2016
2016 GRANTS
MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP PROJECT VALUE UP TO $70,000
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 eleventh 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:
Ashleigh Hills runs the publicity/marketing sector of 123 Agency and currently manages Melbourne based band Woodlock under the 123 Agency umbrella. For the last 4 years she has run the Melbourne initiative Tram Sessions. Manager, VIC
“The Seed Management Workshop was the most intense and inspiring four days to date in my career. To be able to pick the brains and listen to the outstanding panellists and also the chance to build relationships and networks with the other participants has been really rewarding.“
Coco Eke is the label manager at Bad Apples Music, an Indigenous record label established in 2015 by BRIGGS. She is an artist manager and currently has Philly, Birdz and A.B. Original on her roster. Coco is also the partnerships & event consultant for the Barunga Festival. Manager, NT
"Attending The Seed Management Workshop provided me with practical skills to enhance the careers of my artists, while challenging myself to provide stronger platforms of excellence for them to succeed."
Davey Craddock's captivating live show has seen him support Don Walker, Diana Krall, Marlon Williams, The Waifs, Old Crow Medicine Show and The Basics plus festival sets at West Coast Blues n Roots, Mt Beauty, Dashville, Kyneton, Fairbridge and Wave Rock. 2016 has been a big year for him with two singles added to rotation on Double J and the ABC, four star album reviews in The Australian, The Music and three national tours. Self Managed, WA
“The Seed Management Workshop was more than just a thorough guide to navigating management, it was a really powerful 'we're all in this together' community-building experience.”
Eva Trifonas has just started her own management company 'incgnto', launching her roster with the signing of Kučka, arguably one of the most talked-about unsigned voices in Australian electronic music. A triple-threat vocalist, producer and instrumentalist who has collaborated with everyone from A$AP Rocky, Cosmo's Midnight, Dro Carey to Flume. Manager, NSW
“The Seed program exceeded all of my expectations. This was the most valuable experience I’ve had to date and I will keep the knowledge I gained for the rest of my management career.”
Gabrielle Huber Sydney-based songstress Gabby Huber is well known to Australia's larger music community for her previous collaborative endeavours as a pianist and vocalist. Now, after spending recent years quietly and carefully crafting her solo sound, she is stepping into the world as MAPLES. Self managed, Huber released her self-produced debut album Two Worlds through her label Dream Gold Records in October 2015. She is currently writing and preparing for pre-production for her sophomore LP. Self Managed, NSW
“Knowledge is power. In the isolation of being a self-managed artist, one can become completely disenfranchised from the loneliness of forging your own path. The entire Seed team delivered a safe space to inspire, and bestow their message to us, one of hard work, passion and experience. I left The Seed feeling recharged and empowered to move forward.”
Harry Jakamarra is a self managed artist who has supported artists such as Paul Kelly, The Waifs, Ash Grunwald and Eskimo Joe. He released his debut album 'Hit the Ground' in 2012, and began touring Australia in 2014 in a house truck he built himself. He has just recorded a second album 'A Silent Threshold' with Jeff Lang set for release in 2017. Self Managed, WA
“The Management Workshop exceeded all my expectations. It helped me develop specific strategies for achieving a long lasting, fulfilling career. I laughed, cried and connected with some amazing people on a very human level. Quite literally life changing.”
James McGrillen manages Command Q, a bass heavy, trap-hybrid act. He started out promoting club shows in WA, moving into touring, event management & stage management for national festivals. James has since found his calling with artist management, drawing on 8 years of business, legal, contract negotiation and strategy experience. Manager, WA
“My time spent attending The Seed Fund Management workshop has been invaluable. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to network, learn and grow as a person and a professional within the music industry.”
Jerry Poon currently manages Silent Jay, Jace XL and Average Rap band, and is self managing JPSand the JPSXHooves project. He is the founder and Director of The Operatives: a collective of musicians who organize and promote tours and the infamous Espionage events, he is also a partner and founder of Let Them Eat Cake NYD Festival. He is on the Strategic Music Alliance Committee Board (City of Melbourne). Manager, VIC
“I went in a husk and ended up bearing all, only to feel fledged into a seedling renewed to grow.“
John Macliver manages Mathas and Tobacco Rat. Before relocating to Melbourne John was heavily involved in the WA musical landscape working on projects including The Word; WA's first hip hop TV show, working in artists management and development, and co-producing film clips. Manager, VIC
“The Seed is a once in a lifetime experience. The wealth of knowledge and insight from industry professionals and peers about the music world we live in empowers you to know that you’re not alone. It challenges you to think about your role as the manager and believe in your decisions; it’s only as daunting as you make it.”
Jon St Clair started out at Mushroom Group as a booking agent and is now the Lead Artist Manger in their newly founded management agency 'Role Model Artists'. Currently on his roster is Slum Sociable, MOSSY and Pearls. Manager, VIC
“Having entered the workshop with what I thought was a good knowledge of artist management, I came out of the workshop knowing there’s always more to learn.”
Kate Adams manages indie-folk artists Luluc and Ryan Downey. She currently looks after Ryan's touring, promo/publicity and bookings and is assisting in the planning of his next two album releases. She is Luluc's Aus/NZ manager and together with their Australian and international record labels is currently focusing on the recording and release of their upcoming album and 2016/17 Aus tour. Manager, VIC
“The generosity of knowledge and time that the guest speakers and The Seed team gave us was an incredible and rare opportunity. I left feeling equipped, inspired, connected and with a strong sense of direction, for both my artists and my own business. I know the relationships I’ve built and what I’ve learnt this week is critical in my career development and, on a personal level, I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with such amazing people.”
Kate Cudbertson manages Stonefox and PINES. Kate has a background in PR and tour management, and was the recipient of The Stigwood Fellowship in 2015. She has interned with 4/5 Entertainment, Falcona and Umbrella Music. Manager, SA
“Being involved with The Seed on their 10th year was one of the most heartwarming and life changing experiences I have had to date. In a career of uncertainty and sometimes loneliness; having a program like The Seed to reassure and create such an incredible community is something I am so, so thankful for.”
Kate Lucas is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and the manager for Alt-pop/rock/folk group Coda Chroma. They have a full-length album scheduled for release in March 2017, and have supported the likes of Husky, Tijuana Cartel, Ainslie Wills, and Jess Ribeiro. Self Managed, VIC
“As an emerging artist The Seed has made me feel more hopeful and confident about forging a meaningful music career, and has opened my eyes to the myriad of pathways available to me.”
Lauren Poulter runs her own management company Palmary. Currently on her roster is Le Pie, Teeth & Tongue and Darts, who under her management have gone from being an unknown band, to releasing their debut album on an indie label, performing at Canadian Music Week this year and getting a US/Canadian booking agent. Manager, VIC
“The Seed is an experience I will value and think back to for the rest of my career. The information gained and the lesson’s learned have already changed my entire outlook on my work and my methods.”
Louise Sawilejskij is a passionate music manager based in Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast. Since 2013 she has been the General Manager for The Rhythm Hut, a music school, cultural & artistic hub and live music venue. Louise manages and books the Central Coast based roots/world music group Rhythm Hunters. Manager, NSW
“The Seed is such an extremely unique industry workshop – not only is it an intensive informative program and networking opportunity, but it also connects other artist managers/self managed artists, all in a similar career stage, to network and support each other through the remainder of their careers – a rare gem in what can be a lonely, and sometimes confusing industry. Dan and John have obviously build this altruistic program out of love, commitment and their drive to help other artists and their managers. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program.”
Lucy Peach is a self managed artist based in Western Australia. She has had an incredibly successful twelve months which included a WAM nomination, Double J and Rage rotations, touring internationally and playing a slew of Western Australian Festivals. Self Managed, WA
“The Seed Program represents all that is good and wonderful about the Australian Music industry and it should be championed as the most pointed, heart felt and enriching professional developmental program that we have.”
Patrick Balfe is the manager for two Brisbane bands – Babaganouj which he has managed for the past three years, who in this time they have signed a Japanese record deal. Hound has been on his roster for the last two years. He is also the venue booker for The Foundry in Brisbane, a three-level complex dedicated to the thriving local music scene. Manager, QLD
“The Seed Fund Management Workshop is an invaluable resource for managers and their artists. The quality of the sessions and panelists is unlike anything else in Australia and the warmth and generosity of the organisers is beyond compare.”
Patrick Davies is an artist manager at LUSTRE Company, based in Byron Bay. He has managed the Electronic/Chillwave act Tora, since the group started lin late 2013, and is currently working on their first LP release. Manager, NSW
“This course absolutely delivered the goods. The topics covered were broad and detailed, and the panellists were all subject matter experts. This was exactly what I believe everyone in the room needed, and has left a very inspired and committed group of young individuals ready to make their own mark on the world.”
Pauline Maudy is a French-born award winning songwriter and singer now performing in MZAZA. She has managed MZAZA since 2009, guiding the band through 3 releases, an international tour and many Australian tours. She is identified as a Culture Champion for Queensland, and was the festival director for Brisbane Fringe Festival in 2015. Self Managed, QLD
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Seed 2016. It is hard to put value on a program that offers such specific knowledge in a unique format and creates a nurturing community that is now equipped to support itself towards a brighter future for creative businesses, for artists and for the Australian music industry. In a market that is physically so removed from the rest of the world and that is ever changing, this kind of training isn’t simply valuable, it is indispensable to ensure the success of our exports. We must work together to increase our impact”
Rhea Caldwell is the manager for Baby Blue. Baby Blue began as Rhea's solo project, but has now grown into a rocking, rollicking three-piece combining 60’s rock, folk, and pop. After running music events and working for other managers, management has been a very natural progression for Rhea. Self Managed, VIC
“An incredible experience that I will be grateful for and remember forever.”
Richard Watson works with Desert Feet Inc, an organization focused on building an Australian music culture that truly embraces remote Indigenous music and undiscovered talent. Currently on his roster are Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight), Wild Dingo Band, Kiwirrkurra Band, Karntimarra Wanderers and Willie Kickett. Manager, WA
“The Seed Management Workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from an experienced cross section of the music industry. This program is vital to the health and growth of the Australian music industry, especially internationally.”
Sian Walden is the director of Little Acorn Music, a boutique artist services business based in Adelaide. Her roster is filled with folk, roots and Americana acts, she is currently managing Adelaide blues-rockers Wasted Wanderers, well know folkie Tom West, and the new solo career of Taasha Coates (The Audreys). Manager, SA
“The Seed is a unique and inspiring platform for enabling emerging managers to gain incredible knowledge, advice and general guidance in a way no other industry does.”
Tim Shiel currently manages three Melbourne-based artists: Braille Face (singer-songwriter), Telling (electronic duo) and himself. He runs a small music label called Spirit Level, co-founded in late 2015, and produces and presents a weekly show that broadcasts on both Double J & Triple j radio. Self Managed, VIC
“I left with a full notebook and a full brain, but I think what I’ll value even more from The Seed is the feeling of collegiality and goodwill between all the participants and panellists, literally everyone who attended. I have left feeling like I am part of a supportive and generous community that will have my back for a long time to come, and with a strong desire to give that support back to my fellow participants too.”
Tullara Connors is a self managed singer/songwriter who has quickly developed a reputation as one of the country's brightest up and coming performers. Having spent the last 4 years touring Australia and recording as half of the renowned folk/roots duo Siskin River, Tullara is now embarking on a solo career. Self Managed, NSW
“The Seed Fund Management Workshop is one of a kind. In an industry that sometimes feels like it's ruled by the big guns with the power labels, there's nothing as nurturing and rewarding as having the opportunity to be guided and advised by some of the most respected people in the Australian music industry.”
Will Evans has managed Japanese Wallpaper for the past three years and Lower Spectrum for the last two. He started an independent record label and management company in late 2013. Will now works as a junior agent at Waving At Trains agency and is the booking agent for the Nightcat in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Manager, VIC
“I had an incredible time at the Seed workshop. The conversations that I had with my peers and the panellists was invaluable and I feel so privileged to be involved.”
2016 INITIATIVES
ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE MUSIC GROUP // PROJECT VALUE UP TO $8,000
The Seed Fund is proud to announce a continued 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.
We will deliver all aspects of this initiative in direct consultation with the ASRC’s music group coordinator and will be responsive to what the music groups needs are.
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 people seeking asylum to find their voices as they engage in the process of establishing themselves in their new community.
BUSH BANDS BUSINESS // UP TO $5,000 FUNDING FOR MENTORS
The Seed Fund will continue to partner with MusicNT Bush Bands BUSINESS, a three-day skills and professional development intensive for Central Desert bush bands. Mentors guide stagecraft, musicianship, contracting, licensing, publicity and touring tips workshops. Over 60 workshops and rehearsals 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.
The Seed Fund 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 2016 Seed Mentors were:
Brian Ritchie – AD MOFO festival and bass player with the Violent Femmes (TAS)
Paula ‘jonesy’ Jones – Director and Publicist for Jones PR and National Event Publicist for Groovin the Moo (NSW)
“Bush Bands unleashes the hidden talent of some of the most amazing musicians in the world!”Paula ‘jonesy’ Jones (Jones PR)
Peter Garrett – Solo artist and front man for Midnight Oil (NSW)
Dave Crowe – Director of Sing Hum record label, songwriter and producer (NT)
Raymond Dixon – Singer and songwriter for Rayella (NT) N.B Raymond Dixon was to be a Seed mentor. He is a Traditional Owner of the Mudburra people of Malinja. Raymond’s mentoring role was not only to inspire fellow remote musicians through drawing on his touring experiences but also to provide ‘cultural mentoring’ to fellow mentors. Unfortunately Raymond unable to attend this years BBBiz. Raymond was a cultural advisor during the planning of BBBiz and was greatly missed during the delivery phase.
Outcomes from BBBiz 2016
This year 8 bands and 3 Divas (57 musicians) representing 9 language groups from Central Australia and the Top End attended the BBBiz skills camp. 15 Mentors and 21 staff, kitchen crew and youth workers supported them.
SONG CYCLES INBOUND // PROJECT VALUE UP TO $25,000
Now in it's sixth year this program takes urban music industry professionals to remote Australian Indigenous community festivals, to experience the rich and diverse remote musicianship and songwriting that exists. The Song Cycles Inbound project is an initiative created and delivered in partnership with APRA AMCOS which aims to highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) music and performance, and to create tangible opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and performers within the following areas:
+ Professional development & exposure of new talent
+ Economic benefit
+ Industry co-operation and awareness
INBOUND is an initiative created and delivered in partnership with APRA AMCOS and The Seed Fund. INBOUND is funded by APRA AMCOS.
What the INBOUND guests thought of the program:
I firmly believe that contemporary Australian Indigenous music is perhaps the most important genre of music in the country - it balances the old and new like no other form of music. And my experience at Bush Bands left me with the impression that was very much the case. The challenge for all of us now is to make the rest of the country - and the world - see that. Craig Spann.
"I had an amazing time connecting with and mentoring the very talented Desert Divas and would love to spend some more time creating long term strategies for their professional development as musicians." Monique Rothstein, Positive Feedback.