AAM appoints new ED, announces names for mentor program

The Association of Artist Managers (AAM) has appointed Leanne de Souza as its new Executive Director.

The highly respected de Souza is an entrepreneur, arts advocate, facilitator and artist manager.

Her past and present management clients include Thelma Plum, The Medics, Kate Miller-Heidke, Stringmansassy, george and Katie Noonan.

Currently the founder and Director of the Rock and Roll Writers Festival and a foundation board member of the Queensland Music Network (QMusic), de Souza’s work history includes the role of Executive Programmer for BIGSOUND as well as lecturer of music business at Griffith University, TAFE and JMC Academy.

“Leanne could not be a better fit for the role,” the AAM stated.

On her appointment, de Souza said, “I truly believe managers are the unsung heroes of the business – their ability to nurture artists and traverse a complex industry makes them vital.

“Taking on the role of Executive Director for the AAM is a privilege and I am excited to be working with an experienced board to represent, protect and promote the interests of Australian music managers over the next three years.”

de Souza takes over from Yvette Myhill, who accepted a full-time position with Arts NSW.

After a record number of applicants, the AAM also announced the successful mentees that will form part of its 2016 Artist Manager Mentor Program.

Partnering with APRA AMCOS and Face The Music the AAM Mentor Program is focused on developing and supporting sustainable long-term artist management careers.

Mentees receive 6-12 months one-on-one mentoring with a senior Australian manager, as well as being flown to Melbourne this month, to participate in a full day management roundtable with their Mentors and attend the Face The Music conference on November 17 & 18.

The successful applicants for 2016 are:

Melbourne-based Adrian McGruther (manages Gordi), Darwin based Amy Hetherington (Leah Flanagan, At The Dakota), Melbourne-based Louise Cuming (Lanks), Sydney based Mark Smithers (Patrick James), Sydney-based Eva Trifonas (Kučka) and Melbourne-based Tim Shiel (Braille Face).

They will be partnered with the following managers:

Rick Chazen (Ground Control: Emma Louise, The Church, Morning Harvey, Robbie Miller)

Jess Beston (Tiny Monster: Holy Holy)

Jesse Flavell (Sum Management: Katie Noonan, KLP, Woodes, Just A Gent, Sophie Lowe)

Monique Rothstein (Positive Feedback: Little May)

Stu McCullough (Amplifire: Jungle Giants, Last Dinosaurs, Mid Ayr, Confidence Man, Orphans Orphans)

Greg Carey (Umbrella: The Rubens, Urthboy, Saskwatch, Bec Sandridge)

The Association of Artist Managers is the peak body representing artist managers in the Australian music industry, and is a member of the IMMF (International Music Managers Forum). The Artist Manager Mentor Program is one of the AAM’s flagship programs, supported by APRA AMCOS.

Current board members are Greg Carey (Co-Chair), Rick Chazan (Co-Chair), Graham Bidstrup (Vice Chair), Tom Harris (Treasurer), Catherine Haridy, Claire Collins, Bill Cullen, Dan Medland, Maggie Collins and Monique Rothstein.