Mushroom Music Publishing transition: Ian James becomes senior consultant, Linda Bosidis promoted to MD

Australian music industry legend Ian James will transition away from the leadership of Mushroom Music Publishing (MMP) in early 2019, a company he has guided for 32 years and shaped into the most successful independent publisher in these parts.

From Jan. 1, James will shift into a senior consultant position, with Mushroom Music Publishing Head of A&R Linda Bosidis succeeding him as Managing Director.

From that point, James will continue providing strategic advice to MMP and serve as Mushroom’s representative on the boards of APRA, AMCOS, the International Confederation of Music Publishers and the Independent Music Publishers Forum.

Speaking with TIO, James says he’s excited about the journey ahead and pays tribute to the staff behind Michael Gudinski’s independent music powerhouse, the Mushroom Group. “Mushroom is a very unique place. Whatever started in 1973 hasn’t gone away and it’s very much here in Linda and the other people that work with me, and Michael. That’s something we want to keep rolling on with. That’s the rock ‘n’ roll spirit, and the great energy of Mushroom hasn’t diminished over the years. Part of my role is to make sure that keeps going.”

Ian James and Linda Bosidis

In a statement, Michael Gudinski commented: “Ian has made such an incredible contribution to not only Mushroom Music but the music industry as a whole. Together we have put Mushroom Music on the world map. He is one of the true characters of the industry and we look forward to drawing upon his great knowledge, experience and contacts in the years to come.”

James’ successor, Bosidis, is one of Australia’s most highly-regarded A&R professionals, calling on 20 years’ experience with MMP. During her time with the company, Bosidis signed the likes of Violent Soho, Julia Jacklin, Gordi, Jack River, Chet Faker, The Temper Trap and King Gizzard, and struck successful joint ventures with UNFD and Ivy League.

“We are incredibly proud to make this appointment,” Gudinski says. “Linda’s success in A&R speaks for itself but it’s her integrity and ability to get the best out of our staff and writers that will make her a great Mushroom leader. Linda has the respect, ideas and drive to truly modernise Mushroom Music and we look forward to her taking the company, that she has been a part of for twenty years, to even greater heights.”

Michael Gudinski

As MD, Bosidis says her focus will be “to continue the dedication to our incredible songwriters who are first and foremost the priority, they are and always have been the heart and soul of Mushroom Music.” She adds, “It will be a privilege to lead the team at Mushroom Music – an inspiring group of proactive, creative thinkers who listen to the individual needs of our writers and encourage meaningful change to enhance the art.”

Moving forward, Bosidis will continue to work from MMP’s Melbourne office and reports into Mushroom Labels and Publishing COO, Chris Maund.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.