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Lars Brandle

Joined 20222465 posts
LB
Lars Brandle has reported at the frontline of the international music industry for over 25 years. A former musician, Lars joined the American music trade “bible” Billboard in 2000 and went on to serve as Global News Editor, based in London. Now Billboard’s Australia correspondent and senior writer with The Brag Media, Lars has appeared on CNN, the BBC and ABC, American Public Media and South Africa's EastCoast Radio, and he has spoken at Midem in Cannes, Music Matters in Singapore, Amsterdam Dance Event, London's City Showcase and at industry gatherings on both sides of the Tasman. His works have been published by Reuters, Media Week, Spin, and The Hollywood Reporter, and he has featured as a pundit in the Australian Financial Review, Business Review Weekly and Britain’s The Independent.

Latest stories

Victoria's Esoteric Music Festival Will Go Ahead This Long Weekend

Victoria's Esoteric Music Festival Will Go Ahead This Long Weekend

The council’s vote Monday night, March 3rd brought to an end the guessing game on Esoteric’s viability this year.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
Victoria's Esoteric Music Festival Will Go Ahead This Long Weekend

News

Victoria's Esoteric Music Festival Will Go Ahead This Long Weekend

The council’s vote Monday night, March 3rd brought to an end the guessing game on Esoteric’s viability this year.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
As Cyclone Alfred Looms, Green Day's Gold Coast Concert Could be Wet And Wild

As Cyclone Alfred Looms, Green Day's Gold Coast Concert Could be Wet And Wild

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to cross the Sunshine State’s coast in the days ahead, and threatens to rain on the rockers' parade.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
As Cyclone Alfred Looms, Green Day's Gold Coast Concert Could be Wet And Wild

News

As Cyclone Alfred Looms, Green Day's Gold Coast Concert Could be Wet And Wild

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to cross the Sunshine State’s coast in the days ahead, and threatens to rain on the rockers' parade.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
Sony Music Australia Signs Mansionair for Global Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

Sony Music Australia Signs Mansionair for Global Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

The Sydney electronic act trio signs with Sony Music on a worldwide basis, with label partners RCA in the UK and Arista in the US.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
Sony Music Australia Signs Mansionair for Global Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

News

Sony Music Australia Signs Mansionair for Global Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

The Sydney electronic act trio signs with Sony Music on a worldwide basis, with label partners RCA in the UK and Arista in the US.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 4, 2025
Frontier Touring Expands, Taps Marc Sousley as Tour Director

Frontier Touring Expands, Taps Marc Sousley as Tour Director

Marc Sousley joins Frontier Touring as tour director, joining from Secret Sounds, where he served as senior promotor. 

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Frontier Touring Expands, Taps Marc Sousley as Tour Director

News

Frontier Touring Expands, Taps Marc Sousley as Tour Director

Marc Sousley joins Frontier Touring as tour director, joining from Secret Sounds, where he served as senior promotor. 

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Amyl and the Sniffers Are Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Next Cover Stars

Amyl and the Sniffers Are Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Next Cover Stars

Rolling Stone AU/NZ has revealed the cover stars of its latest issue. Every once in a while, rock ‘n’ roll unleashes a superstar, a force of nature. There’s only one Amy Taylor, and there’s only one…

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Amyl and the Sniffers Are Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Next Cover Stars

News

Amyl and the Sniffers Are Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Next Cover Stars

Rolling Stone AU/NZ has revealed the cover stars of its latest issue. Every once in a while, rock ‘n’ roll unleashes a superstar, a force of nature. There’s only one Amy Taylor, and there’s only one…

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Simon Cahill, Jono Whyman to Lead SXSW Sydney as Co-Managing Directors

Simon Cahill, Jono Whyman to Lead SXSW Sydney as Co-Managing Directors

Following the departure of Colin Daniels as SXSW Sydney managing director, the annual event will be guided by not one but two chiefs.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Simon Cahill, Jono Whyman to Lead SXSW Sydney as Co-Managing Directors

News

Simon Cahill, Jono Whyman to Lead SXSW Sydney as Co-Managing Directors

Following the departure of Colin Daniels as SXSW Sydney managing director, the annual event will be guided by not one but two chiefs.

By Lars Brandle - Mar 3, 2025
Tate McRae Is ARIA Chart Queen, as Rum Jungle and Ziggy Alberts Land Top 20 Debuts

Tate McRae Is ARIA Chart Queen, as Rum Jungle and Ziggy Alberts Land Top 20 Debuts

The Canadian singer and songwriter’s third studio album starts at No. 1 on the ARIA Chart, for her first leader on either main chart. 

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
Tate McRae Is ARIA Chart Queen, as Rum Jungle and Ziggy Alberts Land Top 20 Debuts

Chart Analysis

Tate McRae Is ARIA Chart Queen, as Rum Jungle and Ziggy Alberts Land Top 20 Debuts

The Canadian singer and songwriter’s third studio album starts at No. 1 on the ARIA Chart, for her first leader on either main chart. 

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
‘All Good Things Must Come to an End’: Matt Rogers Signs Off at UNIFIED

‘All Good Things Must Come to an End’: Matt Rogers Signs Off at UNIFIED

The veteran industry lawyer and executive chalks up his final day with UNIFIED – a “bittersweet” occasion, says Jaddan Comerford.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
‘All Good Things Must Come to an End’: Matt Rogers Signs Off at UNIFIED

News

‘All Good Things Must Come to an End’: Matt Rogers Signs Off at UNIFIED

The veteran industry lawyer and executive chalks up his final day with UNIFIED – a “bittersweet” occasion, says Jaddan Comerford.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
Vanda & Young, Alice Ivy, Dom Dolla Saluted at 2025 MPEG Awards

Vanda & Young, Alice Ivy, Dom Dolla Saluted at 2025 MPEG Awards

Harry Vanda and the late George Young were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 MPEG Awards.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
Vanda & Young, Alice Ivy, Dom Dolla Saluted at 2025 MPEG Awards

News

Vanda & Young, Alice Ivy, Dom Dolla Saluted at 2025 MPEG Awards

Harry Vanda and the late George Young were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 MPEG Awards.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 28, 2025
Phil Tripp, Colourful and Controversial Music Industry Operator, Dies at 75

Phil Tripp, Colourful and Controversial Music Industry Operator, Dies at 75

Phil Tripp, the colourful music industry entrepreneur and raconteur who wore many hats, and who disappeared from the public eye following a bizarre animal cruelty case, has died at the age of 75.…

By Lars Brandle - Feb 27, 2025
Phil Tripp, Colourful and Controversial Music Industry Operator, Dies at 75

News

Phil Tripp, Colourful and Controversial Music Industry Operator, Dies at 75

Phil Tripp, the colourful music industry entrepreneur and raconteur who wore many hats, and who disappeared from the public eye following a bizarre animal cruelty case, has died at the age of 75.…

By Lars Brandle - Feb 27, 2025
White Sky Changes Hands (EXCLUSIVE)

White Sky Changes Hands (EXCLUSIVE)

BlueRock strikes a strategic acquisition for the Melbourne-based business, regarded as Australia's biggest music business accounting firm.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 26, 2025
White Sky Changes Hands (EXCLUSIVE)

News

White Sky Changes Hands (EXCLUSIVE)

BlueRock strikes a strategic acquisition for the Melbourne-based business, regarded as Australia's biggest music business accounting firm.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 26, 2025
The Disastrous Fyre Festival Is Coming Back for More

The Disastrous Fyre Festival Is Coming Back for More

A social post spruiks Fyre 2 as a three-day escape from May 30, 2025 on Isla Mujeres in Mexico. No artists have been confirmed to perform.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 25, 2025
The Disastrous Fyre Festival Is Coming Back for More

News

The Disastrous Fyre Festival Is Coming Back for More

A social post spruiks Fyre 2 as a three-day escape from May 30, 2025 on Isla Mujeres in Mexico. No artists have been confirmed to perform.

By Lars Brandle - Feb 25, 2025
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