2015

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SONG

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

DARLING JAMES will work with producer John Castle to record a new track titled, The Itch. James O’Brien, operating under the more elusive moniker Darling James, is no stranger to the Australian music scene. Having started out as co-frontman and songwriter for influential indie band The Boat People. Currently, James’ latest project ‘Darling James’ is already gaining significant traction with industry insiders and new listeners alike. Darling James is already sizing up to be an exciting and impressive project.

"The session gave me a huge confidence boost in regards to my own tracking and producing. In the future I will aim to use more of my own recordings and/or assume that things will be “usable” and thus take better care when recording them. I will also back my ideas more as it was the elements that seemed the most “risky” to me that John was the most positive about."

LOUIS SPOILS to record a track with Tony Buchen titled I’ve Got No Time. Louis Spoils is Jake Rush, singer + songwriter who alongside friends Wally De Backer (Gotye), Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music) and Kane Mazlin (Hungry Kids Of Hungary), recorded Louis Spoils’ debut EP which was released in 2013. Going from strength to strength, Rush has since become known for his charismatic live show, notably supporting The Basics and Canada’s Half Moon Run, and has expanded to a full band live show in 2014.

"My main goal- apart from simply recording my new single- was to achieve really exciting sounding drums. I was also looking forward to recording in a proper analogue studio as I am so used to dinky little home studios. I’m super pleased with the outcome, we certainly achieved our goals. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity- giving me the chance to record in a way that I otherwise would not have. I have such immense respect for the way you guys support the Arts in Australia."

THE NINJA’S to record a track with Steven Schram. The Ninjas have long been considered one of Brisbane music scene's best kept secrets, but thanks to relentless shows, a tour in support of UK giants the Cribs, and Aussie rock royalty Wolfmother, not to mention a placement of one of their songs in a Ford commercial, and two in a hit US MTV show, word is starting to spread about the next up and coming "in your face" rock act from the land down under. And if pace keeps up, they'll be crossing borders and raging at a venue near you.

"Steven had a great vision for the track, we were on the same page so there were no conflicting ideas. Another great thing is that we worked from the demo I submitted, so I could see first hand where Steve was able to take the song as opposed to where I had plateaued. As I am an up and coming producer, this was invaluable experience to me, and it really showed me the benefit of having another pair of ears work on your song, especially when you share the same overall vision."

PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

These four managers and alumni of The Seed Management Workshop will receive support of $4000 to supplement their wages, OR pay for an assistant during a time of heavy workload and limited commission.

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:

SAMUEL DUTCH will work across his roster of artists, scheduling a tour and releasing “The No End Theory” album for Hau, liaising with producers and setting up recording sessions for Briggs’ new album planned for release in mid 2016, working with Elefant Tracks on an album rollout for release in November 2015 for The Tongue and assisting Coin Banks to finish his debut album set for release in early 2016. Workshop Attendee 2012

"During the time I received Seed funding I primarily worked across three of the aritsts on my roster - Briggs, Hau and The Tongue. We worked to raise Hau’s profile as a solo Hip Hop artist with the focus off his long term association with Koolism and work on JJJ Radio. I also worked to get The Tongue some good media attention as well as locking in a national tour to promote the album. I think the most important thing I achieved in the time I had financial assistance from The Seed was to help Briggs set up Bad Apples Music which I feel will be a major player in changing the landscape of the local Hip Hop scene."

JESS RIBEIRO will work alongside her label and publicist; focusing on distributing her current album ‘Kill it Yourself’ in the US, taking steps towards servicing the album and touring it during 2016. This includes a trip to New York to meet some of the stakeholders who have come on board so far as well as touring in Australia to support the release including band shows and festival performances. Jess will also create video clips for the current release as well as preparing for the next recording. Workshop Attendee 2009

"The Seed grant allowed me to work full time as a self managed artist during an overwhelming release period. It’s the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to fully embrace being a manager and artist without having to worry about fitting it in-between other commitments i.e. other part time jobs. The success of the album so far has been beyond my imagination. I feel so grateful for all of the support I have received. Having that financial support behind me gave me extra time and focus to work alongside my industry team to implement a strong music release plan that has been a success. All the work in 2015 has created more and more opportunities for me in 2016. It’s so exciting. Thank you!"

BEX CHILCOTT is a self managed Alt country/Americana artist who plays under the moniker Ruby Boots. Bex will be working on a full Australian national tour in February and March 2016 plus potential international tour support. She will also engage the services of a digital assistant who will keep all digital platforms up to date and a general assistant who will focus on tour logistics, itineraries, grant material preparation and coordination of promo and publicity schedules. Workshop Attendee 2014

JESS BESTON manages Holy Holy who have had a very successful 2015 including packed showcases and sold out shows both internationally and at home. Jess will focus her grant income on the preparation of the release of Holy Holy’s debut album alongside headline shows and festivals in the UK and Europe through October and November 2016. She will then work on the final single release for this album cycle, Australian summer festivals and some headline shows in early 2016. Workshop Attendee 2014

"The Seed grant was invaluable to me for two main reasons - it meant I had enough income to go overseas with Holy Holy for the UK/EU tour supporting the release of their album over there (Oct/Nov 2014), and it allowed me to give total focus to the set up & execution of the “A Heroine” Australian headline tour, the final tour of their album cycle here at home. Prior to the UK/EU tour I had just locked in The Netherlands and Belgium Sony to release the record, and felt I needed to engage those teams and the UK team in the lead into the release and around the band’s shows. My being there meant I could bring the full teams together - including label, promoters, agents, PR and radio people, to have thorough album planning meetings, and to make sure the teams attended the shows and got to see the band’s stunning live show - which they did in each territory. Also thanks to the Seed grant, I was able to give total focus to the planning, marketing & promotion of the Australian "A Heroine” National tour (Jan 2016). Holy Holy sold out their shows at The Triffid in Brisbane, The Oxford Arts Factory in Sydney, and we sold out The Corner in Melbourne 3 weeks prior the show. "

MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

This group of managers have been lucky enough to secure a place at The Seed Fund's annual Management Workshop to be held in November  2015.

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 ninth 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. 

BEATRICE LEWIS is a self-managed vocalist and electronic music producer. She has played at most major electronic music festival around Australia including Falls Festival, Rainbow Serpent and Wide Open Spaces. For the past five years Beatrice has been a workshops facilitator and advocate for Indigenous women’s music. She is a key facilitator and founder of the MusicNT programs, Sista Sounds and Desert Divas (now included on the Bush Bands Bash line-up) and the Barkly Regional council Desert Cultures program. Self Managed, VIC 

"I feel more connected to music than I have in many years. It's easy and pleasurable for the first time in ages... I am not worrying about the "industry" side so much because it feels a lot clearer and more human (because I met them and they are all humans, lovely ones)."

CAMILLA HODGKINS is a founding member of Perch Creek and has managed them since 2011, in which time they’ve toured extensively across Australia, Europe, the UK and Canada with major festival appearances including Edinburgh Fringe, WOMAD (UK), Golden Plains, The Falls Festival, MONA FOMA and Woodford Folk Festival as well as ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks. Perch Creek combine five-part vocal harmonies with folk, roots and rock musical styles all threaded together by the band’s unique collaborative song writing. Self Managed, VIC

"The Seed Management Workshop brings together such an inspiring and passionate collective of industry professionals and workshop participants, equipping us as managers with valuable skills and knowlege around all aspects of the music business, paving the way for us to create our own network and realise the strong community that already exits in the Australian music industry; make use of, add to, and reach out to this community; and most importantly encourages us to think creatively and positively about the future! "

CHARLOTTE ABROMS is a first time music manager based in Melbourne. After completing her studies, she created Large Noises, a website project to support upcoming artists that has filmed Vance Joy and Ainslie Wills, amongst others. Charlotte was then employed as a Digital Strategist at startup soundhalo, creating digital strategies for campaigns with alt-j and Atoms for Peace. Charlotte now manages HOWQUA, who has just returned from a successful international debut at Canadian Music Week. Manager, VIC

"It will really always be a milestone in my life that I'll reflect on where something changed in my mind. With hesitance, I wrote down my occupation as 'Music Manager' for the first time a few months ago, and now I know I am one."

CRAIG LOCK is the co-director of 5/4 Entertainment, where he manages Tkay Maidza, Jesse Davidson, LK McKay and Problems. Craig is also the Adelaide promoter of St. Jerome's Laneway Festival, booker for Sea N Beats Festival, as well as the co-founder, booker & promoter for Spin Off Festival, where he was responsible for bringing the likes of Lana Del Rey and Passion Pit to Adelaide. Manager, SA

"A fantastic event to gain invaluable knowledge, contacts and skills. Any aspiring manager should attend as soon as they can!"

A self-managed artist from Alice Springs, NT, DAVE CROWE is a passionate collaborator, producer, performer with local NT artists, indigenous artists, national and international artists, undertaking recent co-writing projects with Sally Seltmann, Francois Tetaz (Gotye / Kimbra/ Lior) and Jasper Leak (Sia). Dave is also the founder of Alice Springs record label, studio and publishing project 'Sing Hum'. Self Managed, NT

"I look forward to putting these new skills and insights into practice in the years to come, and appreciating the benefits of connecting the music with a growing audience."

ELI CHAMRAVI founded Wild Thing Presents in 2012, a company which handles touring, bookings and management and is based in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, Eli has worked with many high profile acts, both nationally and internationally, such as Balkan Beat Box (Brooklyn/Tel Aviv), The Ocean (Germany) and Orphaned Land (Israel). Eli currently manages Caligula's Horse, AlithiA and Orsome Welles. Manager, VIC

"The Seed Workshop was an extremely invaluable experience. I certainly learned a lot, and had the opportunity to spend quality time and get to know my industry peers in great depth. I would definitely recommend it!."

FANNY LUMSDEN and her cracking band the Thrillseekers have been touring heavily for the past few years throughout Australia and gaining a non-traditional and loyal following, building up their live show and defining their Alt-Country sound and Australiana outlook. Their Annual Country Halls tour throughout regional Australia has played a major part in building their career and they clocked 60+ shows in the first three months of 2015 alone, including a very successful debut ‘Tamworth Country Music Festival’ Campaign. Self Managed, NSW

"I feel completely empowered by the experience and ready to action everything that applies to me. Thank you everyone involved and for having faith that I can use the knowledge to make and share music into the future and to build a broader community around it."

HARRIS WATERS from Fremantle, Western Australia is the manager of hip-hop group KOI CHILD, and HIDEOUS SUN DEMON. Mentored by Phil Stevens & Bruna Chiovitti, Harris Waters has been actively involved in the music industry from a very young age, and recently formed LOWBROW; a creative arm for music management and events. Manager, WA

"I went into The Seed Workshop hoping to gain a broader understanding of the industry to apply to my artists - I came out of the program with so much more and feel that I would be doing an injustice to my acts if I had not attended!"

HUGH MCCLURE has been working with business partner Huw Nolan as Good Manners for the past year and a half. They began work as a management agency, through which they currently represent Banoffee, I'lls, Klo, LUCIANBLOMKAMP and Planete, but have also worked in publicity for Oscar Key Sung and Chet Faker's label Detail Co., as well as throwing curated shows and club nights in Melbourne. Manager, VIC

"The Seed Workshop was one of the most important opportunities for career development I've ever had, and I would recommend it to anyone who asked. The team behind the conference is incredible, and I thank them for everything they do to further the careers of young music professionals."

JAKE LOWE is a Business Manager, Artist Manager and Musician who has been employed at White Sky Music as a business manager since 2012, where he currently works closely with managers Rae Harvey (The Living End, 360), Jon Hanlon (Peking Duk) and Titus Day (Guy Sebastian). Jake also started artist management & consulting company Mashed Management in 2013 with a roster including bands DASH & The Pretty Littles. Manager, VIC

"The Seed was an amazing experience. To be locked away from the world for 4 nights with a great group of industry professionals and other managers was a really unique and special oppurtunity. It was very well run and the speakers were all amazing, drawing fro all aspects of the industry, I walked away from this HUGELY motivated and backed with a whole new skill set and outlook on management. The Seed ROCK!"

JAMIE CROFT has worked in the music industry for 5 years now, in varied roles that include being the co-leader of Sofar Sounds Sydney, a founding partner of Tunes For Change and a music programmer for two major outdoor cinema companies. He started his own management company Copper Lion Music in 2013, and currently represents Betty & Oswald. He has also started working at In2u Management, who represent Troy Kemp, Viper Creek Band, Mickey Pye & KYA. Manager, NSW

"IThe warmth, support and generosity of the Seed crew and the industry speakers is only surpassed by the wealth of knowledge and amazing tools that they give to you. This allowed me to walk away feeling informed, empowered and re-invigorated for the work ahead."

JESS CARROLL is the founder of new music management and publicity company Inmocean. With a background in publicity and promotions Jess has worked onsite at the Falls Festival for 6 years and on campaigns with a diverse selection of artist including Seth Sentry, The Growl, Tully on Tully, Animaux, Hoodlem and many more. She ran promotion campaigns for Rat & Co’s European tour supporting Chet Faker and spent most of 2014 travelling overseas in the USA and Europe with Hoodlem and Rat & Co who she now manages. Manager, VIC

"I felt very humbled by the whole experience."

LEAH AVENE is perhaps better known as PHILEMON, her self-managed solo project. Philemon has supported Liz Stringer, Things of Stone and Wood and is currently developing new work for release in late 2015. In 2014 Leah started her own arts management business Prop Joe Creative Hustle, and founded the artist management collective PROP JOE COLLECTIVE. Self Managed, VIC

"Attending the seed was a total game changer. Informative, inspiring, supportive and visionary presented by the most passionate, generous, encouraging crew ever. My career will never be the same again and I'm so relieved!"

LIOR ALBECK-RIPKA started out writing music reviews for Beat Magazine, PBS FM and The Dwarf before moving into publicity and marketing across film, arts and music and working on festivals and at organisations including Big Day Out, MIFF, Adelaide Film Festival, Melbourne Festival, ACMI and Classic Cinemas. Lior began managing artists in 2014. She established her own creative marketing and management company ‘Hear Them Holler’ in 2015, and now manages Tinpan Orange who have just released their first single off their upcoming album due for release next year. Manager, VIC

"The Seed offered me an incredible opportunity at a crucial time in my career, where it legitimised my work and showed me a map of pathways that I could choose to follow."

LOUISE CUMING is a Melbourne based musician and artist manager. In early 2014 Louise starting managing Melbourne artist LANKS, who has made a mark on the Australian music scene after the release of two EPs, supporting the likes of The Acid, Broods, Jarryd James, SAFIA and Andy Bull. Louise also manages Melbourne indie band Canary, who recently dropped the first single of their upcoming LP ‘I am Lion’. Manager, VIC

"I felt honoured to be a participant of The Seed. The workshop filled in many gaps in my knowledge of artist management. I would recommend The Seed for any aspiring artist manager."

Starting as an artist and song writer, LUKE GIRGIS fell into Artist Management in 2007 out of his passion for helping his friends and favourite artists grow their careers. His current roster includes Little Sea, Michael Hutchence (of INXS), and Chance Waters. An “always artist first” approach to management complimented by a passion to bridge the gap between fans and the artist is the focus of “Be Like Children”, founded in 2015. Manager, NSW

"I feel extremely blessed to have attended such a special workshop. It was extremely informative and valuable to me and the my artists will now benefit tremendously from the skills and knowledge I have aquired via The Seed. Thank you to everyone involved!"

MARCUS WALKOM is a Music & Entertainment lawyer currently working at Media Arts Lawyers in Melbourne (since 2012). Previously worked for Sound Advice in London, UK. Marcus began managing Brisbane artist 'Little Casino' in late 2012, and set up We Are Golden management & label in 2014 as a label/artist services/management entity to assist up and coming artists in developing their careers. He is currently managing BANFF. Manager, VIC

"Having not only the legendary Seed Crew but also these leading industry figures donate their time and efforts to educate and drive us managers to grow not only the careers of our artists but also our own businesses was truly invaluable and inspiring."

MATTHEW CANNINGS began his career in the music industry working at Select Music in 2011. He later moved on to Big Tree Artists, primarily as a booking agent, but has since branched out to work solely as an artist manager, working with Triple J favourite L-FRESH The LION, Little Sea Brendan Maclean and Jeriet Dwight. Manager, NSW

"The Seed Workshop has been a turning point in my career - I am more energised and enthusiastic about artist management, which will no doubt also benefit my artists in spades. Personal development is crucial in this industry, but very often rare, and The Seed provides the perfect space for that to happen amongst your peers."

MELANIE LEWIS started in music as a writer, landing gigs as Music Editor at Beat, followed by Editorial & Operations Manager at Tone Deaf. Crossing the desk to publicity, Mel spent several years with Heapsaflash Music Media Management, overseeing campaigns for Thundamentals and Nahko & Medicine For The People, among others. Working with Ngaiire on her 2013 debut album started the relationship that two years later led Mel to start managing Ngaiire and create her company SPUR Presence. Manager, VIC

"In such an isolated role, which is by definition artist-focussed, for managers to be reminded that they need not be alone in their decision-making was magnificent. Being reminded that we need to think about ourselves - looking after ourselves and remembering to take a break from time to time, so we could do our best work - was really timely."

MELODY FORGHANI began working in the music industry at the age of 16, presenting and producing at FBi Radio and volunteering at Music NSW's Youth Initiative program 'Indent'. She then worked at artist management and publicity company Bossy Music, handling the likes of Banks, D.D Dumbo and the Laneway Festival. Melody began her own music company 'twnty three' in 2015, managing Vallis Alps and running the publicity for Airling, Fractures, Nick Hill and more. Manager, NSW

"The Seed workshop was a great space to collaboratively learn alongside like-minded artists and managers. The content was extensive and the workshops were detailed and enriching. Having the opportunity to connect with the presenters was also invaluable."

Under the wings of Archie Roach Management, Barkindji woman NANCY BATES is soaring to great heights. Nancy is committed to the development of contemporary music in SA, and coordinates the Aboriginal and TSI Contemporary Music Development Program at Nexus Arts. Now co-managing Ellie Lovegrove and Corey Theatre, artists signed with Archie Roach Management, Nancy's vision is to see more ATSI Managers working with ATSI artists. Manager, SA

Acquittal TBC

PAUL WATSON is a passionate Brisbane based music manager and musician currently running Brisbane based music management company Depth Charge Music. Their clients include bands Dubmarine and reggae heavy-weights Kingfisha, Bullhorn, The New Buzz, and they book the hottest venue in Brisbane’s West End, The Motor Room. Paul also performs in explosive live dub, dnb, dancehall 8 piece, Dubmarine and DJs under the moniker Selecta Watson. Manager, QLD

"The Seed was an amazing program to be part of with real world learning and information shared that is not possible in almost any other environment. I feel so lucky to have been a part of the Seed 2016 i reckommend to everyone in the music industry. 5 out of 5 stars, would go again."

WALLY MALONEY is a trombone player, studio producer and logistics manager. A founding member and performer with Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Wally also performs with and self-manages his own band Mighty Duke & The Lords. For the past 12 months Wally has handled all tour logistics for the sizable MSO, keeping up to 32 people on the road both internationally and here at home. Self Managed, VIC

"I think that The Seed opens up so many possibilities for my band. Being focused strategically on the vision of the band will mean that we are able to achieve so much more and navigate our own trajectory. The workshop provides a wealth of invaluable knowledge and experience. Apart from the truly inspiring program of speakers The Seed has also connects a group of peers that will become a support network well into the future.".

Offering management to musicians blurring lines of genres to create intriguing new sounds and aesthetics, XANTHEA O'CONNOR has been working closely with Perth musicians since 2013. Her aim is to aid building an artist's business and an enraptured audience, while the artist is able to maintain complete artistic control over their work. Xanthea currently manages Perth folktronic/worldpop outfit Joni in the Moon. Manager, WA

"The Seed Management Workshop exceeded even my very high expectations. Even though I had been told it was a great course, nothing prepared me for the insight and wealth of information I received from music industry professionals I respect a great deal."

ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE MUSIC GROUP

The Seed Fund is proud to announce a new partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC). Delivering support to the ASRC Music Group in four ways, we will fund the purchase of new instruments, maintain existing instruments and purchase road cases to ensure instruments are kept in working order. We will also fund mentors to deliver knowledge and skills to the existing group as well as facilitating masterclasses with established musicians. The Seed Fund believes that genuine musical expression is vital to the health of any culture and we are excited by the breadth of new talent this country inherits via the introduction of these new artists. This project facilitates music as social connection, assisting asylum seekers to find their voices as they engage in the process of establishing themselves in their new community.

BUSH BANDS BUSINESS FUNDING FOR MENTORS

The Seed Fund will continue to partner with Music NT to support mentors to travel to Bush Bands Business.

Bush Bands BUSINESS is a three-day intensive for Central Desert bush bands where mentors guide stagecraft, musicianship, contracting, licensing, publicity 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 because we believe in supporting remote musicians who face a different set of challenges in their professional development than their urban counterparts.

The 2015 Mentors were: 

Brian Ritchie – Violent Femmes bass player and Artistic Director of MOFO Festival, TAS 

“The Bush Bands Program is a great initiative and I would like to see it expanded.”

Paula Jones – Director and Publicist Jones PR,NSW 

“Bush Bands unleashes the hidden talent of some of the most amazing musicians in the world!”

David Asera aka Reggae Dave – Top End singer songwriter, NT

Outcomes from BBBiz 2015

A total of 34 specially selected Aboriginal musicians from 11 communities, representing 9 Central Desert languages participated in Bush Bands Business skills camp and went on to play at the Bush Bands Bash concert. 

SONG CYCLES INBOUND 

Now in it's fifth 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. The Song Cycles Inbound project is an initiative created and delivered in partnership with APRA AMCOS and The Seed Fund 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

INBOUND is funded by APRA AMCOS.

What the INBOUND guests thought of the program:

“The people who make the program happen, the mentors and the support team were truly inspiring.”  Susan Heymann, General Manager: Touring Chugg Entertainment. 

“It was huge. I was a bystander that was constantly absorbing. I felt humbled. I felt so inspired about what was happening and my dreams of ideas went crazy. It stocked a fire of passion in my belly and I am incredibly grateful.” Phaedra Watts, Artistic Director Nannup Music Festival WA