15 indie labels selected for RELEASE program

PRESS RELEASE:

Successful applicants for the trans-Tasman professional development program RELEASE: The Business of Record Label Management, have been announced. Fifteen independent label owners andsenior managers have been selected to participate in the six month program; twelve from Australia and three from New Zealand.

Victoria will provide the biggest contingent: Joseph Alexander, Katie Besgrove, Tristan Ludowyk, Mark Monnone, Huw Nolanand Hamish Mitchell. Three participants will join them from New Zealand: Tim Couch, Mel Parsons and Katie Thompson. Sydneysiders Neil Hunt and Andrew Stone will also be participating, as will David Crowe and JalyayJajaThompson from Alice Springs. The remaining places in the program will be taken by Mace Francis from Canberra, and Trina Massey from Brisbane.

“RELEASE will give participants the opportunity to not only build new professional networks, but to develop new business models that will benefit the growth of artists and the music industries in both Australia and New Zealand” said Joel Edmondson, Director of Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN).

RELEASE will feature respected music industry advisers and business specialists. Mentors in the program will include Australians Andy Bryan and Julia Kosky, Terry McBride (Canada) and Craig Pearce (New Zealand).

RELEASE incorporates two residential workshops. The first will be held in Hepburn Springs near Melbourne this Sunday 29th November, the second at the end of the program in 2016. Business strategy consultant Mariel Beros will moderate the first workshop, which marks the start of the five stage program.

The program is presented by the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN), and supported by Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) and Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ). Funding has been provided by the Australian Government and the New Zealand Music Commission.