2008 he began working with Monster Management a Perth-based promoter, booking and management company that boasts an impressive roster of clients, including some of Perth's most reputable live music venues. WA
- It was a really amazing experience that I feel very lucky to be involved in.
Mark Spillane manages up and coming garage-blues band The Growl. Mark started out working as the WA touring representative for touring companies/promoters Supersonic and Billions Australia before relocating to Melbourne to work as artist liaison and logistics manager for management company The Staple Group. In 2009 he returned to WA to start his own touring/management company Bespoke Touring. In a short amount of time Bespoke have toured Oh Mercy, Cabins, Miami Horror, Canyons and Illy, amongst others. In 2010 Mark signed The Growl to his management roster and has since negotiated for them Australian booking with Village Sounds, publishing with Native Tongue and a distribution deal with Shock Records. WA
- The balance of the workshop was perfect, thank you so much!
Steph Travaglia co-manages Sydney band Ghostwood with Tim Manton of Manton Management. Steph began her career as an intern at Scorpio Music and after just 6 weeks was offered a full time job and 9 months later she was on a 4 month European tour with Operator Please. Shortly after her return Steph became day-to-day manager for Operator Please, Evermore, Wolf & Cub and Ghostwood. When Scorpio changed direction, Ghostwood asked Steph to co-manage them which she has been doing ever since. Ghostwood are currently working with Jim Moginie and soon to release their 2nd EP "I am Overcast", which includes latest radio singles "Sunset Mirage & "Cutlass" before the release of their debut Album in late 2011. NSW
- The Seed is the most valuable tool for any emerging artist / manager.
Bridget Turner is a self-managed songwriter, currently managing and performing in two bands Boys, Boys, Boys! and Simone and Girlfunkle. Perth synth-pop rockers Boys, Boys, Boys! have earned themselves quite a reputation, winning audiences over with their combination of onstage antics, catchy pop riffs, sugary all-girl vocal harmonies, and 80s electronica. Having launched their debut album, selling out numerous shows, festival appearances and gaining sync deals on world wide television programs, the band aren't slowing down… they're working on new material with their next release on the way in 2011. WA
- I've had such an amazing journey with the most inspiring and beautiful people. Thank you!
Laura Wallbridge manages folk-pop act Gossling which is the project of singer/songwriter Helen Croome. Gossling's debut EP 'If You Can't Whistle' garnered plenty of attention, with the track 'Days Are Over' becoming part of Triple J's staple play list, and 'He Knows My Love' being used in Unearthed promos. Gossling is undertaking her first headline tour of 2011 in June/July, having won rave reviews from her recent national tour with Oh Mercy. Gossling's new EP 'Until Then', featuring toe-tapper 'I Was Young', looks set to follow on from the success of her debut, delighting fans and no doubt winning new followers along the way. VIC
- There really is no words to express my gratitude. Thank you, your energy and passion is an inspiration.
THE SEED & SKINNYFISH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE
Supporting top end indigenous community bands, by generating paid performance opportunities and encouraging positive outcomes in community life through music.
ART FOR THE PUBLIC // IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXT WAVE
Joseph L. Griffiths – Project: Shelters
MENTORS TO BUSH BANDS BUSINESS
Together with Music NT and Alice Desert Festival, The Seed will fund mentors to attend BUSH BANDS BUSINESS, a series of workshops for Indigenous musicians and technicians, who are preparing for the Bush Bands Bash performance as part of the 2011 Alice Desert Festival in September 2011.