IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SONG

This grant gives the successful applicant the opportunity to record a song with an esteemed Australian producer.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS:

WAFIA (John Castle)
WAFIA worked with producer John Castle to record a new song titled ‘The Raid’.
Brisbane musician Wafia’s experimental folk style is a refreshing mix of old and new, featuring hauntingly beautiful lyrics and brooding vocals. Following the release of her self titled debut EP in December 2012, Wafia has gone on to tour with the likes of Gotye and Daughter, most recently lending her vocals to Japanese Wallpaper’s debut single ‘Breathe In (ft. Wafia)’.

"Working with John Castle was an experience I won’t forget. Not only did I have the pleasure of working with him in studio but I’ve made a life-long mentor and friend that wouldn’t have happened without the help of The Seed."

CRISTIAN CAMPANO (Tony Buchen)
CRISTIAN CAMPANO worked with producer Tony Buchen to record a new song titled ‘What You’re Doing To Me’.
Stepping away from his pop-punk outfit Food Court, Cristian Campano’s solo project is a timeless blend of Spanish-infused ‘60s pop. His debut single ‘In A Mess’ features Cristian’s Granada-born father Jorge Campano (an acclaimed Spanish classical/Flamenco guitarist), in addition to brother Adam Campano (Pretend Eye) on bass, Jono Graham (Made In Japan) on violins and Michael Zagoridis (ex-Betty Airs) on brushes. His debut EP is due out mid 2014.

"I would like to thank everyone at The Seed Fund for choosing my demo and for the songwriting grant! Was such an amazing experience that i wouldn't have been able to achieve without the grant. Also working with producer Tony Buchen was totally awesome and i'm super stoked with the end result! The strings rule!"

FOX & FOWL (Steve Schram)
FOX & FOWL worked with producer Steve Schram to record a new song titled ‘Eliza Jones’.
Indie pop outfit Fox & Fowl formed after all five members moved from regional NSW to Canberra to study. After playing a string of local gigs they eventually scored a slot on the main stage of the Foreshore Music Festival, playing alongside Gotye, Boy & Bear and Gypsy & The Cat. After finishing their studies the band took a year off to travel, before relocating to Brisbane. With their recently released debut EP garnering comparisons to The Jungle Giants, Foals and Cloud Control, Fox & Fowl, this is a band to look out for.

"The Seed Fund presented us with a fantastic opportunity to work with and learn from one of the best producers in Australian music, for which we are extremely grateful. This awesome experience not only taught us a lot musically but inspired us to keep working hard and to keep improving and growing as a band."

MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

This group of 24 managers have been lucky enough to secure a place at The Seed Fund's annual Management Workshop to be held in August 2014.

WHY: The Management Workshop is a one-stop shop for practical strategies to manage artists in the establishment phase of their career. Now in it's seventh year, the workshop has hosted some of Australia's leading emerging managers. The Management Workshop provides a platform for strategic advice and ways to enhance opportunities for bands and solo artists forging pathways in the music industry.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS:

MICHELLE FAHD manages Melbourne outfit Eagle And The Worm. After a decade long career working for companies such as Castle Records, Tower Records, Virgin Records and most recently Warner Music Australia, in 2013 Michelle left to pursue other challenges and opportunities with a strong interest in managing local artists. Eagle and the Worm spent 2010 to 2012 pursuing a heavy touring schedule, including extensive national and international touring, the release of their critically acclaimed debut LP ‘Goodtimes’ and subsequent EP ‘Strangelove’, in 2013 the band took time to get down to writing a big swag of songs for their forthcoming LP slated for release in the second half of 2014. NSW (manager)

"The best thing I’ve done for myself and my band is attend The Seed. The friends that I have now made and the building blocks I now have from this experience will stay with me forever. I would never have had the opportunity of meeting 24 legends if it wasn’t for The Seed so thank you!"

AMALI WARD began her music career at 16 after making the top 12 of Australian Idol. Before its release the Tasmanian raised, now Sydney based, soul artist’s debut album ‘Back In Time’ had already won 2 major gongs; The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (judged by Motown legend Lamont Dozier), & APRA’s Stephen Schwartz Songwriting Award, as part of its Professional Development Awards (previous winners have included Gotye). Amali has since supported Seal on his ‘Soul 2’ tour and completed a successful national tour. Amali is currently writing her second album. NSW (self managed)

"The Seed Fund Management Workshop was one of the best things I've ever done. Not only did it cover pretty much every aspect of the music industry relevant to managers/self managed artists in just a few days, it did so in a relaxed, supportive environment of peers, unlike any other industry event I've ever been to."

JESS BESTON has previously worked for EMI in licensing and PR, and as A&R Manager for Universal. In 2011 she founded Tiny Monster, an Artist Management and Independent PR/Artist Development business. She manages The Trouble With Templeton and Holy Holy. In the past two years The Trouble With Templeton have released Bleeders and Rookie independently through MGM to rave reviews and have toured extensively in Australia, US and UK. Holy Holy have received high rotation on Triple J, receiving stunning reviews nationally including 5 stars from Richard Kingsmill. NSW (manager)

"The Seed Workshop was incredible. To be given the opportunity to take three full days away from our hectic and busy lives and careers, to truly delve so deeply into our practice, and speak so honestly about our day to day experience as managers, (such a unique and complex job and world that we find ourselves in), was such an extraordinary gift. The generosity of the Seed Team, in giving so much of their time and energy every single year, on a project whose sole goal is to make our industry BETTER and to arm young managers with the tools to help them thrive, absolutely BLOWS ME AWAY."

MATT AMERY is the Founder and Co-manager of Sydney band Tin Sparrow. Since forming in 2011 they have toured nationally with the likes of Husky, Boy and Bear and Matt Corby, as well as their own East Coast Headline Tour. The band has also had songs placed in US TV shows such as Greys Anatomy, Body or Proof and The Ringer. Matt completed his Bachelor of Creative Arts at Macquarie University in 2010, has previously interned at Foghorn Records / Sounds and worked as a Digital Coordinator at Dew Process / Secret-Service. NSW (self managed)

"I've learned a heap, made some awesome friends and tapped into a community of like minded people that I can call upon for the rest of my career. Where else can you talk strategy with Correne Wilkie, high-five Danny Rogers and loose a game of ping-pong against Phil Stevens? And all before lunch!"

OWEN FIELD currently works for Australian music company Elefant Traks where his role encompasses financial, logistical, and business management. He manages Adelaide based Aboriginal producer, MC and vocalist Jimblah. Jimblah has toured with Urthboy and Horrorshow, appeared on The Tongue's Surrender To Victory album, and was named by Rolling Stone in their Top 20 Acts To Watch In 2013. His new album ‘Phoenix’ was released in 2013 and quickly stormed to #1 on the AIR Chart. NSW (manager)

"The Seed is something that I found out about when studying and wanted to be a part of in whatever way possible. Once there, it was the kick I was needing to get everything happening in the right direction for myself and that of my artist."

ADRIAN KELLY has been working independently as an artist manager since 2009, in 2013 he co-founded NMA Artist Management, who represent bands worldwide. Adrian manages Australian acts Thy Art Is Murder, Confession, Grenadiers, Heroes For Hire, Hand Of Mercy; UK acts Brawlers and Fathomsand Japanese act FACT. In 2013 Thy Art is Murder were nominated for an ARIA for best hard rock/metal album, and their second album ‘Hate’ debuted at #35 on the Top 40 Aria chart, making it the highest debut of any Aussie death metal band ever. NSW (manager)

"A fantastic opportunity presented by a bunch of dedicated legends"

DAVID GARNHAM is the manager, songwriter and frontman for Darwin based band David Garnham & the Reasons to Live. He has previously won a plethora of song writing awards including the 2012 Americana category International Song writing Contest, 2012 NT Song of the Year (overall), 2012 NT Country Song of the Year and 2012 NT Blues and Roots Song of the Year. NT (self managed)

"The Seed truly grabbed my ideas and concept of where I was at and where I was going as an artist/manager and totally strangled it and threw it at the wall. In a good way. Being an artist/manager you can easily focus on one aspect more than another, and get lazy on either, sometimes both sides. It was a shake up I needed."

NICOLA PITT works at CAAMA Music, an Indigenous record label based in Alice Springs, where she works in artist management and communications. The artists she manages include Tjintu Desert Band, Jacinta Price and Stewart Gaykamangu. Tjintu Desert Band are from Haasts Bluff/Ikuntji, 250km west of Alice Spring, with a sound that encompasses funk, rock and desert reggae, Tjintu Desert Band (pronounced Jin-Too) couples relentless grooves with guitarist Jeffrey Zimran’s phenomenal playing and Terry Marshall’s distinctive and enchanting vocals, sung in both the Luritja language and English. NT (manager)

"It was an incredible opportunity to have access to such pivotal members of the music industry as those who spoke at The Seed's workshops. Now I've been given the tools to take the indigenous artists I manage to the next level. Thank you!"

KATIE ZAHRA is the co-founder of Brisbane-based artist management company Sidekick. Katie has studied music business, worked for a booking agency and currently works at Australian music blog AAA Backstage as producer which helps promote artists, tours and events around the country. Katie manages Avaberee, Tourism & The Belligerents. QLD (manager)

"The Seed was one of the most beneficial workshops I have been apart of. It was an intense week but benefitted immensely from it."

EDDIE JACOBSON is a Brisbane based musician, band manager and record label owner. He started in band management with his own band Butterfingers in 2001, he also manages himself as a solo artist Evil Eddie and more recently, punk band spitfireliar. In 2009 Eddie’s record label Bewilderbeats released the debut album from spitfireliar (self titled) and was the labels first full-length release. In 2010 the label released the first single from Evil Eddie ‘Queensland’ which came in at 86 on the Triple J Hottest 100 and since has since released the Evil Eddie album, ‘Welcome to Flavour Country’. QLD (self managed)

"The Seed opened my eyes to so many facets of artist management, that I felt i must have had blinders on before not to have seen. I have a new found sense of direction and drive since the workshop and I'm taking every opportunity to implement what I've learned from such highly esteemed professionals within the Australian Music Industry."

GEORGIA POTTER has performed as a soloist under her own name since 2007, both as a soloist and with varying lineups, under which music blog Indie Shuffle called her the “female Frank Ocean”. Georgia appeared as a Feature Artist on Triple J Unearthed, with her single Reckless placing in the Top 50 Most Played Artists of 2013. Her previous single ‘XO’ won a 2013 Queensland Music Award for Best Music Video and Reckless was nominated for Best Urban Release. Georgia completed a Bachelor of Popular Music 2008 at Griffith Queensland Conservatorium of Music. QLD (self managed)

"The Seed Workshop was a completely career-changing week. It reconnected me to my creativity as a self-managed artist and helped me to feel entirely capable of pursuing my dreams. It was epic, but calming and encouraging to see generousity in action."

TIMOTHY PRICE is the founder of Brisbane based artist management company Pricewar Music and is also a partner in event company/festival El Grande Festival. His previous experience includes event management, venue booking, promotion, PR (Mucho Bravado), festival management/booking and digital distribution (Musicadium). He currently has five artists on his management roster - Sydonia, Ezekiel Ox, The Blackwater Fever & StormChasers. QLD (manager)

"I can't believe how much this inspired, re-invigorated and rejigged my thinking. I was prepared for a great week of networking, learning and fun, what I got was strategies, an inside look of the industry at the larger scale end of town, honest and real feedback, networking, learning and fun - and I made a bunch of friends who I can say hi to or call on when I need!"

LUCY CAMPBELL is the singer and manager for Adelaide indie band The Aves who have travelled to the UK/Europe, NXNE in Toronto, toured the US and played River Rocks Festival in NY supporting Foxygen to a crowd of 5,000.They have currently released three EPs with Melbourne label Mirador Records. The Aves have toured nationally, played Big Day Out and BigSound and in 2013 Lucy was flown to LA and SXSW with Fuse Presents Mentorship to participate in industry talks. SA (self managed)

"The Seed Management Workshop is an in depth, vital week for anybody serious about music management. Great food, great people, great stories and a real generosity of spirit and knowledge to make the music industry a little less daunting!"

KATIE BESGROVE started her career in music law, working as a Media Arts Lawyer for 2 years and is currently a practicing solicitor at Studio Legal (creative industries). In 2012, Katie gained experience in artist management at No Dice AM (Xavier Rudd, Seth Sentry) and now manages Grizzly Jim Lawrie and Coach Bombay. Katie has an active involvement within the music industry, attending both local and international events such as Big Sound, Music Matters, SXSW and The Great Escape. VIC (manager)

"The Seed Workshop not only reaffirmed what I was doing with my management career but it also inspired and educated me above and beyond what I expected. The feeling of being part of a community is really special and will continue to drive my projects for a long time."

SIME NUGENT is a Melbourne based singer-songwriter, festival curator, and band manager. He currently co-manages his band Sweet Jean. In 2013, Sweet Jean independently released their debut album ‘Dear Departure’ to widespread acclaim, receiving national airplay and feature albums and positive reviews in major publications. The have played major festivals and showcases including Port Fairy Folk Festival and Australasian World Music Expo (AWME), plus supports and national tours with artists like CW Stoneking and Kate Miller-Heidke, and have also previously appeared on ABC Radio National & SBS’ RockWiz. VIC (self managed)

"Benevolence : either you could give away some money and hope for the best OR you could give people the power of information and watch them grow."

LACHLAN HODGSON currently manages three young Australian bands - APES (MEL), Born Lion (SYD) and Jakarta Criers (BNE). Over the past three years APES have been added to rotation on Triple J, played Big Day Out and Groovin The Moo, received radio play on BBC Radio 1 for both singles, secured a Publishing Admin deal with Native Tongue and have been listed as finalists in the ISC songwriting competition. VIC (manager)

"A life changing experience! I recommend any manager of emerging artists or self managed artist to apply, apply, apply for this."

ALASTAIR BURNS is the Director of Heartstop Music, a management, booking, publicity and production company based in Melbourne, through which he manages Jordie Lane and Marlon Williams. Alastair is also the Founder and Producer of BalconyTV Melbourne and the Founder and Director of The Melbourne Folk Club. Jordie Lane’s second album ‘Blood Thiner’ was met with critical acclaimed in Australia, and nominated for a prestigious Australian Independent Music Award for ‘Best Blues & Roots Album’. Marlon Williams is a 2-time New Zealand Music Award winning singer/songwriter who Rhythms Magazine has called an Artist To Watch in Australia for 2014. He has been nominated for 3 APRA Awards, and 2 New Zealand Music Awards, winning Best Country Song and Best Country Album in 2013. VIC (manager)

"The SEED provides managers with a milestone moment in their career, no matter what level they are at. The connections with your peers, the in-depth discussions, sharing of ideas and the inspiration that is all these incredible people coming together to better each other will stay with me for good."

ALEX LAHEY is a performer, manager and booking agent for Melbourne band Animaux. In 2013 Animaux independently released their EP ‘Vale St’, and have previously supported the Cat Empire, Trombone Shorty, Eagle and the Worm and Saskwatch, held a 9 month residency at the Evelyn Hotel, played numerous east coast headline shows, secured slots at St Kilda Festival, NYE on the Hill, The Hills Are Alive and Paradise. Alexandra studied BA/BMus at Monash University and is also a self managed session saxophone player, arranger and notator for artists such as Peking Duk, Dylan Joel, M-Phazes and Albert Salt. VIC (self managed)

"Coming out of the Seed, I can safely say that while I made some amazing friendships, met some incredible figures of the Australian industry music and learned an infinite amount about self-management, I also came of the experience with such a heightened sense of drive and inspiration to tackle self-management head on and be the best artist I can be."

AIDAN MCLAREN is the manager of 2013 Triple J Unearthed artist of the year, REMI, and co-Director of The Hills are Alive festivals. In April 2013 REMI dropped a decidely big tune in 'SANGRIA', the track scored #85 on Triple J's Hottest 100 and has been heavily supported by community radio. REMI has hit the ground running in 2014 with a new single 'LIVIN' on the airwaves rights across the country, multiple upcoming national tours, growing international buzz and, most excitingly, the release of his much anticipated album 'RAW X INFINITY'. VIC (manager)

"The SEED is a beacon of light in what can sometimes appear a somewhat cloak and dagger profession. The willingness of industry experts to share their knowledge, expertise and strategy with a new generation of Music Managers was really inspiring is definitely contributing to the growing professionalism of the industry."

AAROM WILSON manages Perth based artists KUČKA and Scalphunter is the Marketing & Communications Officer at WAM, the Director of Aaromedia and Freelance journalist for The West Australian, The Music, and Scoop. 2013 was a pivotal year for KUČKA, superstar rapper A$AP after sampling KUČKA on hit single Long Live A$AP asked her to add backing vocals to Fashion Killa, both tracks on his #1 Billboard album. In 2013 Scalphunter were nominated Punk Act Of The Year in the WAM Awards, selected for the WAM Festival WA Export Showcase and then defied all odds by winning The Big Splash Final. WA (manager)

"10 tonnes of incredible industry professionals, almost infinite litres of knowledge and inspiration, at least 40 hours in a pressure cooker and a pinch of magic that could only be explained by those lucky enough to attend - What a perfect recipe for managerial success The Seed was. Thank you!!!"

BEX CHILCOTT is a self managed Alt country/Americana artist who plays under the moniker Ruby Boots. She is a singer songwriter, and vagabond with soaring vocals and lyrics that hit a core. 2014 so far has seen Boots tour nationally with The Stray Sisters (of The Waifs), support Kris Kristofferson, Kimberley Moon Fest, release her third EP and release a 7” vinyl featuring the singles ‘Solitude’ & ‘Lovin In The Fall feat Jordi Lane’, the latter of which was a finalist in 2013's International Songwriting Competition, Americana category. WA (self managed)

"The Seed Fund opened my mind and gave me the tools to articulate my vision properly, forge forward and execute a plan, something which I now see is essential to longevity and I feel armed with the right knowledge now to do that.

On top of the insight I gained, the community that The Seed builds by bringing all those wonderful, like minded people that are selected each year together is priceless. I feel so privileged to have been a part of something that has seen me so quickly develop bonds with with my peers and feel more supported than ever before!"

VANESSA PICKEN has been at the coal face of the creative digital scene throughout her career. Having worked at Nokia, T-Mobile, Westpac and EMI before creating her own business in 2011 and cementing her future in the creative industries digital sphere. Her modular services company ‘Comes With Fries’ empowers and enables the Australian creative industry. Vanessa has now embarked on Artist Management by teaming up with Melbourne instrumentalist, singer, producer, artist and songwriter Spender who has just released his debut EP Modern Pest that features Gotye and Clairey Browne. NSW (manager)

"The Seed has created a hub of acceptance, empowerment, knowledge, guidance, nurturing and above all community. Being exposed to the world of The Seed has not only benefited my artist, his career, my career as his manager but also creates a world where the Australian industry comes together for the love and good of music. I am thankful, I am grateful and I am above all excited to take my learnings from The Seed to become a better manager, ambassador for the arts and to spread the goodwill that the Seed has given me."

DANAE EFFERN. After working for three years at Ralph Carr management she co-founded Remedy PR, a move to follow her true interest in working with independent artists. In 2013 she took on the management role for Melbourne indie-pop outfit, Tully on Tully who were awarded the triple j Unearthed prize to play at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for Melbourne’s all ages Push Over Festival. Not long after, the band were invited to perform in the Philippines at Wanderland Festival along with The Temper Trap and Nada Surf; followed by shows in Singapore. Tully on Tully kicked off 2014 with appearances at St Kilda Festival and Apollo Bay Music Festival as well as international touring including Canadian Music Week and Music Matters in Singapore. VIC (manager)

"What a week! Attending the SEED workshop was an incredible, inspirational whirl wind of a week. I would highly recommend it and am absolutely thrilled to have been given the opportunity to attend."

CAT LEAHY has owned and run The Booking Stable agency since 2007. She has been the co-manager (and drummer) for Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheelsince 2010, and began managing Liz Stringer in October 2013. Cat is also a professional session drummer working with the likes of Chris Wilson, Lisa Miller, Mick Thomas and Liz Martin. VIC (manager)

"Attending the Seed Management workshop has definitely sharpened my knowledge across all areas of the music industry. The generosity from the participants and panellists was incredibly inspiring. I've come away with a greater confidence and more strategies to improve my business and, more importantly, the careers of my artists."

MONEY FOR MANAGERS

These three managers and alumni of The Seed Management Workshop will receive support of up to $5000 to supplement their wages, OR pay for an assistant during a time of heavy workload and limited commission.

WHY: We are committed to the ongoing support of the Managers that have become part of our Seed Management Community through attending The Management Workshop. After their attendance at the workshop we believe managers are better equipped to roll out campaigns and strategies to deliver real results to their artists and for their own careers in the music industry.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS:

MONIQUE ROTHSTEIN- Will engage the services of an assistant to work across the LITTLE MAY EP release campaign in October 2014 and provide support throughout the recording of CONVAIRE's new EP and subsequent release campaign in August 2014. (NSW)

"By having an assistant to help handle the day to day management of Little May and Convaire, I was freed up to pursue 'big picture' tasks associated with both acts. While Sam looked after logistics of the bands busy touring schedule, commissioning and managing some of the time-consuming elements of video clips, press shoots, remixes and A&R tools, she also assisted with managing social media and ran the day to day running of Little May business. Sam was able to to assist in grant applications, running schedules and often time-consuming tasks that consistently kept me away from making business plans, building international teams, signing worldwide label deals and building the band to the point that they would be export ready.

In the time that Sam was appointed in this role, I was able to confirm label deals with Dew Process locally, Island Records in the UK (including a trip to the UK to discuss in person while Sam managed the office at home) and Capitol Records in the US. We appointed an agent in the US, played Splendour In The Grass, and secured PR teams in all key international territories. The level of work required to achieve these major milestones would not have been possible without the financial support of The Seed Management Grant."

DEB SUCKLING- Will work across campaigns for her three artists, SAHARA BECK- EP release campaign and national tours, JACKIE MARSHALL, album release campaign in April/May 2015, national and regional tours in July/August 2014 and MY FICTION US tour in October 2014 and third album recording in December 2014/January 2015. (QLD)

"I am so so grateful to have been a recipient of The Seed 'Money for Managers' fund this year. I was one of the first people to go through the managers workshops back in 2007 when I was self managed and in a band... Two children and a label later . I now manage three artists Sahara Beck, Jackie Marshall and My Fiction and manage our label SugarRush Music. To be able to concentrate solely on my artist's careers this year and what we have been able to achieve with assistance from The Seed.. It actually changes lives and paths. We hope in the very near future we can give back and become seed contributors. Thank you so so much."

BEN ROBINSON- Will work on CROOKED COLOURS’ July 2014 tour campaign following the release of their EP ‘In Your Bones’. The work will include, tour logistics including venue, transport and accommodation bookings as well as production and backline management, tour management, overseeing the publicity campaign, settling with venues and financial tour management, planning ahead for the next EP release and booking upcoming shows. (NSW)

SONG CYCLES INBOUND

Now in it’s fourth year, this program takes urban music industry professionals into remote Australian Indigenous community festivals, to discover the rich and diverse remote Indigenous musicianship and songwriting craft that exists.

This Song Cycles Inbound project is a partnership between The Seed Fund, APRA AMCOS, Indigenous Culture Support (ICS) - Ministry for the Arts, and Skinnyfish Music that aims to address the following issues within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) music and performance communities that aims to provide tangible opportunities for musicians and performers within the following areas;

+ Professional development & exposure of new talent

+ Economic benefit

+ Industry co-operation and awareness

What the INBOUND guests thought of the program:

"Loved it. Very eye opening, educational, and inspiring. I learned a lot." Zan Rowe, Triple J presenter.

"Insightful. Great experience...A main plus for me was discovering new 'go to' resources - colleagues and organizations - who I can ask about ATSI remote artists and find out who is doing what and what artists to keep an eye out for." Danni Colgan, Program Manager WOMADelaide.

Read Triple j Mornings' and Inbound mentor Zan Rowe's wrap of some muso's redefining the term 'remote' here.

BUSH BANDS BUSINESS FUNDING FOR MENTORS

WHO FOR: Mentors to travel to Bush Bands Business

PARTNER: Music NT (http://www.musicnt.com.au)

OBJECTIVE: Bush Bands BUSINESS is a three day intensive for Central Desert bush bands where mentors guide stage craft, singing, percussion, contracts, licensing, PR and touring tips workshops. Over 50 workshops take place as well as a full dress rehearsal for the Bush Bands BASH concert in Alice Springs which takes place at the end of the intensive. We will deliver music industry professional mentors to Alice Springs to take part in Bush Bands BUSINESS.

WHY: We believe in supporting remote musicians who face a different set of challenges in their professional development.

Bush Bands mentors and APRA/The Seed Fund Inbound guests who were invited to attend the program are leaders in the national arts/music industry sectors. By facilitating an opportunity for them to experience first hand the program these professionals place Bush Bands Program in the national limelight. In 2014 this initiative resulted in national radio interviews and podcasts that showcased the program and the musicians to an Australian wide audience. Inbound guest host and APRA/AMCOS ATSI Representative, Michael Hutchings, had this to say; "To see our industry guests eyes open to rich Aboriginal culture and the great efforts the bands go to just to get to BBB is inspiring."

What the Bush Bands Business Mentors thought of the program:

" The energy and talent of these musicians coming from the absolute remotest areas of Australia... It's a perfect example of what support for regional arts can do....". Brian Ritchie, Violent Femmes and MONA FOMA, Seed supported Bush Bands Business Mentor 2015"

“I learn so much about community and culture and I really feel these bands and people have so much to offer not only in a music sense but in a beautiful generous personable way once the ice is broken most people are so generous with their stories, concerns and participation” Paula Jones, Director JonesPR, Seed supported Bush Bands Business Mentor 2015 "

“An overwhelmingly positive experience” Delwyn Everard, Deputy Director, Arts Law Centre of Australia, Seed supported Bush Bands Business Mentor 2015 "

Warren H Williams also attended Bush Bands Business as a Seed supported Mentor in 2015. "