Musical Chairs: Moves at QMusic, Nova, Orchard, Asylum & more
QMUSIC LOSES JOEL EDMONDSON TO QLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
QMusic’s CEO since 2015, Joel Edmondson, is leaving the association to become executive director of the Queensland Music Festival from late January.
He takes the reins from Nigel Lavender who steps down this month after 10 years at the helm.
Lavender congratulated Edmondson, saying, “I am pleased to see Joel take over the reins at QMF as his passion for music and community engagement is exactly the right mix for this unique organisation.”
Under Edmondson, QMusic’s BIGSOUND tripled attendance and expanded its global presence.
QMF marks 20 years in 2019 and Edmondson outlined a vision to drive the organisation forward over the next 20 years and beyond.
Part of this vision is to liberate people’s creativity, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas, to create self-determining creative communities and empower all Queenslanders to contribute to the cultural legacy of the state.
“There’s an opportunity to demonstrate a multitude of ways music can make a change in society, the community and at an individual level,” Edmondson said.
“It’s really important that we bridge the gap between industry and community arts, I want the program at QMF to be something the public is really excited about and therefore has commercial value.”
Minister for the arts Leeanne Enoch thanked Lavender for his dedicated service to the organisation and said Edmondson’s appointment would see QMF enter its next exciting phase.
“The festival has long been a champion of the transformative power of music,” minister Enoch said.
“I look forward to what’s ahead for QMF as it celebrates unique musical experiences and engages audiences across the state.”
NOVA APPOINTS TAMARA PANNETT
Nova Entertainment hired Tamara Pannett as Melbourne head of its commercial agency..
Her 13 years in media and marketing included head of sales and partnerships (ANZ) for The Urban List, group sales manager for News Corp Australia, Compass Agribusiness Management’s marketing and sales manager and national sales and operations manager for NewsLifeMedia.
Pannett replaces Ben Dixon, who left after over seven years for Australia’s first commercial music streaming service provider QSIC.
SAM RUMNEY JOINS ORCHARD ANZ
Sam Rumney joins The Orchard Australia & New Zealand as director of marketing & communications based in Sydney.
Rumney moved from London where he was director at Glassnote Entertainment Group’s UK and Europe operations.
Before that, he was a producer at BBC Radio 1, notably for five years at The Zane Lowe Show.
The Sony-owned company will use his contacts to break ANZ acts abroad.
Rumney also has extensive touring experience in the U.K., producing shows with acts as The Killers, Arcade Fire and Green Day.
ROS ABERCROMBIE HEADS REGIONAL ARTS
Ros Abercrombie is the new executive director of Regional Arts Australia from December 10.
She succeeds John Oster who has led the organisation for the past four years.
Abercrombie has worked in the arts industry for over 20 years with experience across strategic design, creative direction, organisational modelling, identity and brand development and management.
She recently filled the role of director and creative producer for Artlands Victoria in Bendigo last month where her commitment to First Nations engagement with the Dja Dja Wurrung community underscored the event.
Regional Arts Australia chair Simon Spain said, “(Ros) is an inspiring creative leader who has worked incredibly successfully with a wide range of community groups over an extensive career.
“Her work as a producer, a creative director and as a catalyst for community engagement signals a beginning of a new era for RAA, and the board is looking forward to supporting Ros and her team.”
ED HOWARD TAKES ASYLUM UK HELM
Asylum Records UK promoted A&R director Ed Howard to managing director, Music Week reported.
He’s helped build careers over the last decade for Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie and Rudimental.
Asylum is also home to artists including Charli XCX and rising star Mahalia.
4ZZZ VETERAN WINDS UP
After almost 30 years of hosting Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ’s Rock ‘N’ Roll, J’son hung up the headphones this week and farewelled lovers of his choice of rockabilly, swing, psychobilly, twang, garage, swamp, surf and country-rock tracks.
He hopes to resurface with a new show with a friend on 4ZZZ’s digital station.
THESE TWO GIRLS DO BREAKFAST
Brisbane-based Those Two Girls aka Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills who this year have been hosting the early morning national show (5am to 6am weekdays) on the Hit Network) move to a slightly earlier shift in December.
They take over the National Breakfast Show from December 2.
DECCA GETS NEW A&R CHIEF
Universal Music Group promoted Tom Lewis to the role of vice president of Decca, A&R and artist strategy.
He joined Universal 15 years ago as label manager for its jazz division and headed A&R three years later.
Decca president Rebecca Allen said, “As a music lover and as a music producer, there is no doubt in my mind, that his passion, energy and drive, will help define many more moments in Decca’s illustrious history.”
NEW FACE AT JUNKEE
John Buchan has joined Junkee Media as sales director. He was previously group digital manager at News Corp.
He also had stints as group commercial manager for The Urban List and three years as business director at Concrete Playground.
JEFF MORGAN AT LSC
Jeff Morgan, a veteran of 25 years in Australia’s lighting and entertainment industries, is the new regional sales manager (Australia) at LSC Lighting Systems.
He was most recently ten years manager at Lots of Watts in the NSW Central Coast.
MARCUS CANNING STEPPING DOWN FROM ARTAGE
Marcus Canning, CEO of Perth-based cultural organisation Artage since 2002 announced at its annual general meeting he is stepping down after the 2019 Fringe World.
He will devote his focus to Rechabite, the four-level entertainment venue being built in Northbridge and set to open next September.
Canning and his wife Desi are expecting their second child early next year, and he also wants to go back to his own creative projects.
CHRIS TOULMIN JOINS ENTECH
Respected lighting director and former PLASA director Chris Toulmin joins ENTECH Roadshow in an advisory role ahead of its US debut in April 2019.
He said, “This tried and tested formula in the Australia/New Zealand market is a great fit for the expansive geography of the significant North American market.
“It’s a refreshing new model that adds in a positive way to what has gone before and brings a new level of convenience, accessibility and networking for decision makers and industry knowledge seekers alike.”
NEW PR SERVICE FOR STARTUPS
Drops Media is a new PR service for the startup sector, charging 399 a month for a media release and pitch to relevant media.
It is set up by Harry Tucker, the one-time staffer at Vodafone and Finder.